What to know when moving to Chatsworth, CA
Chatsworth at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 44.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 33.2% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $117,574, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,199, which may strain budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.7% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,199 in rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Chatsworth is characterized by a relatively high education level, with nearly half of the residents (44.9%) holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a solid median household income of $117,574, indicating a financially stable community. However, with 33.2% of residents renting and median gross rent at $2,199, housing costs can be substantial. Additionally, only 0.7% of locals rely on public transit, suggesting a car-dependent lifestyle. The area has around 32 rainy days each year, so residents should be prepared for some wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a lower cost of living, as housing expenses are on the higher side.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,199, which can impact monthly budgets significantly.
- Median home value is $837,300, indicating a competitive real estate market.
- 44.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 7.6%, suggesting a relatively low level of economic hardship.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime data indicates a mixed picture for residents. The violent crime rate is 415.5 incidents per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 325.3. However, property crime has seen a significant decline of 26.1% since 2022, with a rate of 1,764 per 100,000, also above the national rate of 1,546.9.
- 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 rate decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Chatsworth has access to 25 postsecondary institutions in the surrounding area, offering a range of educational opportunities.
- Postsecondary institutions: 25
- With College Scorecard data: 24
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Los Angeles County experiences an annual average of 18.8 inches of precipitation, with about 32 rainy days each year. The winter months typically see the most rainfall, accumulating around 11 inches. For outdoor activities, Chatsworth offers several parks and recreational areas.
- O'Melveny Park - 4.8 stars (1,526 reviews)
- Mason Park - 4.5 stars (1,438 reviews)
- Nethercutt Museum - 4.9 stars (1,421 reviews)
- Dearborn Park - 4.4 stars (1,248 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is 5.0%, with approximately 2,593,42 individuals unemployed out of a labor force of about 5,148,903.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.