What to know when moving to Buena Park, CA
TL;DR: Buena Park at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 32.6% hold a bachelor's degree and 27.3% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $122,582, which supports a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $2,263, housing costs can be high.
- Commute:
- Only 1% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,263/month in rent to find a place that fits your needs.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Buena Park is an area with a population of about 46,992, where the median household income is $122,582. The community has a relatively low poverty rate of 6.8%, and education is valued, with 32.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. However, only 27.3% of the population are renters, indicating that many residents own their homes. The area sees about 15.6 inches of rain annually, with 42 rainy days, so be prepared for some wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high percentage of renters or a strong public transit system, as only 1% commute via public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,263, which may impact your monthly budget.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $782,000, reflecting a competitive housing market.
- Education level is notable, with 32.6% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree.
- The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, indicating a generally stable economic environment.
- Only 1% of residents use public transit for commuting, suggesting a strong reliance on cars.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates show that property crime has an annual rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average of 1,546.9. Violent crime in the state has a rate of 415.5 per 100,000, exceeding the national average by 27.7%.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. 325.3 national, trending down 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. 1,546.9 national, trending down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Buena Park has access to a total of 70 postsecondary institutions in the region, including options in nearby Orange County and Los Angeles County. Notable institutions include California State University-Fullerton and American Career College-Anaheim.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 70
- With College Scorecard data: 68
- Nearby notable institutions: California State University-Fullerton, American Career College-Anaheim
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Orange County enjoys a mild climate with about 15.6 inches of annual precipitation and 42 rainy days. This area has a mix of parks and recreational opportunities, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Disneyland Park - 4.6 stars (126,394 reviews)
- Disney California Adventure Park - 4.7 stars (77,237 reviews)
- Paradise Gardens Park - 4.7 stars (12,110 reviews)
- El Dorado East Regional Park - 4.7 stars (5,644 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orange County, the unemployment rate is 3.9%, with a labor force of 1,642,351 and 1,578,358 employed individuals. This indicates a robust job market, supporting the area's economic stability.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% as of December 2025
- Employed: 1,578,358
- Labor force: 1,642,351
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.