What to know when moving to Hawthorne, CA
Hawthorne at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 68.2% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $74,923, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 15.3%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 3.7% use public transit, so plan on having a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,723.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Hawthorne features a population of 94,991, with a notable 68.2% of residents renting. The area is characterized by a median household income of $74,923, suggesting a working-class community with a mix of economic backgrounds. The education level is moderate, with only 25.9% of the population holding a bachelor's degree. The 15.3% poverty rate indicates that while there are opportunities, some residents may be economically disadvantaged.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a highly affluent environment or rely on public transit, as only 3.7% commute via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,723, which may be challenging for some budgets.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $827,600, reflecting the high cost of homeownership in the area.
- The community has a poverty rate of 15.3%, indicating economic diversity.
- 68.2% of residents are renters, showing a significant demand for rental housing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates show some areas of concern, but with improvements over time. The state annual rate for violent crime is 415.5 per 100,000 people, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Property crime sits at a rate of 1,764 per 100,000, also above the national average of 1,546.9, although property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national average 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
Hawthorne residents have access to a variety of educational institutions within Los Angeles County.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 68
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 62
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Hawthorne experiences an average annual precipitation of 18.8 inches across approximately 32 rainy days. The winter months see the most rain, with about 11 inches over 14 days. Nearby parks provide outdoor activities and spaces for relaxation.
- Dockweiler Beach - 4.5 stars (16,843 reviews)
- Charles H. Wilson Park - 4.7 stars (4,221 reviews)
- Polliwog Park - 4.6 stars (2,241 reviews)
- South Park Recreation Center - 4.3 stars (2,058 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is currently 5.0%, with a labor force of about 5.1 million people. Over 4.8 million are employed, indicating a robust job market in the area.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.