What to know when moving to Calabasas, CA
Calabasas at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 70.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 27.3% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $167,470, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $3,011, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Public transit use is only 0.4%.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $3,011/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Calabasas is a community that reflects a high level of education, with 70.9% of its residents holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $167,470 supports a lifestyle that can accommodate the local housing market, where the median gross rent stands at $3,011. However, with only 27.3% of residents renting, it's evident that many choose to purchase homes, which can have values around $1,674,900. The area is also characterized by very limited public transit use, at just 0.4%, suggesting that a car is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if: high rent and car dependence are dealbreakers for you.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $3,011, which could be a stretch for many budgets.
- Home values average around $1,674,900, indicating a strong homeowner presence.
- Education level is high, with 70.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree.
- The poverty rate is 9.1%, reflecting a relatively affluent community.
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 average. However, property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022, indicating a positive trend. Violent crime stands at a rate of 415.5 per 100,000 residents, significantly above the national rate by 27.7%, yet it has also seen a decline of 17.4% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3, down 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9, down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 44.9% since 2022, currently at 3.2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Calabasas has access to a total of 17 postsecondary institutions, with 16 of them located within Los Angeles County. This includes notable options for higher education in the region.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 17
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 16
- Notable nearby institutions include California State University-Northridge and American Jewish University.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Calabasas experiences an annual average of 18.8 inches of precipitation, with 32 rainy days throughout the year. Most of the rainfall occurs in the winter and fall, making it ideal to plan for drier summers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy several nearby parks and recreational areas.
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - 4.7 stars (7,255 reviews)
- Malibu Creek State Park - 4.7 stars (3,550 reviews)
- King Gillette Ranch, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority - 4.6 stars (1,030 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Los Angeles County, which includes Calabasas, has a labor force of approximately 5,148,903 people. The unemployment rate is currently at 5.0%, with 4,889,561 individuals employed as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.