| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | San Clemente/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 896 | n/a (estimate) | 1,412 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 11.0 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 23 | n/a | 36.2 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 88 | n/a | 138.7 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 118 | n/a (estimate) | 186 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 112 | n/a | 176.5 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 528 | n/a | 832.2 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 138 | n/a | 217.5 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 778 | n/a (estimate) | 1,226 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
The San Clemente crime rates are 39.2% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 118 violent crimes in San Clemente (186 per 100,000 people), which is 49.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 778 property crimes (1226 per 100,000 residents) which is 37.3% lower than average.
During the most recently reported crime year, San Clemente 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of San Clemente residents. Out of the respondents (19 in total), 79% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in San Clemente were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 21% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether San Clemente is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, San Clemente has an overall crime rate that is 39% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.45 daily occurrences, comprising 0.32 violent crimes and 2.13 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of San Clemente as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in San Clemente crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in San Clemente has decreased by 6.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 28.3% and property crime has decreased by 10.2%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in San Clemente crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. San Clemente has an unemployment rate of 2.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In San Clemente, 94.2% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 San Clemente, the cost of living is 88.44% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | San Clemente | 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 |
| 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 |
| San Clemente, CA | 64,929 | 186 | 1,226 | 1,412 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wellington, FL | 64,990 | 129 | 988 | 1,117 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 65,011 | 725 | 3,611 | 4,336 |
| Harlingen, TX | 65,028 | 323 | 2,823 | 3,147 |
| Laguna Niguel, CA | 65,048 | 95 | 1,045 | 1,140 |
| Blaine, MN | 65,048 | 108 | 1,915 | 2,023 |
| San Clemente, CA | 64,929 | 186 | 1,226 | 1,412 |
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