The Safest Cities in California

Find out which cities in California have the lowest and highest crime rates.

California is known for its glamorous movie stars, gigantic trees, wine regions and surfer culture. It is one of the most diverse states in America, both in terms of nature and demographics.

If you’re planning on visiting California — or making a permanent move — it’s useful to know what areas of the state have the lowest crime rates.

These are some of the safest cities in California that have a crime rate of less than 10 per 1,000 people.

5. Yorba Linda

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Population: 67,809

Violent crime rate: 0.5 (per 1,000 people)

Property crime rate: 8.7 (per 1,000 people)

Violent crime is extremely rare in this Orange County suburb that has golf courses, numerous parks and a museum dedicated to Richard Nixon. Yes, really.

Household income is over six figures here. Even though property crime is 8.7, that is very, very low in the grand scheme of things.

*Rankings are based on Safewise’s “Safest Cities in California” report. Population stats are sourced from World Population Review.

4. Aliso Viejo

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Population: 49,930

Violent crime rate: 0.5

Property crime rate: 7.6

Another O.C. city with very low crime rates, Aliso Viejo is close to Laguna Beach. Property crime here is 7.6, but both residents and travelers tend to feel at ease.

Well, at least those who can afford to live and vacation here.

3. Moorpark

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Population: 36,186

Violent crime rate: 0.5

Property crime rate: 6.2

Moorpark is a small city north of Los Angeles. Residents here can enjoy numerous mountains and be near the sea without worrying about violent crime. Property crime is 6.2, which is still low, though it’s higher than the top two safest cities.

With a median household income of more than $100,000, it’s no surprise to see this L.A. suburb here.

2. Rancho Santa Margarita

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Population: 46,993

Violent crime rate: 0.4

Property crime rate: 5.9

Though Rancho Santa Margarita has a lower violent crime rate than the No.1 safest city, its property crime rate is higher, which has delegated it to second place. This planned community in Orange County has a rich population that has the privilege of nearby golf courses, proximity to Los Angeles and a very low chance of anything bad happening.

Once again, it pays to be wealthy in California.

1. Danville

Population: 43,991

Violent crime rate: 0.5

Property crime rate: 5.3

With hills on both sides and a location about 30 miles east of San Francisco, Danville may just be the best place to live in California. Crime here is extremely rare, with the rate being 0.5 per 1,000 people. For property crime, the rate is 5.3, which is one of the lowest in the state.

The median income for this community is $167,827 per household — that’s more than twice the national median household income of $64,994. Basically, this is one of the exclusive enclaves where the Bay Area’s tech lords congregate to build communities reminiscent of Season 3 of “You.”

Danville isn’t really a place that people visit. But if you do venture out here, expect everything to be absurdly expensive. Hey, at least you won’t have to worry about crime.