Santa Ana, California
Is Wilshire Square a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Santa Ana, California - 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)
Severe273
Medium161
Low249
Other2138
203 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape35
Child involved166
Assault31
Other11
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, fire crews are dispatched to a reported miscellaneous type fire near East Cerritos Avenue and South Lewis Street in Anaheim. | E Cerritos Ave & S Lewis St, Anaheim, CA 92805 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, units are responding to a reported medical emergency involving breathing difficulties near Prado Circle in Villa Park. | Prado Cir, Villa Park, CA 92861 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire personnel are responding to a reported elevator entrapment at a children’s facility near The City Drive South and West Entertainment Avenue in Orange. | The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868 | Other Non-Crime Event |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews respond to a reported elevator entrapment at a children’s facility near The City Drive South and West Entertainment Avenue in Orange. | The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868 | Rescue / Entrapment |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic reports a possible disabled gray (number withheld) Toyota Camry in the center divider on eastbound State Route 22 just west of State Route 55 in Orange, California. | CA-55, Orange, CA | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, patients originally headed to St. Joe's hospital were redirected to OC Global due to outages at St. Joe's and DCI, near N Tustin Ave. | N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid was dispatched near Del Taco at South State College Boulevard and East Orangewood Avenue in Anaheim. | S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to a reported traffic collision near West Chapman Avenue and South Lewis Street in Orange, with the response upgraded to a Bravo level. | W Chapman Ave & S Lewis St, Orange, CA 92868 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, orange fire and ambulance units are dispatched to a reported traffic accident at the intersection of West Chapman Avenue and South Lewis Street in Orange. | W Chapman Ave & S Lewis St, Orange, CA 92868 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews are responding to a reported odor of gas outside a building near South Hickory Street in Santa Ana. | S Hickory St, Santa Ana, CA 92707 | Fire |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$833,350
Average Rent
$2,754
Vacancy Rate
2.8%
Overview
Wilshire Square is a densely urban neighborhood in Santa Ana, California, known for its historic homes mostly built before 1940. The area is highly walkable, ranking in the top 5% nationally for walkability.
This neighborhood is popular among college students, with 12.6% of residents enrolled in college, placing it in the top 0.2% of college-friendly neighborhoods in California. It also has a strong Mexican ancestry presence and a bilingual community.
Historic HomesHighly WalkableCollege-FriendlyMexican Ancestry
Quick Facts
| Walkability | Top 5% nationally |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Wilshire Square's housing stock consists mainly of small to medium single-family homes and small apartment buildings, with a mix of owners and renters.
| Historic Homes (Built ≤1939) | 59.8% |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Mix of small to medium single-family homes and small apartments |
What buyers will notice right away
Low vacancy rate indicates strong demand and limited availability.
High concentration of historic homes adds unique charm.
Families & Lifestyle
Wilshire Square is a vibrant neighborhood favored by college students and families seeking a walkable urban environment with cultural richness.
The neighborhood's walkability and safety make it appealing for students and families alike.
A strong Mexican cultural presence enriches community life.
College-Friendly — Top 0.2% in California for college student residents and amenities.
Culturally Rich — Predominantly Mexican ancestry with Spanish spoken in most households.
| College Enrollment | 12.6% |
|---|---|
| Safety | Above average |
Demographics
| College Enrollment | 12.6% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Upper-middle income |
| Child Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| Mexican Ancestry | 80.2% |
| Spanish Speakers | 76.1% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 41.0% |
Commute
Most residents have a short commute and primarily drive alone to work.
Wilshire Square offers convenient commute times with a high rate of solo drivers and some carpooling.
Short Commutes — Majority spend 15-30 minutes commuting.
Car Ownership Useful — Most residents drive alone, reflecting car reliance.
| Typical Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 73.0% |
| Carpool Rate | 12.1% |
Homes for sale near 92701
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilshire Square safe for families?
The neighborhood has an above average safety rating, supporting family comfort.
What is the housing style in Wilshire Square?
Housing consists mainly of small to medium single-family homes and small apartment buildings, many historic.
How walkable is Wilshire Square?
It ranks among the top 5% of U.S. neighborhoods for walkability.