Crime In Santa Maria CA: What The Latest Data Reveals
Crime in Santa Maria CA: Current Safety Overview
Santa Maria, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of May 2026, with an overall crime rate 2% below the national average. Residents face a 1 in 284 chance of violent crime annually (8% lower than national average) but a 1 in 49 chance of property crime (11% higher than national average). The city has lower crime than 34% of major U.S. cities with populations over 50,000.
Violent Crime Statistics in Santa Maria
The estimated violent crime rate in Santa Maria is 351.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 8% lower than the national average. Murder occurs at 5.1 per 100K (1% above average), while aggravated assault is 236.8 per 100K (12% below average). Robbery stands at 67.9 per 100K, measuring 8% below national levels.
- Murder: 9.1 per 100,000 residents (national average: 6.1)
- Rape: 67.6 per 100,000 residents (national average: 40.7)
- Robbery: 190.8 per 100,000 residents (national average: 135.5)
- Assault: 382.6 per 100,000 residents (national average: 282.7)
Property Crime Breakdown
The estimated property crime rate in Santa Maria is 2,028.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 11% higher than the national average. Larceny/theft is the most common crime at 1,386.4 per 100K (1% below average), while vehicle theft reaches 394.1 per 100K (24% above average). Burglary measures 247.8 per 100K, marking 8% below national levels.
Crime Rate Comparison Table
| Crime Type | Rate per 100K | vs National | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 5.1 | +1% | Average |
| Assault | 236.8 | -12% | Average |
| Robbery | 67.9 | -8% | Average |
| Rape | 125.0 | +25% | Moderate |
| Burglary | 247.8 | -8% | Average |
| Larceny/Theft | 1,386.4 | -1% | Average |
| Vehicle Theft | 394.1 | +24% | Moderate |
Neighborhood Safety Variations
Safety varies significantly by specific neighborhood in Santa Maria, with some areas being safe while others present higher risks. Zip code 93455 shows the lowest crime with an A index score of 51, while 93454 has an A- index of 92 and 93458 has an A- index of 76. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Santa Maria is strongly recommended.
- Visit the Santa Maria Police Department website for official crime reports and maps
- Use third-party platforms like CrimeMapping.com and SpotCrime for user-friendly incident views
- Check crime scores for your exact address using zip code data
- Review neighborhood-level heatmaps before choosing residential areas
Community Context and Demographics
Santa Maria has a population of 139,072 residents with a median income of $67,634 and median home value of $358,549. The demographic composition includes 62.5% Hispanic/Latino, 59.2% White, 2.4% Black, and 6% Asian residents. Median rent stands at $1,475 with 50% homeownership rate.
Safety Trends and Community Impact
Although the Santa Maria crime rate is on the higher end compared to some communities, crime is decreasing in the area. A crime occurs every 1 hour 33 minutes on average in Santa Maria. The city remains a beautiful historic location in California's Central Coast Region known for wineries, historic buildings, museums, and low cost of living.
For educational leaders and community stakeholders, understanding local safety data supports informed decisions about student transportation, after-school programs, and community partnerships aligned with values-driven mission work.
Key concerns and solutions for Crime In Santa Maria Ca What The Latest Data Reveals
What is the violent crime rate in Santa Maria?
The estimated violent crime rate in Santa Maria is 351.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 8% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 284 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.1 per 100K (1% above average); aggravated assault at 236.8 per 100K (12% below average); robbery at 67.9 per 100K (8% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Santa Maria?
The estimated property crime rate in Santa Maria is 2,028.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 11% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 49 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 247.8 per 100K (8% below average); larceny/theft at 1,386.4 per 100K (1% below average); vehicle theft at 394.1 per 100K (24% above average).
Is Santa Maria safe to live in?
Santa Maria has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Santa Maria is strongly recommended.
Is Santa Maria safe to visit?
Visitors to Santa Maria should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 11% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.
How does Santa Maria crime compare to California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Santa Maria's crime rate is 2% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical California city.
What type of crime is most common in Santa Maria?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Santa Maria, with an estimated rate of 1,386.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 1% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,028 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (352 per 100K) in Santa Maria, which is consistent with national trends.
