What to know when moving to Glendale, CA
TL;DR: Glendale at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 67.3% of residents are renters and the median household income is $74,980.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 92 educational institutions nearby, including Glendale Community College.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,034, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 2.5% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 32 rainy days a year, so invest in a good umbrella.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Glendale is a city with a population of 22,261, where 34.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a mix of renters and homeowners, with 67.3% of the population renting their homes. The median gross rent is $2,034, and the poverty rate stands at 15.2%. With only 2.5% of residents commuting via public transit, car ownership is likely essential.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median home value is $1,060,500.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,034, indicating a higher cost for renting in the area.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $1,060,500, which may be out of reach for many.
- 34.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the educated community character.
- The poverty rate is 15.2%, suggesting some economic challenges within the population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state-level crime rates show some notable trends. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. However, this has decreased by 17.4% since 2022. Property crime stands at 1,764 per 100,000, 14% higher than the national average, but it has also dropped by 26.1% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3 per 100,000.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9 per 100,000.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022, now at 3.2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Glendale has access to a total of 92 educational institutions, with 87 of them providing data through the College Scorecard. This includes a variety of colleges and vocational schools.
- Local institutions include Glendale Community College and Abraham Lincoln University.
- Access to numerous other colleges within Los Angeles County enhances educational opportunities.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Los Angeles County experiences an average annual precipitation of 18.8 inches, with about 32 rainy days per year. Most of the rain falls in winter and fall, totaling 11 inches and 7.3 inches respectively. Summer typically sees no rain at all.
- Griffith Park - 4.7 stars from 69,481 reviews.
- The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens - 4.8 stars from 8,022 reviews.
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County - 4.8 stars from 14,154 reviews.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is 5.0% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 5,148,903. The county has a total employment of 4,889,561.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% in December 2025.
- Employed individuals: 4,889,561.
- Total labor force: 5,148,903.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.