What to know when moving to Los Alamitos, CA
TL;DR: Los Alamitos at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 52.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 35.1% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $134,232, making it a financially comfortable area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,370, which could be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.4% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,370/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Los Alamitos is characterized by its high educational attainment, with over half the population holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community has a median household income of $134,232, suggesting financial stability among residents. With 35.1% of the population renting, there are options for both renters and homeowners. However, with only 0.4% using public transit, most residents rely on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median gross rent is $2,370.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,370, which can be challenging for budget-conscious individuals.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,166,200, indicating a high property market.
- Educational attainment is strong, with 52.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and a poverty rate of 6.8%.
- Only 0.4% of residents commute via public transit, highlighting a need for personal transportation.
- Renter percentage stands at 35.1%, showing a mix of rental and ownership options.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state has witnessed a decline in both violent and property crime rates over the past few years. The violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000 people, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000, which is 14% higher than the national average. Notably, the homicide rate has dropped significantly by 44.9% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3, down 17.4% from 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national average of 1,546.9, down 26.1% from 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are a total of 68 postsecondary institutions in the region, with 65 of them providing College Scorecard data. Notable nearby institutions include Touro University Worldwide and California State University-Fullerton, among others.
- Postsecondary institutions: 68
- With College Scorecard data: 65
- Notable schools include Touro University Worldwide and California State University-Fullerton.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Orange County experiences an average annual precipitation of 15.6 inches, with about 42 rainy days per year. The winter months receive the most rain, totaling approximately 8.6 inches. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby parks provide great options for recreation.
- Disneyland Park - 4.6 stars (126,395 reviews)
- Disney California Adventure Park - 4.7 stars (77,237 reviews)
- Cerritos Heritage Park - 4.7 stars (3,252 reviews)
- Don Knabe Community Regional Park - 4.6 stars (3,124 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orange County, the unemployment rate is currently 3.9%, with a labor force of 1,642,351 people. The total number of employed individuals stands at 1,578,358, indicating a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% as of December 2025
- Employed: 1,578,358
- Labor force: 1,642,351
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.