What to know when moving to Murrieta, CA
Murrieta at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 34.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and nearly 30% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $113,204, providing a solid economic base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- Median rent is $2,262, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Public transit share is only 0.3%, so a car is necessary for most residents.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 40 rainy days a year, so investing in rain gear is advisable.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Murrieta is a growing community with a population of 65,116. The area has a moderately high median household income at $113,204, which reflects a relatively stable economic environment. With a renter percentage of 29.5%, nearly a third of residents opt for rental living. The education level is notable, with 34.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a well-educated populace.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low-cost rental, as the median rent stands at $2,262.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,262, which could be a stretch for many budgets.
- Median home value is $629,000, indicating a significant investment for homeowners.
- 34.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the community's overall educational character.
- The poverty rate is low at 6.3%, suggesting economic stability.
- Public transit usage is very low at 0.3%, making car ownership essential.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California has a property crime rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. The state has seen a significant decrease in property crime by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025. Violent crime in California stands at 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national rate, but also reflects a 17.4% decrease since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Murrieta has access to five postsecondary institutions within Riverside County. These options provide a range of educational opportunities for residents.
- High Desert Medical College - Temecula
- Paul Mitchell the School-Temecula
- Professional Golfers Career College
- San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula
- The University of America
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Riverside County experiences an average annual precipitation of 10.7 inches, with about 40 rainy days each year. The winter months typically see the most precipitation, totaling 5.4 inches, while summers are quite dry with only 0.3 inches.
- Murrieta Hot Springs - 4.4 stars from 1,919 reviews
- Los Alamos Hills Sports Park - 4.7 stars from 1,106 reviews
- Ronald Reagan Sports Park - 4.6 stars from 1,068 reviews
- Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve - 4.7 stars from 534 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Riverside County, the unemployment rate is currently at 5.2%. The labor force consists of 1,211,232 individuals, with 1,148,124 currently employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.2% as of December 2025
- Employed: 1,148,124
- Labor force: 1,211,232
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.