OC Cities Rank Among Safest In CA For 2026

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According to a new report from Safewise, a security product review platform, several Orange County cities have been ranked among the top 10 safest cities in California for 2026. Rancho Santa Margarita, Yorba Linda, and Laguna Niguel made the list, though the number of OC cities in the top 10 is down from the previous year.

Why it matters

The Safewise report highlights the relative safety of certain California communities, which is an important factor for residents, businesses, and potential new residents when deciding where to live. While California as a whole has seen higher rates of violent crime and property theft compared to the national average, these top-ranked OC cities stand out as particularly safe areas.

The details

Safewise looked at FBI crime statistics to compile its 12th annual Safest Cities report for California. Rancho Santa Margarita, Yorba Linda, and Laguna Niguel ranked in the top 10, though the number of OC cities in the top 10 is down from the previous year when Lake Forest and Aliso Viejo were also listed. The report noted that Californians were more likely to have experienced violent crime or package theft compared to the average American, and that just 37% of Californians surveyed said they feel safe in their state.

• The Safewise 2026 Safest Cities report was released on February 10, 2026.