What to know when moving to Fountain Valley, CA
Fountain Valley at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 44.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 33.9% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $111,797, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- The median gross rent is $2,507, which could be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.3% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,507/month rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fountain Valley features a population of 56,358, with a significant portion of residents enjoying a comfortable lifestyle reflected in the median household income of $111,797. The community is characterized by a high education level, with nearly 45% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. However, with a renter percentage of 33.9%, homeownership remains less common. The area is car-dependent, with minimal public transit use, making it important for newcomers to have access to a vehicle.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rent, as the median gross rent is $2,507.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $2,507, which means planning your budget is essential.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,018,600, indicating a high cost for homebuyers.
- Approximately 7.3% of the population lives in poverty, highlighting economic diversity.
- With only 0.3% using public transit, this is largely 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 is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. However, property crime has decreased by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, indicating a positive trend in safety.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Fountain Valley has access to a total of 60 postsecondary institutions in the region, with 57 of those having College Scorecard data available. Notable institutions nearby include Coastline Community College and Coastline Beauty College, both located within Fountain Valley. Other options in Orange County provide residents with a variety of educational paths.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 60
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 57
- Nearby options include Coastline Community College and Coastline Beauty College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Orange County experiences an annual average precipitation of about 15.6 inches, with 42 rainy days throughout the year. The area does not see snowfall, making it a great option for those who prefer mild weather. Local outdoor options include Mile Square Regional Park, which has a rating of 4.7 and over 6,800 reviews, and the Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park, rated 4.6 with over 1,100 reviews.
- Mile Square Regional Park (4.7 stars, 6,808 reviews)
- Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park (4.6 stars, 1,139 reviews)
- Disneyland Park (4.6 stars, 126,395 reviews) - a nearby outing option
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orange County, the unemployment rate stands at 3.9% as of December 2025, with a labor force of approximately 1,642,351. The county has a total employment of around 1,578,358, indicating a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9%
- Total employment: 1,578,358
- Labor force: 1,642,351
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.