Watsonville, CA Crime Statistics
Crime Overview
The Watsonville Police Department serves the city of Watsonville, CA in Santa Cruz County. Over the past five years (2019-2024), the city recorded 2,364 violent crimes and 3,744 property crimes. The average violent crime rate stands at 93.2 per 100k residents, which is 12.3% below the national average. Property crime averages 155.3 per 100k, 5.1% below the national average. The most common offense was Property Crime, while Rape had the lowest rate. Over the same period, the city also reported 3 hate crime incidents, with motivations including race, religion, and sexual orientation. 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 Rate93.2 per 100k residents
National Avg: 106.2 per 100k
Total Incidents2,364 (2019-2023)
Rape
Grade FAnnual Rate9.7 per 100k residents
National Avg: 3.5 per 100k
Total Incidents111 (2019-2023)
Robbery
Grade FAnnual Rate9.7 per 100k residents
National Avg: 5.8 per 100k
Total Incidents196 (2019-2023)
Aggravated Assault
Grade DAnnual Rate27.2 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.3 per 100k
Total Incidents878 (2019-2023)
Property Crimes
Property Crime
Grade CAnnual Rate155.3 per 100k residents
National Avg: 163.6 per 100k
Total Incidents3,744 (2019-2023)
Burglary
Grade FAnnual Rate38.8 per 100k residents
National Avg: 24.0 per 100k
Total Incidents558 (2019-2023)
Larceny
Grade BAnnual Rate85.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 116.4 per 100k
Total Incidents2,284 (2019-2023)
Motor Vehicle Theft
Grade DAnnual Rate31.1 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.2 per 100k
Total Incidents862 (2019-2023)
Crime Summary
| Crime Type | Annual Rate (per 100k residents) | Grade | Total Incidents (2019-2023) | National Avg | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 93.2 | B | 2364 | 106.2 | -12.3% |
| Property Crime | 155.3 | C | 3744 | 163.6 | -5.1% |
| Rape | 9.7 | F | 111 | 3.5 | +174.6% |
| Robbery | 9.7 | F | 196 | 5.8 | +66.9% |
| Aggravated Assault | 27.2 | D | 878 | 22.3 | +22.1% |
| Burglary | 38.8 | F | 558 | 24.0 | +61.6% |
| Larceny | 85.4 | B | 2284 | 116.4 | -26.6% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 31.1 | D | 862 | 22.2 | +40.1% |
Crime Trends
Hate Crimes by Bias Motivation
Total reported hate crimes: 3 (2019-2023)
| Targeted Group | Incidents |
|---|---|
| Anti-Catholic | 1 |
| Anti-Gay (Male) | 1 |
| Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender (Mixed Group) | 1 |
Nearby Cities
| City | Distance | Violent Crime | Property Crime | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Valley | 3 miles | A 58.4 | C 150.1 | Violent: 37.4% lower Property: 3.3% lower |
| Santa Cruz | 3 miles | D 139.3 | C 150.6 | Violent: 49.5% higher Property: 3.0% lower |
| Capitola | 4 miles | A 42.0 | A 31.5 | Violent: 55.0% lower Property: 79.7% lower |
| Monte Sereno | 15 miles | N/A 0.0 | N/A 0.0 | Violent: N/A Property: N/A |
| Campbell | 19 miles | C 120.4 | D 255.2 | Violent: 29.2% higher Property: 64.3% higher |