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Impact 2: Neighborhoods and Communities are Safe

The community indicators on this page provide an overview of how Santa Cruz County residents are doing in key areas of this community impact. This helps us understand how our community is doing overall, and whether particular people or areas in the county are experiencing greater challenges or hardships that need to be addressed. To learn more about any community indicator, click See More Data. 
Indicator

Age-Adjusted Death Rate due to Firearms

This indicator shows the age-adjusted death rate per 100,000 population due to firearms.
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Age-Adjusted Death Rate due to Firearms

Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 5.8 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 8.2 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 11.8. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 5.8 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 8.2 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 11.8.
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to U.S. Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 5.8 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 14.4 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 19.4. Compared to U.S. Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 5.8 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 14.4 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 19.4.
(Compared to U.S. Counties)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly.
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the HP 2030 Target (10.7), the target has been met. Compared to the HP 2030 Target (10.7), the target has been met.
(Compared to Healthy People 2030 Target)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Concern about Crime

Crime contributes to poorer physical and mental health for victims, perpetrators, and community members. 
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Concern About Crime: Very Concerned

Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (29.8%) is less and better than the previously measured value (31.3%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (29.8%) is less and better than the previously measured value (31.3%).
(Compared to Prior Value)
29.8%
Percent (%)

County: Santa Cruz

INDICATOR

Hate Crime Offenses

A hate crime is committed when, by reason of the actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin of another individual or group of individuals, a person commits an offense against the individual or group of individuals. 
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Hate Crime Offenses

Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (28) is less and better than the previously measured value (32). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (28) is less and better than the previously measured value (32).
(Compared to Prior Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
(Compared to Trend over Time)
28
Offenses

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Homicides

Homicide, the killing of one human being by another, is a fairly reliable barometer of all violent crime and typically results from violent interpersonal or domestic disputes, gang violence, and other violent conflicts.
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Homicides

Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (2) is less and better than the previously measured value (12). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (2) is less and better than the previously measured value (12).
(Compared to Prior Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
(Compared to Trend over Time)
2

County: Santa Cruz

Indicator

Suspected Gang Membership

This indicator shows the number of people reported by police departments that are suspected to be affiliated with a criminal gang.
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Suspected Gang Membership

Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (1) is less and better than the previously measured value (31). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (1) is less and better than the previously measured value (31).
(Compared to Prior Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, significantly.
(Compared to Trend over Time)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Teens who carried a gun or weapon to School

School shootings and other campus violence are on the rise in the United States. Access to weapons, unaddressed mental health issues, and bullying all contribute to the continued rise of school-based violence. Preventing students' access to weapons is one of the main ways in which school-based violence can be curbed.
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Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, significantly.
Teens who Carried a Gun to School: 9th Graders
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the CA Value (1.0%), Santa Cruz has a value of 1.3% which is higher and worse. Compared to the CA Value (1.0%), Santa Cruz has a value of 1.3% which is higher and worse.
Teens who Carried a Gun to School: 11th Graders
(Compared to CA State Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly.
Teens who Carried a Weapon to School: 9th Graders
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the CA Value (3.7%), Santa Cruz has a value of 3.6% which is lower and better. Compared to the CA Value (3.7%), Santa Cruz has a value of 3.6% which is lower and better.
Teens who Carried a Weapon to School: 11th Graders
(Compared to CA State Value)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Violent Crime Rates

Violence negatively impacts communities by reducing productivity, decreasing property values, and disrupting social services.
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Violent Crime Rate

Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (452.6) is greater and worse than the previously measured value (393.2). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (452.6) is greater and worse than the previously measured value (393.2).
(Compared to Prior Value)
Compared to the CA Value (493.1), Santa Cruz has a value of 452.6 which is lower and better. Compared to the CA Value (493.1), Santa Cruz has a value of 452.6 which is lower and better.
(Compared to CA State Value)
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 452.6 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 449.4 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 621.3. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 452.6 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 449.4 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 621.3.
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to the US Value (380.7), Santa Cruz has a value of 452.6 which is higher and worse. Compared to the US Value (380.7), Santa Cruz has a value of 452.6 which is higher and worse.
(Compared to U.S. Value)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Youth Who Feel Very Safe at School

Feeling safe and supported at school can have a significant impact on academic performance. Students who feel safe and supported at school tend to have better school attendance and achievement, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Students who are exposed to violence in school may experience depression, suicide, substance use, truancy, and academic problems.
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Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (16.4%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (15.1%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (16.4%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (15.1%).
Youth who feel Very Safe at School: 9th Graders
(Compared to Prior Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is staying the same. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is staying the same.
Youth who feel Very Safe at School: 9th Graders
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (20.2%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (18.1%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (20.2%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (18.1%).
Youth who feel Very Safe at School: 11th Graders
(Compared to Prior Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly.
Youth who feel Very Safe at School: 11th Graders
(Compared to Trend over Time)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Safety in the Workplace

 
Although a data source is not available at this time, DataShare partners are monitoring different sources and options to fill this gap. If you know of a specific data source or another indicator that offers similar information, contact datasharescc@gmail.com 
Indicators

Safety in the Neighborhood

 
Although a data source is not available at this time, DataShare partners are monitoring different sources and options to fill this gap. If you know of a specific data source or another indicator that offers similar information, contact datasharescc@gmail.com 
Indicators

Trust in Law Enforcement

 
Although a data source is not available at this time, DataShare partners are monitoring different sources and options to fill this gap. If you know of a specific data source or another indicator that offers similar information, contact datasharescc@gmail.com 

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