In a recent interview with WalletHub, the personal finance company unveiled key insights from its latest research on safety in California cities. As many families across the U.S. contemplate moving, critical factors like schools, transportation, and recreational options often influence their choices. However, the significance of safety is an aspect that shouldn’t be ignored.

WalletHub’s research identifies Irvine, located in Southern California, as the safest city in the state, while San Bernardino ranks as the least safe. The study assessed cities through a comprehensive evaluation of various safety issues, including public health crises, natural disasters, mass shootings, and traffic accidents. It also took into account financial security concerns such as inflation, high mortgage burdens, lack of health insurance, and identity theft.

When WalletHub compared over 180 cities nationwide using 41 safety indicators, Irvine secured the top spot in California and was ranked 11th overall in the country. While it didn’t make the top ten, this ranking highlights Irvine’s relatively safe environment. Conversely, California’s least safe cities, Los Angeles and San Bernardino, positioned themselves at 162nd and 173rd place nationwide, respectively.

Among the ten safest cities in Southern California according to WalletHub, Irvine leads the list, followed by Chula Vista at 23rd, Glendale at 25th, Santa Clarita at 29th, Garden Grove at 35th, Huntington Beach at 36th, Oceanside at 37th, San Diego at 43rd, Rancho Cucamonga at 48th, and Oxnard at 49th.