What to know when moving to Aliso Viejo, CA
Aliso Viejo at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 57% of residents hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $134,538, which can support a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median rent of $2,764, housing can be a significant expense.
- Commute:
- Only 0.6% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 42 rainy days a year; investing in rain gear could save you some hassle.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Aliso Viejo is primarily a residential community with a population of 52,645. The area features a mix of renters and homeowners, with 42.4% of residents renting their homes. The median owner-occupied home value is $849,900, which reflects the demand for housing in the region. With a poverty rate of just 5.1%, the community has a relatively high level of economic stability.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking affordable housing, as the median rent is on the higher side.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,764, which requires a substantial budget.
- The median home value is $849,900, indicating a strong housing market.
- 57% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, showing economic stability in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates provide a broader context for safety in Aliso Viejo.
- Violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100k, compared to the national average of 325.3, with a downward trend of 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime rate is 1,764 per 100k, above the national average of 1,546.9, but has decreased by 26.1% from 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate is down 44.9% since 2022, currently at 3.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Aliso Viejo provides access to a range of educational options.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 17
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 16
- Notable institutions include Soka University of America and University of Massachusetts Global.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Orange County experiences an average annual precipitation of 15.6 inches across 42 rainy days, which is manageable for outdoor activities.
- Aliso Beach - 4.7 stars (4,061 reviews)
- O'Neill Regional Park - 4.6 stars (2,204 reviews)
- Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park - 4.7 stars (721 reviews)
- Laguna Beach - 4.7 stars (6,012 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Employment metrics for Orange County paint a clear picture of the job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% as of December 2025.
- Total employment in Orange County: 1,578,358.
- Total labor force: 1,642,351.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.