Crime Safety Grade

A-

Lake Forest, CA Crime Rate

Lower crime than 88% of U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026

Is Lake Forest Safe?

With an overall crime index of 63, Lake Forest has a 37% lower crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 373. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Rancho Serrano earning an A+ grade while Rancho de Los Alisos rates A-.

Crime Index Comparison

Lake Forest
63
California Avg
109
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
63
37% below average
Violent Crime
67
33% below average
Property Crime
52
48% below average
Safe Areas
100%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Lake Forest

1 in 373

Property crime: 1 in 481

Where Is It Safe in Lake Forest?

Lake Forest Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Murder · 27% below avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 53% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 73 ▼ 27%
Assault Violent 58 ▼ 42%
Robbery Violent 69 ▼ 31%
Burglary Property 47 ▼ 53%
Larceny / Theft Property 48 ▼ 52%
Vehicle Theft Property 61 ▼ 39%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Lake Forest Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Rancho Serrano A+ 14
2 Lake Forest A 39
3 Pacific Commercentre A 48
4 Serrano Highlands A 79
5 Baker Ranch A- 74
6 El Toro A- 93
7 Rancho de Los Alisos A- 97

Lake Forest Crime by Zip Code

Lake Forest Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
84,666
Median Income
$112,988
Home Value
$679,996
Median Rent
$2,121
Home Ownership
70%

Racial Demographics

White
63.1%
Black
2.1%
Hispanic
29.4%
Asian
16.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest has an overall crime index of 63, which is below the national average of 100. Approximately 100% of neighborhoods in Lake Forest are rated A or B for safety.
Is Lake Forest safe to live in?
Lake Forest has a crime safety grade of A-. Very low crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Lake Forest?
The safest neighborhoods in Lake Forest based on crime data include Rancho Serrano, Lake Forest, Pacific Commercentre, Serrano Highlands, and Baker Ranch. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Lake Forest crime compare to the national average?
Lake Forest's overall crime index is 63 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 37% lower than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State