What to know when moving to Pacoima, CA
TL;DR: Pacoima at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 37.2% of residents are renters and the median household income is $82,025.
- The Major Draw:
- The average gross rent is $1,818, which is relatively affordable compared to many areas in Los Angeles County.
- The Reality Check:
- The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 2.9% of residents use public transit for their commute.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 18.8 inches of rain annually, with about 32 rainy days each year.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Pacoima has a population of 98,820, with 11.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The high renter percentage suggests a dynamic community for those seeking rental opportunities. However, with a poverty rate of 16.9%, it may not be the ideal spot for everyone.
Probably not your spot if: you are looking for a highly educated population, as only 11.2% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,818, which reflects the local rental market dynamics.
- Median home value is $609,300, indicating a competitive housing market.
- 11.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, shaping the community's educational landscape.
- 37.2% of the housing units are rented, showing a significant portion of the population living in rental properties.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime statistics in California show some concerning trends, though improvements have occurred recently.
- Violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
- Property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, 14% higher than the national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 42 postsecondary institutions in the Los Angeles County area, providing access to a range of educational opportunities.
- Notable institutions include California State University-Northridge and the American Film Institute Conservatory.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Pacoima experiences an annual average precipitation of 18.8 inches, with about 32 rainy days per year. This means you might want to prepare for some wet days, especially in winter when it sees about 11 inches of rain.
- Parks worth checking out include Veterans Memorial Community Regional Park (4.8 stars, 2,315 reviews) and El Cariso Community Regional Park (4.7 stars, 2,242 reviews).
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park has a solid 4.2-star rating with 3,211 reviews, perfect for a fun outing.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the job market reflects significant activity, with a labor force of 5,148,903.
- Unemployment rate stands at 5% as of December 2025.
- Approximately 4,889,561 residents are employed in the county.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.