What to know when moving to Marina Del Rey, CA
Marina Del Rey at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 72.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and nearly 70% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $136,964, highlighting a well-off community.
- The Reality Check:
- Median rent is $3,501, which may stretch your budget.
- Commute:
- Only 0.9% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 18.8 inches of rain annually, with 32 rainy days each year.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Marina Del Rey attracts a well-educated crowd, with 72.9% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community is predominantly renters, as 69.8% do not own their homes. The high median household income of $136,964 suggests a financially stable environment, though the median gross rent of $3,501 might be a challenge for some. With only 0.9% of residents commuting via public transit, it is advisable to have a car for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you are budget-conscious, as the rent can be quite high for many.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $3,501, indicating a high cost of living.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,233,700, reflecting the area's affluent housing market.
- 72.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to the community's educated character.
- The poverty rate is low at 6.7%, suggesting a relatively affluent population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the crime rates show a mixed trend with property crime down by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025. Violent crime also decreased by 17.4% during the same period.
- Violent crime rate: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime rate: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9.
- 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
Marina Del Rey is served by a variety of educational institutions in the nearby area.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 61
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 57
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Los Angeles County experiences an annual average precipitation of 18.8 inches, spread over 32 rainy days. Most of the rainfall occurs in winter and fall, with 11 inches and 7.3 inches respectively.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Redondo Beach Pier - 4.6 stars (26,813 reviews)
- Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier - 4.6 stars (14,931 reviews)
- Will Rogers State Beach - 4.7 stars (4,626 reviews)
- Mothers Beach - 4.6 stars (3,260 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Los Angeles County has a robust job market with a significant labor force.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% as of December 2025.
- Total employed: 4,889,561.
- Total labor force: 5,148,903.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.