| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Rancho Santa Margarita/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 238 | n/a (estimate) | 508 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 2.1 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 8.5 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 27.7 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 38 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 26 | n/a | 55.5 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 176 | n/a | 375.4 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 18 | n/a | 38.4 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 220 | n/a (estimate) | 469 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Rancho Santa Margarita | 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 |
| 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 |
| Rancho Santa Margarita, CA | 48,280 | 38 | 469 | 508 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Beaumont, CA | 48,272 | 350 | 1,234 | 1,584 |
| La Mirada, CA | 48,260 | 177 | 1,865 | 2,042 |
| Bozeman, MT | 48,330 | 296 | 1,779 | 2,075 |
| Cedar Hill, TX | 48,337 | 167 | 1,883 | 2,050 |
| Ceres, CA | 48,355 | 517 | 2,163 | 2,680 |
| Rancho Santa Margarita, CA | 48,280 | 38 | 469 | 508 |
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