Crime Safety Grade

A-

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Crime Rate

Lower crime than 91% of U.S. cities

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

Is Rancho Santa Margarita Safe?

With an overall crime index of 56, Rancho Santa Margarita has a 44% lower crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 472. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Rancho Trabuco earning an A grade while Rancho Santa Margarita rates A.

Crime Index Comparison

Rancho Santa Margarita
56
California Avg
109
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
56
44% below average
Violent Crime
53
47% below average
Property Crime
68
32% below average
Safe Areas
100%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Rancho Santa Margarita

1 in 472

Property crime: 1 in 368

Where Is It Safe in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Rancho Santa Margarita Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 19% below avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 54% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 61 ▼ 39%
Assault Violent 49 ▼ 51%
Robbery Violent 50 ▼ 50%
Burglary Property 46 ▼ 54%
Larceny / Theft Property 81 ▼ 19%
Vehicle Theft Property 77 ▼ 23%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Rancho Santa Margarita Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Rancho Trabuco A 45
2 Las Flores A 53
3 Rancho Santa Margarita A 71

Rancho Santa Margarita Crime by Zip Code

Rancho Santa Margarita Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
48,280
Median Income
$125,329
Home Value
$679,457
Median Rent
$2,133
Home Ownership
73%

Racial Demographics

White
69.8%
Black
2.3%
Hispanic
21%
Asian
14%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Rancho Santa Margarita has an overall crime index of 56, which is below the national average of 100. Approximately 100% of neighborhoods in Rancho Santa Margarita are rated A or B for safety.
Is Rancho Santa Margarita safe to live in?
Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita?
The safest neighborhoods in Rancho Santa Margarita based on crime data include Rancho Trabuco, Las Flores, and Rancho Santa Margarita. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Rancho Santa Margarita crime compare to the national average?
Rancho Santa Margarita's overall crime index is 56 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 44% lower than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State