A+
78%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
90%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
76%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleRancho Santa Margarita/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime238n/a (estimate)5082,8432,324
Murder0n/a0.05.76.3
Rape1n/a2.137.440.0
Robbery4n/a8.5123.566.1
Assault13n/a27.7332.8268.2
Violent crime18n/a (estimate)38500370
Burglary26n/a55.5371.9269.8
Theft176n/a375.41,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft18n/a38.4471.9282.7
Property crime220n/a (estimate)4692,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Rancho Santa Margarita crime rate is 78.2% 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, there were 18 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 38 per 100,000 individuals, 89.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, Rancho Santa Margarita recorded 220 property crimes, amounting to 469 per 100,000 residents, 76% lower than the U.S. average.

Rancho Santa Margarita has a crime rate of 508, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Rancho Santa Margarita being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Rancho Santa Margarita shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 38 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Rancho Santa Margarita an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

During the most recently reported crime year, Rancho Santa Margarita experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Rancho Santa Margarita maintains a property crime rate of 469 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Rancho Santa Margarita as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Rancho Santa Margarita?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Rancho Santa Margarita residents. Out of the respondents (20 in total), 85% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Rancho Santa Margarita were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 15% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Rancho Santa Margarita a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Rancho Santa Margarita a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Rancho Santa Margarita crime rate is 78% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.65 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.6 property crimes.

Has Crime in Rancho Santa Margarita Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Rancho Santa Margarita has decreased by 20.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 decreased by 5.3%, while property crime has decreased by 22%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Rancho Santa Margarita is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Rancho Santa Margarita

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Rancho Santa Margarita, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The median home price in Rancho Santa Margarita is $679,500, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Rancho Santa Margarita, the average rental rates are $2,133 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Rancho Santa Margarita crime map



The Rancho Santa Margarita crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Rancho Santa Margarita as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Rancho Santa Margarita crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Rancho Santa Margarita crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Rancho Santa Margarita crime rates are 78% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Rancho Santa Margarita are 90% lower than the national average
      • In Rancho Santa Margarita you have a 1 in 198 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Rancho Santa Margarita is safer than 90% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Rancho Santa Margarita has decreased by 19%

      Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Rancho Santa Margarita (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Rancho Santa Margarita, per 100,000 residents. In Rancho Santa Margarita, the total number of daily crimes is 5.60 times less than the California average and 4.58 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Rancho Santa Margarita are 13.01 times less than the California average and 9.63 times less than the national average. For property crime, Rancho Santa Margarita has a daily crime rate that is 4.99 times less than the California average and 4.17 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Rancho Santa Margarita (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Rancho Santa Margarita in comparison to other California communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Rancho Santa Margarita safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Rancho Santa Margarita being safer than 99% of cities in California and 90% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking California cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Rancho Santa Margarita. In conclusion, Rancho Santa Margarita ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Rancho Santa Margarita

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Rancho Santa Margarita is 1 in 2605
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Rancho Santa Margarita is 1 in 214
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Rancho Santa Margarita is 1 in 198
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Rancho Santa Margarita, California you have a 1 in 2605 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 214 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 198 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Rancho Santa Margarita.

        Year Over Year Crime In Rancho Santa Margarita (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Rancho Santa Margarita is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Rancho Santa Margarita has decreased by 5% and the rate of property crime in Rancho Santa Margarita has decreased by 20%. The total crime rate in Rancho Santa Margarita has decreased by 19% year to year.

        Rancho Santa Margarita police department

        Item Rancho Santa Margarita California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a51,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a3.63.3

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Laguna Woods, CA16,05623522545
        Aliso Viejo, CA50,38585682767
        Las Flores, CA5,089163762925
        Villa Park, CA5,88335893928
        Coto de Caza, CA15,5091908931,083
        Laguna Niguel, CA65,048951,0451,140
        Lake Forest, CA84,6661221,0541,176
        Rancho Santa Margarita, CA48,28038469508

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Beaumont, CA48,2723501,2341,584
        La Mirada, CA48,2601771,8652,042
        Bozeman, MT48,3302961,7792,075
        Cedar Hill, TX48,3371671,8832,050
        Ceres, CA48,3555172,1632,680
        Rancho Santa Margarita, CA48,28038469508
        Source: The Rancho Santa Margarita, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.