What to know when moving to Bonita, CA
Bonita at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $121,727 and 20.6% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to parks like Rohr Park, which has a 4.6 rating from nearly 3,000 users.
- The Reality Check:
- The median gross rent is $2,252, reflecting high housing costs.
- Commute:
- Only 1% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,252/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Bonita is a largely residential area with a population of 17,445. The community is well-educated, with 42.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. However, with only 20.6% of residents renting, it suggests a strong homeowner presence. The area sees about 12 inches of rain annually, spread over approximately 50 rainy days. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy nearby parks, including Rohr Park and Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, both highly rated by locals.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing options, given the median gross rent of $2,252.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,252, indicating a relatively high cost of living.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $916,100, reflecting expensive housing markets.
- The poverty rate is low at 5.9%, suggesting economic stability.
- Only 1% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the property crime rate stands at 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. However, this has seen a significant decrease of 26.1% from 2022 to 2025. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is about 27.7% higher than the national average, but has also dropped by 17.4% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k (California) vs. 325.3 per 100k (national)
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k (California) vs. 1,546.9 per 100k (national)
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Bonita offers access to a total of 38 postsecondary institutions in San Diego County, with 34 having College Scorecard data available.
- Postsecondary institutions: 38
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 34
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Bonita experiences an annual precipitation of about 12 inches, with approximately 50 rainy days each year. The winter months account for the majority of rainfall, totaling around 7.3 inches.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Rohr Park - 4.6 rating (2,954 reviews)
- Chula Vista Bayside Park - 4.6 rating (2,935 reviews)
- Sweetwater Summit Regional Park - 4.5 rating (1,873 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In San Diego County, the unemployment rate is 4.4%, with approximately 1,604,783 employed individuals out of a labor force of 1,678,915.
- Unemployment rate: 4.4% (December 2025)
- Employed: 1,604,783
- Labor force: 1,678,915
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.