Orange County Crime & Safety

Orange County, California

Safety Score

16/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2287.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

282.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2004.5

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

16/100

Higher = safer

State avg 20/100

State Safety Rank

#29

of 58 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Orange County, California

Orange County: Safe Suburban Living

Orange County maintains a solid safety score of 96.4. Its total crime rate of 2,287.0 per 100k is lower than the national average of 2,385.5, reflecting its status as a safe metro area.

Aligning with California Safety Averages

Orange County matches the California safety score average of 96.3. However, its violent crime rate of 282.5 is much better than the state average of 469.1 per 100k.

Safer Than Urban Neighbors

Orange County frequently reports lower violent crime rates than neighboring Los Angeles or Riverside counties. A network of 44 reporting agencies works diligently to maintain this competitive edge in public safety.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Violent crime is exceptionally low at 282.5 per 100k, while property crime is the primary concern at 2,004.5. This property crime rate is almost exactly in line with the national average.

Preventing Suburban Property Theft

In a large suburban county, package theft is a common issue for residents. Using smart doorbells and secure delivery boxes can effectively mitigate these frequent property risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Orange County, CA?

Orange County has a total crime rate of 2287.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (282.5 per 100K) and property crimes (2004.5 per 100K).

Is Orange County, CA safe?

Orange County has a safety score of 16/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #29 out of 58 counties in California for safety (1 = safest).

How does Orange County crime compare to the California average?

Orange County matches the California safety score average of 96.3. However, its violent crime rate of 282.5 is much better than the state average of 469.1 per 100k.

What types of crime are most common in Orange County?

Violent crime is exceptionally low at 282.5 per 100k, while property crime is the primary concern at 2,004.5. This property crime rate is almost exactly in line with the national average.

How is crime data measured and reported for Orange County?

Crime data for Orange County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Orange County?

Orange County has a safety score of 16/100, which is below the California average of 20/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.