San Clemente, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About San Clemente Crime & Safety

Is San Clemente safe?

San Clemente earns an overall crime grade of A-, and when you look at the neighborhood-level data, the picture is even more impressive: all 11 analyzed neighborhoods received an A or A+ rating — meaning 100% of the city falls into the "safe" tier. That kind of uniformity is rare among Southern California coastal cities. Neighborhoods like Talega (A+), Forster Ranch (A+), and Marblehead (A+) anchor the upper end of the safety spectrum, while even the areas with comparatively more activity — Central San Clemente and North San Clemente — still hold solid A- and A grades respectively. With a poverty rate of just 5.2% and an unemployment rate of 4.4%, the socioeconomic indicators that correlate with crime are well below national averages, reinforcing the data-backed case that San Clemente is a genuinely safe place to live and visit.

What is the crime rate in San Clemente compared to other cities?

San Clemente's city-wide safety rating is classified as Very Safe (A), placing it comfortably above most U.S. cities of comparable size. Across all 11 neighborhoods analyzed, 100% earned an A-range grade — with 11 neighborhoods (100%) graded A or A+, and zero neighborhoods receiving a B, C, D, or F. For context, a typical mid-sized American city might see 20–40% of its neighborhoods fall into the C-or-below range. San Clemente's median household income of $108,183 — nearly double the U.S. median — and its low population density of 1,365 residents per square mile both contribute to a crime environment that consistently outperforms state and national benchmarks. The highest-income neighborhoods, such as Talega ($181,629 median income) and Forster Ranch ($164,423), correspond directly with the city's top A+ safety grades.

What are the safest neighborhoods in San Clemente?

Five neighborhoods share the city's top A+ safety grade: Talega, Forster Ranch, Marblehead, Coast District, and Shorecliffs Beach Club. Talega leads the pack with a population of 10,299 and a median household income of $181,629 — the highest in the city. Forster Ranch follows closely with 6,311 residents and a median income of $164,423. Marblehead, while smaller at 1,766 residents, posts a median income of $144,901 and the same A+ crime grade. Coast District (2,201 residents, $110,929 median income) and Shorecliffs Beach Club (649 residents, $122,098 median income) round out the A+ tier. An additional five neighborhoods — Southwest San Clemente, Rancho San Clemente, West Pico, North San Clemente, and Southeast San Clemente — all carry A grades, meaning even the city's most densely populated areas remain firmly in the safe category.

Which areas of San Clemente have higher crime?

It's worth emphasizing that "higher crime" in San Clemente is relative: no neighborhood grades below an A-. The areas with the most activity compared to the rest of the city are Central San Clemente (A-), Southeast San Clemente (A), North San Clemente (A), West Pico (A), and Rancho San Clemente (A). Central San Clemente's slightly lower grade likely reflects its role as the city's commercial and pedestrian hub — higher foot traffic and retail density tend to correlate with elevated property crime and minor incidents. North San Clemente, the city's most populous neighborhood at 9,354 residents, also sees proportionally more incidents simply due to its size, though its per-capita rate still earns an A. None of these areas should discourage residents or visitors; they simply warrant the same standard urban awareness you'd apply in any busy neighborhood.

Is San Clemente a good place to live in 2026?

By nearly every measurable indicator, yes. San Clemente's overall crime grade of A- and city-wide safety rating of Very Safe (A) place it among the top-tier communities in Orange County. The median home value of $931,225 reflects strong demand, while the median household income of $108,183 suggests residents have the financial stability that correlates with lower crime. The poverty rate of 5.2% and unemployment rate of 4.4% are both well below national averages. With 100% of neighborhoods graded A or better, families moving to any part of the city — whether the affluent planned community of Talega, the beachside enclave of Marblehead, or the more accessible West Pico neighborhood ($85,143 median income) — can expect a safe living environment. The combination of coastal lifestyle, economic stability, and consistently strong safety grades makes San Clemente a compelling choice for 2026.

How does neighborhood income relate to safety in San Clemente?

The correlation is visible but not absolute. The three neighborhoods with the highest median incomes — Talega ($181,629), Forster Ranch ($164,423), and Marblehead ($144,901) — all earn A+ grades, the city's highest. However, West Pico, which has the lowest median income among analyzed neighborhoods at $85,143, still earns a solid A grade — demonstrating that safety in San Clemente isn't exclusively tied to wealth. The city's low overall poverty rate of 5.2% creates a baseline of economic stability that benefits all 11 neighborhoods. Even North San Clemente, with a median income of $94,422 and a large population of 9,354, maintains an A grade. This suggests that San Clemente's safety is a city-wide characteristic rather than a privilege concentrated only in its wealthiest enclaves.