Edhat Staff
Photo: John Wiley
Source: City of Goleta
The City of Goleta is starting off 2018 by making the National Council for Home Safety and Security’s list of Safest Cities in California. Since 2013, Goleta has consistently made the safest city lists from a variety of organizations. The National Council for Home Safety and Security is composed of home security professionals throughout the US and advocates for safe communities and home safety.
“I continue to be honored as the City of Goleta earns safe city awards,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “Public safety is a top priority of the Council, City staff and law enforcement. The efforts of all involved are evident as Goleta continues to rank as a top safe city in California. I want to thank everyone for their hard work as we continue to make Goleta a great place to live, work and play.”
To generate city scores and rankings, the National Council for Home Safety and Security reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics along with their own population data and research. To be eligible, cities must have a population over 10,000 and have submitted a complete crime report to the FBI. Cities were then ranked on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 people, with violent crimes weighted more heavily.
According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, the average California city has an average violent crime per 1,000 of 4.44, and an average property crime per 1,000 of 26.45. Goleta’s score of 1.19 and 15.54 respectively, led to its ranking of #53 out of all California cities.
Here’s a list of previous times the City of Goleta was recognized for being a safe community: 
- 2017 – Top 50 Safest Cities in California – SafeWise
- 2017 – Top 100 Safest City in California – LendEDU
- 2016 – Top 50 Safest Cities in California –SafeWise
- 2015 – Top 100 Safest Cities in California – ValuePenguin
- 2015 – Top 50 Safest Cities in California – SafeWise
- 2014 – Top 50 Safest Cities in California – SafeWise
- 2013 – Top 100 Safest Cities in America – NeighborhoodScout
Since its incorporation in 2002, the City of Goleta has contracted with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services and protection. Click here for more information on the City’s public safety.
View all the California cities to make the National Council for Home Safety and Security’s safest city list here:https://www.alarms.org/safest-
I switched shopping habits about 3 years ago and left Santa Barbara behind, and started shopping almost exclusively in Goleta. Reason? I feel safer in Goleta.
That’s a result of having a pro active sheriff’s department. But don’t stray to far if you’re relying on stats: The National Council for Home Safety and Security ranked UCSB 151 for campus safety, Isla Vista daily crime stats are 51% above the national average.
On a scale of 1 to 100 for overall crime Goleta is at 17, I.V. is 71, the national average is 31.1.
I’d take the rural beauty of western Goleta over the urine and feces drenched streets of downtown Snobba Barbara any day.