| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Santa Ana/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 6,812 | n/a (estimate) | 2,195 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 15 | n/a | 4.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 163 | n/a | 52.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 329 | n/a | 106.0 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,023 | n/a | 329.7 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,530 | n/a (estimate) | 493 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 700 | n/a | 225.6 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,601 | n/a | 1,160.5 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 981 | n/a | 316.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5,282 | n/a (estimate) | 1,702 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Santa Ana is 3.6% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Santa Ana, there were 1530 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 493 per 100,000 individuals, 37.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 5282 property crimes, amounting to 1702 per 100,000 residents, 3.3% lower than the U.S. average.
When evaluating the Santa Ana crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Santa Ana crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
Santa Ana maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Santa Ana, 1702 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
AreaVibes surveyed 143 local residents in Santa Ana to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 29% of people answered that there was very little crime in Santa Ana and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 71% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Santa Ana, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Santa Ana presents a total crime rate that is 4% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Santa Ana experiences an average of 18.66 daily crimes, comprising 4.19 violent incidents and 14.47 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Santa Ana has decreased by 18.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Santa Ana 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 7.1%, while property crime has decreased by 23.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Santa Ana.
The Santa Ana region comprises an array of over 55 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Santa Ana are exemplars such as Floral Park, Sandpointe and Northwest, whereas Meredith Parkwood, Park Santiago and Bristol-Warner grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
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 Santa Ana crime rates. For instance, in Santa Ana, the population density stands at 12715.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Santa Ana, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.74 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
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 Santa Ana, the average monthly rent stands at $2,456, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Santa Ana | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 578 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Villa Park, CA | 6,039 | 36 | 713 | 749 |
| Las Flores, CA | 5,257 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Yorba Linda, CA | 70,241 | 93 | 765 | 858 |
| Laguna Woods, CA | 16,656 | 60 | 893 | 953 |
| Lake Forest, CA | 86,858 | 146 | 830 | 975 |
| Rossmoor, CA | 12,384 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 51,870 | 135 | 868 | 1,003 |
| Santa Ana, CA | 345,160 | 493 | 1,702 | 2,195 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 338,491 | 864 | 3,011 | 3,875 |
| Riverside, CA | 334,324 | 590 | 2,832 | 3,422 |
| Honolulu, HI | 358,765 | 185 | 1,790 | 1,975 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 329,532 | 262 | 2,274 | 2,536 |
| Anaheim, CA | 361,295 | 596 | 2,132 | 2,728 |
| Santa Ana, CA | 345,160 | 493 | 1,702 | 2,195 |