Where is Rancho Santa Margarita, California Located in the United States? - Rancho Santa Margarita is a city located in the Orange County in California, United States. Rancho Santa Margarita lies between 33.6409 Degrees North latitudes and -117.6031 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Rancho Santa Margarita in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California.
Rancho Santa Margarita Map, California, USA
About Rancho Santa Margarita Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County, California
Rancho Santa Margarita is located in Orange County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains in South Orange County. The city was incorporated in 2000 and was named after the historic Rancho Santa Margarita land grant that once covered much of the region, and it developed as a planned residential community surrounded by natural open space.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Rancho Santa Margarita is 47,949 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,600 people per square mile.
Area and Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Rancho Santa Margarita covers a total area of approximately 13.0 square miles (about 33.7 square kilometers), including about 13.0 square miles (33.7 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
Rancho Santa Margarita is situated east of Mission Viejo and south of Lake Forest, positioned within rolling hills at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains. The city features residential neighborhoods, scenic lakes, and extensive trail systems surrounded by natural open space. State Route 241 and nearby Interstate 5 provide major transportation routes connecting Rancho Santa Margarita to other communities in Orange County and Southern California.
Attractions and Recreation
Rancho Santa Margarita offers parks, lakes, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Lago Santa Margarita, O’Neill Regional Park, and the Arroyo Trabuco Trail system. The city hosts seasonal festivals, community events, and outdoor activities that reflect its family-oriented suburban environment.
Transportation
Rancho Santa Margarita is served by nearby State Route 241 and Interstate 5, offering convenient highway access throughout Orange County and Southern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport, located approximately 20 miles to the northwest.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Rancho Santa Margarita City Website.
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Rancho Santa Margarita City Facts
| City | Rancho Santa Margarita |
| State | California |
| County | Orange County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | South Orange County |
| Incorporated | January 1, 2000 |
| Founded | 1980s planned community |
| Total Area | Approximately 13.0 sq mi (33.7 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 13.0 sq mi (33.7 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 925 ft (282 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 47,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 47,949 |
| Population Density | Approximately 3,700 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 92688, 92679 |
| Area Code | 949 |
| Major Highways | State Route 241, Interstate 5 (nearby) |
| Public Transit | OCTA Bus |
| Major Attractions | Rancho Santa Margarita Lake, O’Neill Regional Park, Tijeras Creek Golf Club |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofrsm.org/ |
Distance from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to Nearby Cities
- Mission Viejo, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
- Lake Forest, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Aliso Viejo, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Laguna Hills, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Laguna Niguel, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Irvine, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Tustin, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
- Newport Beach, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
- Costa Mesa, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
- Santa Ana, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Anaheim, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Orange, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Huntington Beach, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
- Corona, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Riverside, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- San Clemente, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Dana Point, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
- Temecula, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
- San Diego, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
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