| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mission Viejo/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,153 | n/a (estimate) | 1,285 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 4.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 29 | n/a | 32.3 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 56 | n/a | 62.4 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 89 | n/a (estimate) | 99 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 97 | n/a | 108.1 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 877 | n/a | 977.7 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 90 | n/a | 100.3 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,064 | n/a (estimate) | 1,186 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Mission Viejo crime rate is lower than the national average by 39.3%. Specifically, there were 89 violent crimes in Mission Viejo, equivalent to 99 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 72.4%. Furthermore, Mission Viejo recorded 1064 property crimes, amounting to 1186 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 32.6%.
Mission Viejo has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 99 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Mission Viejo ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Mission Viejo recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
What do the local residents think about crime in Mission Viejo? Well, based on a recent survey of 30 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 87% of Mission Viejo residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 13% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Mission Viejo is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Mission Viejo has a total crime rate that is 39% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.16 daily crimes (0.24 violent daily crimes and 2.92 daily property crimes) in Mission Viejo.
Year-over-year crime rates in Mission Viejo has increased by 24.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Mission Viejo is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 25.4%, while property crime has increased by 24.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Mission Viejo.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Mission Viejo crime rates. For instance, in Mission Viejo, the population density stands at 5581.6 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Mission Viejo, the cost of living is 91.15% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Mission Viejo, the average monthly rent stands at $3,516, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Mission Viejo | 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 | 49,889 | 81 | 524 | 605 |
| Villa Park, CA | 6,039 | 36 | 713 | 749 |
| Las Flores, CA | 5,257 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Laguna Woods, CA | 16,656 | 60 | 893 | 953 |
| Lake Forest, CA | 86,858 | 146 | 830 | 975 |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 51,870 | 135 | 868 | 1,003 |
| Laguna Niguel, CA | 67,631 | 127 | 904 | 1,031 |
| Mission Viejo, CA | 98,783 | 99 | 1,186 | 1,285 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Compton, CA | 98,731 | 1,272 | 3,145 | 4,417 |
| Brockton, MA | 98,714 | 599 | 1,346 | 1,945 |
| Albany, NY | 99,012 | 817 | 2,848 | 3,665 |
| Hesperia, CA | 98,419 | 520 | 1,426 | 1,945 |
| Bend, OR | 99,174 | 168 | 1,362 | 1,530 |
| Mission Viejo, CA | 98,783 | 99 | 1,186 | 1,285 |