What to know when moving to North Hills, CA
TL;DR: North Hills at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A diverse community with 50.7% of residents renting and a median household income of $81,719.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,796, which is competitive for Los Angeles County.
- The Reality Check:
- 18.2% of the population lives below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- 6% of residents commute via public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for around 18.8 inches of rain annually, especially during the winter months.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
North Hills is home to a population of about 61,607, where 26.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a balanced housing market with slightly more than half (50.7%) renting their homes. Given the median household income of $81,719, the community reflects a mix of economic backgrounds, with a notable 18.2% living in poverty. The climate is mostly dry, but expect some rainy days, especially in the winter.
Probably not your spot if: high poverty rates are a concern, as 18.2% of residents fall below the poverty line.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,796, while the median owner-occupied home value is $751,000.
- The community has a poverty rate of 18.2%, indicating economic challenges for some residents.
- Approximately 6% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- The renter versus owner split is 50.7% renters to 49.3% owners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates show a mixed but generally declining trend. The state annual violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000 people, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Property crime in California has a rate of 1,764 per 100,000, 14% above the national average. However, notable decreases in crime rates have been observed, with a 26.1% drop in property crime and a 17.4% decline in violent crime since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3 per 100,000.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9 per 100,000.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
North Hills has access to 41 postsecondary institutions in nearby Los Angeles County, with 39 of those institutions providing College Scorecard data.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 41
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 39
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
North Hills experiences an average annual precipitation of 18.8 inches, with about 32 rainy days per year, primarily in the winter. This area enjoys a mild climate, making outdoor activities feasible throughout the year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park - 4.6 stars (6,136 reviews)
- O'Melveny Park - 4.8 stars (1,526 reviews)
- Franklin Canyon Park - 4.6 stars (1,952 reviews)
- Nethercutt Museum - 4.9 stars (1,421 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate stands at 5.0% as of December 2025, with a labor force of approximately 5.1 million people, of which nearly 4.9 million are employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Total employed: 4,889,561
- Total labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.