News Summary
Rancho Santa Margarita, California, has once again been recognized as the safest city in the state, with no severe crimes reported according to an analysis by MoneyGeek. The city has a population of over 46,000 and boasts low crime rates, including an average of 48 violent incidents and 433 property crimes annually. With zero reported instances of homicide or rape, Rancho Santa Margarita stands out as a model for community safety, attributed to effective policing strategies and community engagement.
Rancho Santa Margarita, California, has once again been named the safest city in the state, according to an analysis by MoneyGeek. The city has a population of just over 46,000 residents and boasts consistently low crime rates, making it a desirable location for families and individuals alike.
The recent findings from MoneyGeek indicate that Rancho Santa Margarita has no severe crimes reported, including rapes or murders, based on FBI crime statistics. The city recorded an average violent crime rate of just 48 incidents per year and a property crime rate of 433 incidents annually. This translates to an estimated total annual crime cost of approximately $4,201,000 for residents, which is about $91 per capita.
Further emphasizing the community’s safety, the violent crime rate in 2025 was reported as 0.5 per 1,000 inhabitants, while the property crime rate stood at 4.3 per 1,000. In that same year, Rancho Santa Margarita recorded zero instances of homicide and rape, reinforcing its reputation as a secure environment.
Rancho Santa Margarita’s safety can be attributed to several key factors, including effective policing strategies and robust civic engagement among its inhabitants. The city promotes transparent crime reporting practices between local government and community agencies, fostering trust and cooperation in maintaining safety.
Additionally, the implementation of effective surveillance measures, such as security cameras and constant patrolling, has greatly contributed to a low crime incidence in the city. This approach has proven successful, as other nearby cities like Danville, Aliso Viejo, and Yorba Linda also reported low crime rates, notably with zero cases of homicide and rape.
In the context of California, where safety concerns are heightened, with 64% of residents expressing a high level of concern for their daily safety—the highest percentage in the nation—Rancho Santa Margarita stands out as a model for community safety. MoneyGeek analyzed data from over 1,061 small cities and towns nationwide with populations ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 to create its safety rankings.
In addition to its recognition by MoneyGeek, earlier this year, SafeWise placed Rancho Santa Margarita among the top 10 safest places to live in California. The previous rankings by SafeWise included other notable cities such as Aliso Viejo, Yorba Linda, and Laguna Niguel, all of which are located in Orange County. In total, Orange County cities claimed five of the top ten spots for safety in the state.
The overall crime figures reflect a well-structured community atmosphere, excellent infrastructure, and abundant green spaces, enhancing the quality of life for residents. With these factors working in harmony, Rancho Santa Margarita not only proves to be a safe city but also an appealing place for individuals looking for a nurturing environment to live and grow.
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HERE Resources
Orange County Cities Rank Among California’s Safest
New Senior Living Developments Across the U.S.
Additional Resources
- Patch: Rancho Santa Margarita Safest City in CA
- Marca: Safety Analysis of Cities
- The Hill: America’s Safest Small Towns Report
- Sacramento Bee: California Safety News
- Secret Los Angeles: Safest City in California
- Wikipedia: Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
