5 Safest Cities to Live in California (2022)

In this article, we will go over the top five safest cities to live in California in 2021. We will also examine the population, crime rates, average household income, and median listing price for homes in those cities so that you can find the perfect place to call home in California.

In many ways, California is a paradise. With year-round sun, plenty of gorgeous beaches on the pacific coast, and some of the safest cities in America, it should come as no surprise that California is the most visited state in the USA.

That said, not all of California is exactly safe. In fact, three of the top ten most dangerous cities in the country are located in the Golden State, which is more than any other state. However, you can find the safety and security you desire in California; you just need to know where to look.

5. Aliso Viejo

Population: 52,247
Violent Crime Rate: 0.5 per 1000 residents
Non-Violent Crime Rate: 8.3 per 1000 residents
Average Household Income: $108,558
Median Listing Price for a Home: $735K

Aliso Viejo (“Old-Sycamore” – in Spanish) is the fifth safest city in California in 2021. Located in San Juaquin Hills (Southern Orange County), the city is bordered by Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and Laguna Woods.

The largest employer in the city is the United Parcel Service (UPS). But Aliso Viejo is also home to a number of other large companies, including Pacific Life and Quest Software.

Additionally, points of interest in the area include the Aliso Viejo Town Center, the Aliso Viejo Golf Club, and the Soka University of America.

4. Rancho Palos Verdes

Population: 41,961
Violent Crime Rate: 0.7 per 1000 residents
Non-Violent Crime Rate: 7.5 per 1000 residents
Average Household Income: $133,286
Median Listing Price for a Home: $1.7M

Rancho Palos Verdes (“Green Sticks Ranch” – in Spanish) is the fourth safest city in California in 2021. Located in southern Los Angeles County, the city is bordered by Palos Verdes Hills. It is also surrounded by Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates.

The largest employer in the city is the Palos Verdes Peninsula United School District. But Rancho Palos Verdes is also home to a number of other large companies, including the Terranea Resort and the Trump National Golf Club.

Notable points of interest in the area include the Point Vincente Lighthouse, the Wayfarers Chapel, and the Palos Verdes Nature Reserve.

3. Moorpark

Population: 36,826
Violent Crime Rate: 0.7 per 1000 residents
Non-Violent Crime Rate: 6.2 per 1000 residents
Average Household Income: $104,839
Median Listing Price for a Home: $897.5K

Moorpark is the third safest city in California in 2021 and is located in Ventura County, in Southern California.

The largest employer in the city is Penny Mack Loan Services. However, Moorpark is also home to a number of other large companies, including the Moorpark Unified School System and Moorpark College.

Notable points of interest in the area include the Arroyo Vista Community Park, Mammoth Highlands Park, and Moorpark College.

2. Rancho Santa Margarita

Population: 48,377
Violent Crime Rate: 0.6 per 1000 residents
Non-Violent Crime Rate: 6.1 per 1000 residents
Average Household Income: $115,073
Median Listing Price for a Home: $829.9K

Rancho Santa Margarita (“Saint Margaret’s Ranch” – in Spanish) is the second safest city in California in 2021. Located in Orange County, the city is bordered by San Diego County and Rancho Mission Viejo.

The largest employer in the city is Applied Medical. However, Rancho Santa Margarita is also home to a number of other large companies, including O’Connell Landscape Maintenance and the Saddleback Valley United School District.

1. Danville: The Safest City to Live in California

Population: 44,997
Violent Crime Rate: 0.5 per 1000 residents
Non-Violent Crime Rate: 6.6 per 1000 residents
Average Household Income: $152,714
Median Listing Price for a Home: $1.7M

Danville is the safest city in California in 2021. It is located in the San Ramon Valley (Contra Costa County) in southern California.

Danville is also the second-highest income city in the United States with a population of at least 40,000 residents, and it also features the 14^th highest earning postal code in the US (94506.)

Notable points of interest in the area include the Village Theatre and Playhouse, the Iron Horse Regional Trail, and Sycamore Creek.

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California Safest Cities Data

Each of the five safest cities in California in 2021 have a number of things in common. The average income in each city is above $100,000, with the highest average income being in Danville ($152,714). With the lowest average income being in Moorpark ($104,839.)

The average median price for a home was above $730K, with the highest asking prices being in Danville and Rancho Palos Verdes ($1.7M) and the lowest median home price being in Aliso Viejo ($735K.)

Interestingly all five of the safest cities in California voted Democrat in the 2020 federal election. In fact, all of the cities included in this list voted democrat in the last two federal elections; perhaps this is not surprising as California is known to be a very democratic state.

Another important takeaway from the data this year is that all five of the safest cities in California in 2021 have a population below 55,000 residents, with Aliso Viejo having the largest population at 52,247 residents and Moorpark having the lowest population at 36,826 residents.

Also, it is worth noting that all five of the safest cities in California in 2021 are located in Southern California. Three of which being located in or near Orange County. This seems to indicate that Orange County itself might be a good place to live if safety and security are your top priorities. This should come as no surprise considering that Orange County is one of the most affluent counties in the United States.

Violent Crime Rates in the Safest Cities to Live in California

In terms of crime rates, the cities with the lowest violent crime rates were Danville and Aliso Viejo, with 0.5 violent crimes per 1000 residents in those cities.

However, the city with the highest violent crime rate (of these five cities) was Moorpark, with 0.7 violent crimes per 1000 residents.

To put these numbers in perspective, the most dangerous city in California in 2021 was Emery, with a violent crime rate of 14.9 per 1000 residents. The average violent crime rate across the state of California is 2.9 per 1000 residents.

Non-Violent Crime Rates in the Safest Cities to Live in California

The city with the lowest non-violent crime rate for 2021 was Rancho Santa Margarita which registered 6.1 non-violent crimes per 1000 residents in the city.

The city with the highest non-violent crime rate (of these five cities) was Aliso Viejo, with 8.6 non-violent crimes reported per 1000 residents.

To put these numbers into perspective, the city with the highest reported number of non-violent crimes in California in 2021 was San Francisco, with 55.4 non-violent (property) crimes reported per 1000 residents. The average number of non-violent crimes across the state of California was 24.41.

Final Thoughts

California is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to live in the U.S. It is home to some of the best beaches, and many of the best neighborhoods in America. California is indeed a paradise, but it all depends on where you choose to live.

Not everybody can afford a home in one of the five safest cities in California, as outlined in this article. Indeed, each of the cities mentioned here is in an affluent area. But, if you have the means and are looking to live in the safest possible places in California, then consider Aliso Viejo, Rancho Palos Verdes, Moorpark, Rancho Santa Margarita, or Danville.

You can contact agents in these cities or anywhere in the U.S. using our database. FastExpert wants to pair you with an agent with a high success rate with your best interests at heart! We have one of the biggest online databases for listing and buyer’s agents in every state! Get started on your selling journey today!

If you are looking to buy a home in one of California’s safest cities, then be sure to connect with a real estate agent with FastExpert!