A new analysis of America's safest small towns reveals that Rancho Santa Margarita is Southern California's sole representative among the nation's top 20 safest communities, according to a recent report by MoneyGeek.
The Orange County community earned its spot through remarkably low rates of violent crime and property offenses, ranking 15th overall nationwide. The study examined FBI crime data from over 1,000 towns with populations between 30,000 and 100,000 residents.
Columbus, Indiana claimed the title of safest small city in America, boasting the lowest property crime rate among all analyzed communities and minimal violent crime incidents. The Northeast region dominated the rankings, with multiple towns from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts securing spots in the top 20.
The research calculated each community's "crime cost per capita" - a metric incorporating direct victim losses, medical expenses, legal system costs, and other crime-related economic impacts. Under this measure, Rancho Santa Margarita's crime cost was $91 per resident.
While many small towns proved exceptionally safe, some faced serious challenges. Saginaw, Michigan recorded the highest violent crime rate among studied communities, while Atlantic City, New Jersey topped the list for property crimes. Pine Bluff, Arkansas residents shouldered the heaviest per-capita cost burden from criminal activity.
The findings arrive as the FBI reports a nationwide 3% decrease in violent crime during 2023, though vehicle theft notably increased by 13%. The comprehensive study drew from data submitted by approximately 16,000 law enforcement agencies across the country.
For those seeking small-town living with strong safety records, the analysis suggests considering communities in New England, Indiana, or select spots in Southern California - with Rancho Santa Margarita standing as a prime example.