What to know when moving to Harbor City, CA
Harbor City at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 45.1% of residents are renters and the median household income is $77,486.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,547, making it relatively affordable for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 11.9%, economic challenges exist for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 2.1% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,547 in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Harbor City has a population of 26,777, with a median household income of $77,486. Approximately 45.1% of residents are renters, which suggests a mix of housing options. The education level is notable, with 32.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. However, only 2.1% of the population commutes via public transit, indicating a strong reliance on cars for transportation.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a community with strong public transit options or if high housing costs are a concern, given the median gross rent of $1,547.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,547, which is relatively affordable compared to many areas in Los Angeles County.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $648,600, reflecting a high cost for homeownership.
- 32.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a fairly educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, suggesting some economic challenges for residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for California shows that property crime rates are higher than the national average, but there have been positive trends in recent years.
- Property crime rate: 1,764 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime rate: 415.5 per 100,000 residents, higher than the national rate of 325.3.
- Notable trend: The property crime rate has decreased by 26.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Harbor City has access to 27 postsecondary institutions in the surrounding area.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 27
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 25
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Los Angeles County receives an average annual precipitation of 18.8 inches, with about 32 rainy days each year. Winter tends to be the wettest season, averaging 11 inches of rain.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Battleship IOWA Museum - 4.8 stars (8,549 reviews)
- Point Fermin Park - 4.7 stars (6,729 reviews)
- Charles H. Wilson Park - 4.7 stars (4,221 reviews)
- White Point Park - 4.7 stars (4,112 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Los Angeles County has a large labor force and a notable unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% as of December 2025
- Employed individuals: 4,889,561
- Total labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.