What to know when moving to Long Beach, CA
Signal Hill at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 47.9% of residents rent and the median household income is $102,684.
- The Major Draw:
- Proximity to amenities like the Battleship IOWA Museum, rated 4.8 by over 8,500 visitors.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 1.9% using public transit, it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,817/mo rent for a typical rental.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Signal Hill has a population of 11,654 and a median household income of $102,684, which supports a community with a significant renter presence at 47.9%. Education is notable, with 38.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area is predominantly car-dependent with only 1.9% of residents commuting via public transit, which may influence lifestyle and mobility choices.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a strong public transportation network.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,817, while median home values are around $730,200.
- 38.3% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a relatively educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, indicating some economic diversity.
- With only 1.9% commuting via public transit, most residents rely on cars for transportation.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Signal Hill is reflective of California as a whole. The state's property crime rate is 1,764 per 100k residents, which is 14% higher than the national average of 1,547. However, property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022. The violent crime rate in California is 415.5 per 100k, 27.7% above the national average of 325.3, but it too has dropped by 17.4% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, with a downward trend.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,547, with a downward trend.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Signal Hill provides access to a range of educational institutions in the nearby area, totaling 44 schools with 43 institutions tracked by the College Scorecard.
- American University of Health Sciences is located within Signal Hill.
- Nearby options include California State University-Dominguez Hills and Biola University.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, 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 each year. The winter months tend to be the wettest, contributing 11 inches of rain. There are several parks and outdoor spots worth exploring nearby.
- Battleship IOWA Museum - 4.8 stars, 8,549 reviews
- Hilltop Park - 4.8 stars, 5,158 reviews
- Bixby Park - 4.5 stars, 3,172 reviews
- ShoreLine Aquatic Park - 4.7 stars, 2,774 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Los Angeles County, encompassing Signal Hill, has a labor force of 5,148,903 with an unemployment rate of 5.0% as of December 2025.
- 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.