As of the 2000 census, Coto de Caza had a total population of 13,057. This rural community consists of about 4000 homes, it is one of Orange County's oldest planned communities.

The first residents of the area known a Rancho Santa Margarita were Shoshonean Native Americans called Acjachemen. This land was purchased in 1843 by Juan Forster who renamed it "La Victoria."