Santa Cruz County, CA Crime Statistics
Crime Overview
Santa Cruz County in CA is served by 11 law enforcement agencies. Over the past five years (2019-2024), the county recorded 11,964 violent crimes and 22,156 property crimes. The average violent crime rate stands at 81.5 per 100k residents, which is 23.2% below the national average. Property crime averages 109.8 per 100k, 32.9% below the national average. The most common offense was Property Crime, while Homicide had the lowest rate. Data is sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and reflects totals from the most recent five-year period.
Violent Crimes
Violent Crime
Grade BAnnual Rate81.5 per 100k residents
National Avg: 106.2 per 100k
Total Incidents11,964 (2019-2023)
Homicide
Grade FAnnual Rate2.1 per 100k residents
National Avg: 0.5 per 100k
Total Incidents30 (2019-2023)
Rape
Grade BAnnual Rate2.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 3.5 per 100k
Total Incidents487 (2019-2023)
Robbery
Grade CAnnual Rate5.8 per 100k residents
National Avg: 5.8 per 100k
Total Incidents800 (2019-2023)
Aggravated Assault
Grade AAnnual Rate12.9 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.3 per 100k
Total Incidents3,129 (2019-2023)
Property Crimes
Property Crime
Grade BAnnual Rate109.8 per 100k residents
National Avg: 163.6 per 100k
Total Incidents22,156 (2019-2023)
Burglary
Grade AAnnual Rate13.2 per 100k residents
National Avg: 24.0 per 100k
Total Incidents3,299 (2019-2023)
Larceny
Grade BAnnual Rate83.7 per 100k residents
National Avg: 116.4 per 100k
Total Incidents16,385 (2019-2023)
Motor Vehicle Theft
Grade AAnnual Rate12.0 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.2 per 100k
Total Incidents2,199 (2019-2023)
Summary Table
| Crime Type | Annual Rate (per 100k residents) | Grade | Total Incidents (2019-2023) | National Avg | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 81.5 | B | 11964 | 106.2 | -23.2% |
| Property Crime | 109.8 | B | 22156 | 163.6 | -32.9% |
| Homicide | 2.1 | F | 30 | 0.5 | +293.7% |
| Rape | 2.4 | B | 487 | 3.5 | -31.9% |
| Robbery | 5.8 | C | 800 | 5.8 | -0.7% |
| Aggravated Assault | 12.9 | A | 3129 | 22.3 | -42.2% |
| Burglary | 13.2 | A | 3299 | 24.0 | -45.1% |
| Larceny | 83.7 | B | 16385 | 116.4 | -28.1% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 12.0 | A | 2199 | 22.2 | -46.0% |
Crime Trends
Agencies
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office
Capitola Police Department
Capitola, CA
Santa Cruz Police Department
Santa Cruz, CA
Watsonville Police Department
Watsonville, CA
Scotts Valley Police Department
Scotts Valley, CA