Top 10 Safest Large Cities in California

California, here we come! Every year the nation’s most populated state draws in crowds of visitors and new residents alike, and with golden beaches and Hollywood dreams awaiting, who can blame them? While many of California’s safest cities are smaller in size and population, those seeking a more urban experience aren’t out of luck. Some of the state’s (not to mention the nation’s) safest cities have a population of more than 50,000 people. Looking for your suburban slice of heaven? Take a look at our list of the 10 safest cities in California with a population of at least 50,000 residents.

The Top 10 Safest Large Cities in California

1. San Ramon

• Population: 76,569
• Violent Crimes: 43 (0.0562 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 786 (1.0270 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

57.85% Below National Crime Rate, 61.71% Below State Crime Rate

Topping our list is San Ramon, a city in Contra Costa County located 30 miles east of San Francisco. The first American settlers arrived there in the mid-1850s, and San Ramon has expanded into a beautiful, affluent city with a population of more than 70,000 individuals. San Ramon honors its history with a number of museums and parks, such as Forest Homes Farm Historic Park. With a median family income of $129,000, San Ramon is one of the wealthiest cities on this list.

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2. Aliso Viejo

• Population: 52,183
• Violent Crimes: 43 (0.0824 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 445 (0.8528 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

63.59% Below National Crime Rate, 66.93% Below State Crime Rate

Aliso Viejo is a master-planned community that was incorporated into Orange County in 2001. With a motto of “Live Life Inspired,” residents truly are living their best, safest life, with crime rates more than 60 percent below the state and national averages. With Aliso Viejo’s many parks, including access to the Orange County trail system, and hillside views, there’s always a new adventure just around the corner!

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3. Yorba Linda

• Population: 68,794
• Violent Crimes: 44 (0.064 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 812 (1.1803 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

51.55% Below National Crime Rate, 56% Below State Crime Rate

Nestled about 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, Yorba Linda may be most well-known for being the home of Richard Nixon; his birthplace, a house built by his father, stands as a National Historic Landmark. Beyond this slice of history, the “Land of Gracious Living” is also home to the Yorba Regional Park and a short distance away from other regional destinations, such as the Orange County Zoo.

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4. Irvine

• Population: 288,052
• Violent Crimes: 160 (0.0555 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 3,659 (1.2703 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

42.25% Below National Crime Rate, 53.12% Below State Crime Rate

Like Yorba Linda, Irvine is another master-planned city in Orange County with some of the lowest crime averages around. City building began in the 1960s, and Irvine officially became incorporated in 1971. With a population of nearly 300,000, Irvine is the most populous city on this list, perfect for those looking for an urban experience with high safety ratings.

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5. Murrieta

• Population: 114,706
• Violent Crimes: 92 (0.0802 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 1,412 (1.2310 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

48.95% Below National Crime Rate, 53.63% Below State Crime Rate

Located in Riverside County, Murrieta is one of the fastest growing cities in California.  The lower crime rates are, of course, a major plus, but the vineyards and parks in the vicinity also make for picturesque surroundings. The city has three golf courses and plenty of other outdoor recreation, including nearby Lake Skinner.

Your new home is waiting for you in Murrieta!

6. Thousand Oaks

• Population: 129,319
• Violent Crimes: 126 (0.0974 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 1,480 (1.1445 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

51.65% Below National Crime Rate, 56.08% Below State Crime Rate

The second largest city in Ventura County, Thousand Oaks rests 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles. This affluent city takes pride in its high safety ratings and dedication to preserving the natural environment. Thousand Oaks’ designated open space consists of 15,000 acres dedicated to nature areas and trails for hiking, biking and walking.

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7. Mission Viejo

• Population: 96,419
• Violent Crimes: 113 (0.1172 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 937 (0.9718 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

57.60% Below National Crime Rate, 61.49% Below State Crime Rate

Mission Viejo has the privilege of not only being one of the safest cities in the state, but also one of the largest master planned communities in the nation. Planning and building began in the 1960s, and now Mission Viejo is a booming suburban city with nearly 100,000 residents. As well as enjoying nature trails, residents can cool down in Lake Mission Viejo, a 125-acre reservoir perfect for sailing.

Start California dreaming when you live in a Mission Viejo home.

8. Laguna Niguel

• Population: 66,806
• Violent Crimes: 81 (0.1212 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 640 (0.958 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

57.98% Below National Crime Rate, 61.83% Below State Crime Rate

Laguna Niguel is an affluent master planned community in Orange County, sitting within the San Joaquin Hills near the Pacific coast. Like Thousand Oaks, Laguna Niguel takes environmental preservation very seriously; more than one-third of its land is dedicated to open space. With two community parks and 23 neighborhood parks, there’s no shortage of land to explore.

9. Poway

• Population: 50,346
• Violent Crimes: 65 (0.1291 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 509 (1.011 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

55.61% Below National Crime Rate, 59.68% Below State Crime Rate

Incorporated in 1980, Poway is located in the middle of San Diego County. More than half of the city’s area is dedicated to open space, earning Poway the nickname of “The City in the Country.” With a median family income of more than $100,000 and some of the highest safety ratings in the San Diego Area, Poway is a thriving community with happy residents.

10. Chino Hills

• Population: 81,177
• Violent Crimes: 77 (0.0949 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 1,079 (1.3292 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

44.55% Below National Crime Rate, 49.64% Below State Crime Rate

With low crime rates, a high median family income and excellent school districts, Chino Hills has plenty to be proud of! Chino Hills started as a small rural community in the early 1900s. Even though the city has bloomed into a suburban paradise, Chino Hills honors its history by preserving the natural landscape in Chino Hills State Park.

Chino Hills is waiting for its newest resident! Find your new home today on NewHomeSource.

All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.