What to know when moving to Anaheim, CA
TL;DR: Anaheim at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 63.6% of residents rent and the median household income is $78,477.
- The Major Draw:
- Disneyland Park, rated 4.6 with over 126,000 reviews, is a major attraction.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,977, housing costs are significant.
- Commute:
- Only 2.7% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 15.6 inches of annual rainfall - an umbrella is a must!
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Anaheim is home to a population of 61,218, with a significant portion of residents (63.6%) renting their homes. The area has a bachelor's degree attainment rate of 21.1%, which contributes to a diverse community. The median household income of $78,477 suggests a moderate economic landscape, but the 14.2% poverty rate indicates some residents face financial challenges.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for extensive public transit options, as just 2.7% of the community relies on it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,977, which is significant for potential renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value stands at $632,600, indicating a competitive housing market.
- 21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's character.
- The poverty rate is 14.2%, reflecting some economic disparity.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates show a mixed picture, with property crime at a state annual rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national rate. Violent crime rates are also concerning, at 415.5 per 100,000, exceeding the national average by nearly 28%.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, trending down 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, trending down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Residents have access to a total of 69 postsecondary institutions in the area, with 67 of them providing data through College Scorecard. Notable institutions include American Career College-Anaheim and North Orange County Community College District, reflecting a range of educational opportunities nearby.
- Postsecondary institutions: 69
- With College Scorecard data: 67
- Nearby notable schools: American Career College-Anaheim, Bethesda University, North Orange County Community College District
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Anaheim experiences an average annual precipitation of 15.6 inches, with 42 rainy days each year. This mild climate makes it suitable for outdoor activities year-round. Nearby parks and attractions, such as Disneyland Park and Yorba Regional Park, provide plenty of recreational options for residents.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Disneyland Park - 4.6 stars from 126,394 reviews
- Disney California Adventure Park - 4.7 stars from 77,237 reviews
- Yorba Regional Park - 4.7 stars from 4,091 reviews
- Paradise Gardens Park - 4.7 stars from 12,110 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orange County, the employment picture is stable, with an unemployment rate of 3.9% as of December 2025. The labor force consists of about 1.6 million individuals, with nearly 1.6 million employed, indicating a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% (December 2025)
- Employed: 1,578,358
- Labor force: 1,642,351
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.