Sterling Heights Neighborhood, Lake Forest
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Lake Forest
Is Sterling Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Sterling Heights in Lake Forest, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 52, which is 48% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Lake Forest average (crime index 63), Sterling Heights is 11% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 91, 9% below average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 14).
Sterling Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Lake Forest city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
14 | -86% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
30 | -70% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
21 | -79% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
36 | -64% | Low | |
How Sterling Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Sterling Heights vs Lake Forest average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Sterling Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Sterling Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Sterling Heights, Lake Forest?
Sterling Heights in Lake Forest, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 52, which is 48% below the national average. Compared to the Lake Forest average, crime in Sterling Heights is 11% lower.
Is Sterling Heights a safe neighborhood in Lake Forest?
Sterling Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Lake Forest, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 91), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 14).
How does Sterling Heights compare to the rest of Lake Forest?
Sterling Heights's overall crime index is 52, compared to the Lake Forest average of 63. This means crime in Sterling Heights is 11% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 39, and for property crime it is 53. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Sterling Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Sterling Heights is Murder, with a crime index of 91 (9% below the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Sterling Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Rancho de Los Alisos, Serrano Highlands, Rancho Serrano and Pacific Commercentre. These areas are close to Sterling Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights has a population of approximately 298. The median household income is $115,726. The median home value is $888,244. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Sterling Heights crime compare to the national average?
Sterling Heights's overall crime rate is 48% below the national average (index 52 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.