What to know when moving to Moreno Valley, CA
TL;DR: Moreno Valley at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $92,172 and 31.8% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 10 nearby schools, including Moreno Valley College.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.7% of residents using public transit, car ownership is essential.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $2,046/month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Moreno Valley has a population of around 36,190, with a relatively high median household income of $92,172. About 14.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a mixed educational background. The area has a significant renter population at 31.8%, suggesting an affordable housing market compared to homeownership costs. The local climate sees approximately 10.7 inches of rain annually, with 40 rainy days per year, so be prepared for wet weather at times.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a strong public transit system, as only 0.7% of the population commutes using public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,046, which may require budgeting for higher monthly housing costs.
- Median home value stands at $435,700, reflecting a market that may be less accessible for first-time buyers.
- The community has a 10.5% poverty rate, suggesting a mix of economic circumstances.
- With 31.8% renters, there is a notable demand for rental housing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 people, which is 14% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, 27.7% above the national average of 325.3. Notably, both property and violent crime rates have shown a decreasing trend since 2022, with property crime down 26.1% and violent crime down 17.4%.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, decreasing trend.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9, decreasing trend.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
In the Moreno Valley area, there are 10 total postsecondary institutions, providing a variety of educational opportunities. Key options include:
- Moreno Valley College
- University of California-Riverside (nearby)
- Riverside City College (nearby)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Riverside County experiences an average annual precipitation of 10.7 inches, with about 40 days of rain each year. The area enjoys a dry climate, especially in summer when rainfall is minimal.
- Fairmount Park - 4.5 stars (7,897 reviews)
- Mount Rubidoux Park - 4.8 stars (4,184 reviews)
- March Field Air Museum - 4.8 stars (2,761 reviews)
- Rancho Jurupa Park - 4.5 stars (2,234 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Riverside County has a labor force of 1,211,232 with an employment figure of 1,148,124. The unemployment rate stands at 5.2%, indicating a relatively stable job market for the area.
- Unemployment rate: 5.2% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 1,148,124 individuals.
- Labor force: 1,211,232 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.