What to know when moving to Canoga Park, CA
Canoga Park at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 79.3% of residents rent and the median household income is $76,051.
- The Major Draw:
- Close proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, rated 4.7 stars by over 7,200 visitors.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 17.8% may be a concern for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 7% of commuters use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for about 18.8 inches of rain annually, with 32 rainy days.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Canoga Park has a population of approximately 29,522 residents, with a notable 79.3% renting their homes. The median gross rent is around $1,983, making it important for potential residents to budget accordingly. Only 24.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a diverse educational background. The area experiences around 18.8 inches of precipitation each year, which could influence outdoor activities.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a lower poverty rate, as it stands at 17.8%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $1,983, which could be a significant portion of a budget.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $645,300, suggesting a competitive housing market.
- Only 7% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent community.
- With a renter percentage of 79.3%, the rental market is quite dominant.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data reflects California's state-level rates, with property crime at an annual rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. However, there has been a significant decrease of 26.1% in property crimes since 2022. Violent crime is also higher than the national rate, at 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% more than the national average.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 44.9% since 2022, now at 3.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Canoga Park has access to 23 postsecondary institutions, with 22 of them providing College Scorecard data.
- California Career College
- California State University-Northridge
- Los Angeles Mission College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
The area receives an annual total of 18.8 inches of precipitation, with winter being the wettest season, averaging 11 inches across 14 rainy days. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities in nearby parks.
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - 4.7 stars from 7,255 reviews
- Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park - 4.6 stars from 6,136 reviews
- Malibu Creek State Park - 4.7 stars from 3,550 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is currently 5.0%, with approximately 4.89 million people employed and a labor force of about 5.15 million.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% as of December 2025
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.