Is Ben Lomond Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond, California, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and community living. This unincorporated community provides residents with a serene environment, characterized by its redwood forests and proximity to coastal attractions. It’s a place where outdoor enthusiasts can thrive, with numerous hiking trails and a generally peaceful atmosphere.

The town’s location provides a distinct lifestyle, balancing the tranquility of mountain living with convenient access to larger cities like Santa Cruz. This balance is a key draw for those seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing connectivity. Ben Lomond’s appeal lies in its natural setting and the sense of community it fosters among its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Ben Lomond?

Ben Lomond’s overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, contributing to its reputation as a safe place to live. The overall crime index for the 95005 ZIP code is 81, which is 19% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This suggests that residents experience a lower incidence of crime compared to many other areas across the country.

Breaking down the crime statistics further, violent crime in Ben Lomond is 22% below the national average, while property crime is 44% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Specifically, robbery is a concern with an index of 87, though still below the national average, while vehicle theft is the lowest risk with an index of 39 (as reported by DoorProfit). Ben Lomond, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of May 2026 (as reported by DoorProfit).

Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate in Ben Lomond is reported at 2.3 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, when considering the 95005 ZIP code specifically, violent crime is 22% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Ben Lomond is 1 in 481 (as reported by DoorProfit).

It is important to note that crime statistics can vary depending on the source and the specific methodology used for calculation. For instance, one report indicates that the violent crime rate in Ben Lomond is 4.194 per 1,000 residents, with the eastern part of the city considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This localized data suggests that while overall rates are favorable, neighborhood-specific safety can differ.

Property Crime Rates

Property crime in Ben Lomond is reported to be lower than the national average. In the 95005 ZIP code, property crime is 44% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The chance of being a victim of property crime in Ben Lomond is 1 in 88 per year (as reported by DoorProfit).

The crime rate in Ben Lomond is 61% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 56% lower and property crimes 62% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Year over year, crime in Ben Lomond has decreased by 10% (as reported by AreaVibes). This downward trend in property crime further supports the perception of Ben Lomond as a relatively safe community.

Pros and Cons of Living in Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond offers a unique lifestyle that appeals to many, primarily due to its natural surroundings and community feel. The town’s setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and enjoying the redwood forests. This natural beauty is a significant advantage for those who appreciate an active, nature-centric lifestyle.

However, the cost of living in Ben Lomond can be a considerable factor for potential residents. The median home value in Ben Lomond, CA, was reported as $793,000 in December 2025, showing a year-over-year decrease of 1.7% (as reported by Zillow). More recently, the average home value in Ben Lomond, CA, is $931,171, up 3.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Housing Market

The housing market in Ben Lomond presents a mixed picture, with varying figures from different sources. As of December 2025, the median home price in Ben Lomond, CA, was $793,000, with a slight year-over-year decrease (as reported by Zillow). However, another report indicates the average home value in Ben Lomond, CA, is $931,171, showing a 3.1% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

The median home value in the 95005 ZIP code is $900,594 (as reported by DoorProfit). For those considering renting, the average rent in Ben Lomond, CA, is $3,200 per month as of July 2025, with a year-over-year decrease of 8.6% (as reported by Rentcast). The average rent for an apartment in Ben Lomond, CA, is $2,191 per month, about 14% higher than the national average (as reported by Trulia).

Job Market and Economy

The average individual income in Ben Lomond is $62,910 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The estimated median wage for a Lead Person in Ben Lomond, CA, is $26.92 per hour (as reported by Indeed). For Ben Lomond Market, the estimated average pay for a Produce Associate is $24.41 per hour, which is 56% above the national average (as reported by Indeed).

Information regarding specific major employers in Ben Lomond is not readily available from the searched sources. However, general salary data indicates a range of earning potentials within the community. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national unemployment rate was 4.3% in April 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate and Environment

Ben Lomond experiences a climate characterized by comfortable summers and cool, wet winters. The warm season lasts from June to October, with average daily high temperatures above 65°F, and the hottest month is September, with an average high of 68°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The cool season spans from December to February, with average daily high temperatures below 58°F, and the coldest month is December, with an average low of 43°F.

Over the year, temperatures typically range from 42°F to 68°F and are rarely below 36°F or above 77°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Rainfall is a notable feature, especially during the winter months. For example, the water year 2024 saw a total precipitation of 50.05 inches in Ben Lomond, which was 96% of the normal amount (as reported by NOAA). The water year 2025 recorded 37.51 inches of precipitation, or 72% of normal (as reported by NOAA).

Schools and Education

Ben Lomond High School in Ogden, UT, received an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). The school has a student-teacher ratio of 22:1, and 88% of students graduate (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 9% of students are proficient in math and 20% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Reviews for Ben Lomond High School mention a welcoming atmosphere and diverse student body, with teachers who are generally concerned with student education and well-being (as reported by Niche). However, some reviews also point to a desire for improved school spirit and organizational priorities (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Ben Lomond has a population of approximately 6,849 residents, with a median age of 46.1 years (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The population is predominantly White, making up 81.7% of residents, followed by Hispanic at 11.7%, and Multiracial at 4.2% (as reported by US Census Bureau). Other racial groups, including Asian and Native American, constitute smaller percentages of the population.

The largest age group in Ben Lomond is between 25 and 64 years old (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The community has 2,622 households, with an average household size of 2.57 people (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The median household income in Ben Lomond is reported as $107,857 (as reported by Census). However, another source indicates the median household income is $130,041 with a poverty rate of 4.9% (as reported by World Population Review).