Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered and revered for his tireless efforts to gain civil rights for all people, regardless of race, through nonviolent means. In honor of his nonviolent beliefs and actions, we’re highlighting the safest cities in Orange County based on the lowest occurrence of violent crimes per capita.

We looked specifically at the number of violent crimes in Orange County cities according to NeighborhoodScout.com. According to statistics the national median violent crime rate in California is 3.9 per 1,000 residents. That means your chances of being a victim of a violent crime the state is 1 in 236.  These 10 cities are the safest the least violent in the county which we’re sure would make Martin Luther King Jr. very proud.

1. Coto de Caza
 

It’s no surprise that this small, affluent Orange County suburb made it to the top of our list as the safest city in the county. Crime data from NeighborhoodScout.com is gathered from multiple different law enforcement agencies including local police, county sheriff, campus police, public school police, and more and they report only 1 violent crime in the area in 2012. That’s pretty impressive.

With a population of 14,866, the chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Coto de Caza is roughly 1 in 10,000. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, the Trabuco Canyon area is safer than 85% of the cities in the U.S. Located in South Orange County adjacent to the Saddleback Mountains, Coto de Caza is a master planned guard-gated community approximately 5,000 acres.

Average Listing Price: $1,783,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.06

2. Villa Park     

Villa Park is a small community in northern Orange County surrounded by the city of Orange next to Anaheim Hills with a population of approximately 6,500. The city as a distinct rural feeling with tons of green medians and parkways filled with trees and flowers as well as close-knit quiet neighborhoods. There were only 2 violent crimes reported in Villa Park according to the data.

Average Listing Price: 1,291,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.34

3. Rancho Santa Margarita    

Not only is Rancho Santa Margarita one of the safest cities in Orange County, it’s also one of the most affordable places to buy a home! RSM came in #7 on our list of Top 10 most affordable places to buy in Orange County with an average listing price nearly $500,000 less than the county average.

With top rated schools, community amenities and a great location within the rolling hills of South County, Rancho Santa Margarita is a great place to settle your family. Rancho tops our list as one of the safest cities in Orange County and is also ranked as safer than 88% of all cities in the U.S.

Average Listing Price: $505,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.55

4. Irvine   

You might be surprised that Irvine only made it to number 4 on the list because for the past 9 years in a row it has ranked #1 as the safest city in America. The reason why? Irvine is the safest large city in America with a population of 229,985.

For our list we looked solely at Orange County cities so those that ranked above Irvine are significantly smaller areas. What makes Irvine so impressive is the fact that the city population is 15 times the size of our #1 safest city Coto de Caza and yet still comparatively safe. Irvine, CA is made up of over 30 different master planned communities each one offering top-notch schools, tons of parks and great shopping opportunities.

Average Listing Price: $1,298,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.56

5. Seal Beach

Although most other beach cities had surprisingly high violent crime rates, this Orange County beach community made the list.  Residents in Seal Beach have only a 1 in 1,457 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Nestled between Orange County and Long Beach, Seal Beach is popular among retirees and maintains a quaint small town feel. Local landmarks and features include 920 acres of national wildlife refuge, the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station and tons of fun at the Seal Beach Pier and surrounding Main Street area.

Average Listing Price: $452,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.69

6. Laguna Niguel   

With a population of 64,452, this mid-sized community has a very safe atmosphere considering its size. According to NeighborScout, the safest neighborhood within the city is Rancho Marlen/Rancho Grande bordered by Rancho Niguel Road, Moulton Parkway, La Paz Road and Crown Valley Parkway.

Laguna Niguel is not only a safe place to live, it also boasts several natural wonders. Over one third of the city’s total area is dedicated to parks and open spaces including Aliso & Wood Canyons Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and the Laguna Nigel Lake. Great schools and a beautiful community make Laguna Nigel real estate extremely valuable.

Average Listing Price: $1,121,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.73

7. Mission Viejo    

Mission Viejo is a large city with a population of 95,290 which makes earning a spot on this list quite impressive. Residents have a 1 in 1,310 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime whereas the chances statewide stand at 1 in 236.

Before Irvine, Mission Viejo was one of the first master planned communities in Orange County. That means the city has great schools, convenient shopping and beautiful surroundings. This hilly town is surrounded by a large lake with a range of water front properties and summer activities to enjoy.

Average Listing Price: $686,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.76

8. Yorba Linda    

Located just north of Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda was ranked by CNN as one of the best places to live in the U.S. – as well as one of the richest with a median annual income of more than $120,000. With a spectrum of parks, equestrian trails and gated communities, Yorba Linda certainly lives up to its city slogan "Land of Gracious Living".

This affluent suburb is full of well lit streets, families and sprawling foothills. Yorba Linda is a popular place to settle because of its top rated schools, friendly community feel and several recreational activities to enjoy.

Average Listing Price: $924,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.81

9. Ladera Ranch    

Popular among families with children, Ladera Ranch real estate is a great investment for young families looking to find a place to thrive. While the crime rate per residents was slightly higher than other cities on the list, it has one of the lowest total violent crimes clocking in under 20 for the entire year. That makes it safer than 78% of all cities in the U.S. according to NeighborhoodScout.

Average Listing Price: $881,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.83

10. Aliso Viejo          

Aliso Viejo is one of three communities that appear on both the top 10 safest list as well as the top 10 most affordable list for Orange County along with Rancho Santa Margarita and Seal Beach. Clean living, thriving businesses and a quiet atmosphere categorize this suburb. Although at the bottom of our list, Aliso Viejo is actually safer than 80% of the cities in the U.S. according to NeighborhoodScout.

The city has 21 parks, several top notch schools part of the Capistrano Unified School District and the Aliso Viejo Town Center which is town jewel. The town center not only has various shops and restaurants but also a large grassy area, water fountain, theater and best of all – tons of parking!

Average Listing Price: $533,000

Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.88