Is Norman or Santa Maria Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norman is safer than Santa Maria (Safety Score 28/100 vs 27/100), with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100,000 versus 2,543 for Santa Maria — 1% lower. Norman has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Norman has a 89% lower rate.
Norman — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Maria — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norman, OK
Santa Maria, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norman | Santa Maria | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,529.8 | 2,543.3 | -13.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 263.2 | 660.6 | -397.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.8 | 2.7 | -2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 39.0 | 68.2 | -29.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.4 | 173.6 | -155.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 202.0 | 416.2 | -214.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,266.6 | 1,882.7 | +383.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 351.2 | 312.6 | +38.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.3 | 1,149.4 | +537.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 228.0 | 420.7 | -192.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norman or Santa Maria safer?
Norman is safer with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100K vs 2,543 for Santa Maria — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norman has a violent crime rate of 263.2 per 100K while Santa Maria has 660.6. Norman has lower violent crime.
About Norman, OK
Norman, Oklahoma, home to the University of Oklahoma, is a city in Cleveland County with a significant student population. Located just south of Oklahoma City, it lies within the Cross Timbers eco-region. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 130,681, Norman has a total crime rate of 2,529.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria, California, a city in northern Santa Barbara County, is known for its barbecue and wine industry. It is the most populous city in the county, with a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 110,056, Santa Maria has a total crime rate of 2,543.3 per 100,000 residents.