| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lake Forest/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,005 | n/a (estimate) | 1,176 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 12.9 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 35 | n/a | 40.9 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 58 | n/a | 67.9 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 104 | n/a (estimate) | 122 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 124 | n/a | 145.1 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 652 | n/a | 762.8 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 125 | n/a | 146.2 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 901 | n/a (estimate) | 1,054 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lake Forest crime rate is 49.4% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Lake Forest, there were 104 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 122 per 100,000 individuals, 67.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, Lake Forest recorded 901 property crimes, amounting to 1054 per 100,000 residents, 46.1% lower than the U.S. average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Lake Forest reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lake Forest residents. Out of the respondents (25 in total), 80% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lake Forest were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 20% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Lake Forest a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Lake Forest has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 49%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.75 daily incidents, encompassing 0.28 violent crimes and 2.47 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Lake Forest as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lake Forest has increased by 6.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lake Forest, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 9.5%, while property crime has increased by 6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lake Forest is a safe place to live.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Lake Forest currently has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Lake Forest, the cost of living is 60.73% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Lake Forest has a median home price of $682,700, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Lake Forest | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rancho Santa Margarita, CA | 48,280 | 38 | 469 | 508 |
| Laguna Woods, CA | 16,056 | 23 | 522 | 545 |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 50,385 | 85 | 682 | 767 |
| Las Flores, CA | 5,089 | 163 | 762 | 925 |
| Villa Park, CA | 5,883 | 35 | 893 | 928 |
| Coto de Caza, CA | 15,509 | 190 | 893 | 1,083 |
| Laguna Niguel, CA | 65,048 | 95 | 1,045 | 1,140 |
| Lake Forest, CA | 84,666 | 122 | 1,054 | 1,176 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Largo, FL | 84,666 | 361 | 2,287 | 2,648 |
| Danbury, CT | 84,650 | 138 | 1,306 | 1,443 |
| Hemet, CA | 84,686 | 461 | 2,063 | 2,524 |
| Bloomington, IN | 84,691 | 508 | 2,339 | 2,846 |
| New Braunfels, TX | 84,622 | 188 | 1,414 | 1,602 |
| Lake Forest, CA | 84,666 | 122 | 1,054 | 1,176 |
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