
Is Rancho Santa Margarita Northeast a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
53 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, units were dispatched for an apparent medical emergency involving an unconscious person in a room at a location on Saxon Road in Lake Forest. | Saxon Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid was dispatched for abdominal pain near the bluff side of Santa Margarita Beach at the group camp. | Avenida De Los Fundadores, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic reports a possible traffic collision with injuries near Forest Drive and Trabuco Road. Emergency units are responding on channel 5 Delta 16. | Trabuco Rd & Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for abdominal pain was reported near Mithra Avenue. Cargo Engine 19 was dispatched to the scene. | Mithra Ave, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units were dispatched to a possible collision between a vehicle and a bicyclist near Via Aurora in Mission Viejo. The call reportedly included an alarm or injury concern. | Via Aurora, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, responders dispatched to a possible chest pain incident near Corsica Road. | Corsica Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, engine 45 is dispatched for a possible medical emergency involving an ill patient near San Mateo in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. | San Mateo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a call about emotional distress was reported in the lobby of Extended Stay America on Lake Forest Drive. Responders acknowledged the call. | Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire personnel were sent to a possible automatic fire alarm at a hotel on Portola Parkway in Foothill Ranch, with units responding on channel 5 Delta. | Portola Pkwy, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for abdominal pain was reported near Via Victoria. Engine 31 was dispatched to the scene. | Via Victoria, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Overview
Rancho Santa Margarita Northeast is a densely urban neighborhood in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, with a median home price of $701,786 and average rent of $4,216.
The area features mostly established housing built between 1970 and 1999, with a mix of owners and renters and a low vacancy rate of 3.7%. It is highly rated for college students and first-time home buyers.
Quick Facts
| College-Friendly Rank | Top 1.1% in California |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
The housing stock in Rancho Santa Margarita Northeast is primarily composed of small to medium apartment complexes, high-rises, and townhomes, mostly built between 1970 and 1999.
| Built 1970-1999 | 86.7% |
|---|---|
| Rowhouses/Attached Homes | 32.9% |
| Owner vs Renter Mix | Mixed ownership and rental |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
This neighborhood is popular among college students and first-time home buyers, offering walkability and above-average safety.
| College-Friendly Rank | Top 1.1% in California |
|---|
Demographics
| Executive/Professional Occupations | 58.2% |
|---|---|
| Income Rank | Above average |
| Child Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| Foreign Born | 26.7% |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican (22.3%)","Italian (13.7%)","German (10.4%)","English (7.6%)","Asian (7.2%)"] |
| Top Languages | ["English (67.3%)","Spanish","Chinese","Persian (1.4%)"] |
Commute
Most residents have a commute between 15 and 30 minutes, with a majority driving alone to work.
Rancho Santa Margarita Northeast offers relatively short commutes and high car usage, reflecting suburban travel patterns.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 73.8% |
| Carpool Rate | 9.6% |
Homes for sale near 92688
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.















































































Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rancho Santa Margarita Northeast good for college students?
Yes, it ranks among the top 1.1% of college-friendly neighborhoods in California due to its safety and walkability.
What is the housing stock like?
Mostly apartments, high-rises, and townhomes built between 1970 and 1999 with a mix of owners and renters.