Santa Ana, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Santa Ana, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 4% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 269 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 48 chance for property crime. Santa Ana has higher crime than 70% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Santa Ana has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 97% of the city's 66 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Santa Ana Memorial Park is one of the safest areas, while Downtown Santa Ana has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Santa Ana is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Santa Ana are Santa Ana Memorial Park, Rosewood Baker, Grand Sunrise, Central City, and Madison Park. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Santa Ana include Downtown Santa Ana, Laurelhurst, West Grove Valley, Northwest Santa Ana, and Bristol Memory Coalition. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Santa Ana is 371.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 2% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 269 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.8 per 100K (17% above average); aggravated assault at 191.9 per 100K (28% below average); robbery at 117.6 per 100K (59% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Santa Ana is 2,094.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 48 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 224.6 per 100K (17% below average); larceny/theft at 1,371.6 per 100K (2% below average); vehicle theft at 498.1 per 100K (56% above average).

Santa Ana's overall crime rate is 4% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (68% above average), while assault is 28% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Santa Ana has higher crime than 70% of them.

Visitors to Santa Ana should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 14% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Santa Ana Memorial Park, Rosewood Baker, Grand Sunrise.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Santa Ana's crime rate is 4% above the national average, which is roughly in line with the state's overall rate.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Santa Ana, with an estimated rate of 1,371.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 2% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,094 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (372 per 100K) in Santa Ana, which is consistent with national trends.