List of the Top 10 Most Safest Cities in California (2023)

Living in California can be a dream come true for many people. With the largest economy in the US and incredible places to reside, including the stunning vineyards of Napa Valley and the sunny city of Los Angeles, the state truly has a lot to offer. However, it’s worth noting that some cities in California are safer than others. If you’re looking for a secure place to call home in the state, here are the top 10 safest cities in California for 2023.

Top 10 Safest Cities in California

1. Danville

Danville, located in the San Ramon Valley, is considered the safest city in California. It has a population of 43,582 and boasts an impressively low crime rate 78% lower than the California average. Danville is an ideal place for suburban living in the Bay Area, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban areas. The city offers many excellent restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and highly-rated public schools. With its peaceful atmosphere and impeccable safety record, Danville is undoubtedly one of the top choices for families looking for a great place to live in California.

2. Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita, situated in Orange County, Southern California, is among the safest cities in the state, with a population of 47,894. The town boasts a significantly low crime rate, 76% lower than the average in California. However, living in Rancho Santo Margarita can be pretty expensive, with home prices averaging at $784,000, which is 216% higher than the national average. On the other hand, the average income in this city is $104,556, which is considerably higher than the national average.

3. Moorpark

Moorpark, situated in Southern California close to Los Angeles, boasts a population of 37,573 and is considered to be safer than 74% of the cities in California. The crime rate in Moorpark is 662 per 100,000 people, which means that residents only have a 1 in 152 chance of being a victim of a crime. Remarkably, there were no recorded homicides from 2017 to 2018. Despite being 207% higher than the US average and 39% higher than the California average, the average home cost in Moorpark is $597,300. The average income in Moorpark is $100,457, which is 82% higher than the California average.

4. Aliso Viejo

Aliso Viejo, located in the San Joaquin Hills of California, is also considered one of the safest places to live in the state. With a population of 47,825 people, the city boasts a low crime rate of 810 per 100,000 residents, making it 69% safer than the average California city. The likelihood of falling victim to violent crime in Aliso Viejo is also remarkably low, with only a 1 in 2,134 chance of becoming a target. While the median home price in Aliso Viejo is 56% higher than the national average, the city’s median income is $103,261.

5. Poway

Poway is known for being one of the safest cities in California. With a population of 49,479, Poway boasts a low crime rate of 847 per 100,000 people, which is 64% lower than the national average. The city is incredibly secure, with minimal criminal activity, including zero reported murders and a mere 34 assaults in 2021. Property crime is also uncommon in Poway, with residents having only a 1 in 129 chance of being a victim. While the cost of living in Poway is 61% higher than the US average, the median income of $99,000 reflects the city’s affluent community.

6. Yorba Linda

Yorba Linda, located in Orange County, California, is amongst the state’s safest cities. It boasts a population of 68,017 and has a crime rate that is 66% lower than the California average, with only 889 crimes per 100,000 people. In 2022, the city had zero murders and only a few robberies and assaults. The likelihood of being a victim of violent crime in Yorba Linda is 1 in 2,136. The average home price in the city is $728,300, which is significantly higher than the US average, while the average income is $119,697.

7. Rancho Palos Verdes

Rancho Palos Verdes, situated along the Pacific Coast in Los Angeles County, is home to approximately 41,643 residents. Regarding safety, the city has a crime rate of 911 per 100,000 people, making it safer than 61% of other cities in the US. Notably, Rancho Palos Verdes recorded no murders, six robberies, and 34 assaults in 2021. However, there were 78 burglaries and 28 vehicle thefts, which translates to a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a property crime victim.

8. Laguna Niguel

Situated just south of Irvine, Laguna Niguel has a population of 66,759. The city boasts a remarkably low crime rate of 929 per 100,000 people, 60% lower than the national average. The incidence of violent crime is exceptionally low, with few reported cases of murder and assault. As a resident, you have a mere 1 in 1,570 chance of falling prey to violent crime. Property crimes are also comparatively low, with theft being the most frequently occurring type. If safety is your top priority, Laguna Niguel is an ideal place to call home.

9. Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo, situated in Orange County, boasts a population of 94,513 and a crime rate of 62% lower than the average in California. With a violent crime rate of only 1 in 1,319, the likelihood of becoming a victim is relatively low, and there were no reported murders in 2020. Although there were a few robberies and assaults, the overall crime rate is still meager. Being an upscale community, Mission Viejo has a median income of $104,886, 90% higher than the national average.

10. Thousand Oaks

With a population of 126,823, Thousand Oaks is considered one of the safer cities in the US, with a crime rate of 1,097 per 100,000 people, making it safer than 58% of other cities. The likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Thousand Oaks is 1 in 1,649. In 2020, the city experienced one murder, 23 robberies, and 32 assaults. The chances of experiencing a property crime in this affluent community are 1 in 95, with burglary and theft being the most common. The median home price in Thousand Oaks is $837,100, which is 245% higher than the US average.

Top 10 Safest Cities in California: A Summary

Regarding safety in California, you might expect a high cost of living. Although many safe cities are in the state, the median home prices are often considerably higher than national and California averages. To live in one of the safest cities in California, you’ll need to be ready to invest a significant amount of money in a home. However, the quality of life you’ll experience in these cities can be well worth the price.

Also Read:

• List of Top 15 Most Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago (2023)
• List Of Top 9 Most Safest Cities To Live in Florida (2023)
• 8 Safest Cities in Texas to Live in With Lowest Crime Rates