What to know when moving to Paramount, CA
TL;DR: Paramount at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $70,912 and 56.6% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 71 nearby educational institutions, including Healthcare Career College.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 13.3% and only 3.1% of residents using public transit.
- Commute:
- 3.1% use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,772 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Paramount is a city primarily composed of renters, with 56.6% of residents living in rental housing. The median household income stands at $70,912, which indicates a moderate economic landscape. The educational attainment in the area is relatively low, with only 13.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a community that may not prioritize higher education as much as others.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer high education levels or extensive public transit options, as only 3.1% of commuters utilize public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,772, making it a significant expense for renters.
- Median home value is $500,400, which might be a stretch for first-time buyers.
- The community has a poverty rate of 13.3%, indicating some economic challenges.
- Only 3.1% of residents commute via public transit, suggesting a car-dependent lifestyle.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state annual rate for violent crime is 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average of 325.3. Property crime in the state has an annual rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% above the national rate of 1,546.9. Notably, the homicide rate has decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Paramount has access to a total of 71 educational institutions in the nearby area, with 67 of them providing data through the College Scorecard. This includes options like Healthcare Career College and several others in Los Angeles County and neighboring counties.
- Postsecondary institutions: 71 in total.
- With College Scorecard data: 67.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Los Angeles County experiences an annual precipitation of about 18.8 inches, with an average of 32 rainy days per year. The area sees a significant amount of rainfall in the winter, totaling approximately 11 inches across 14 rainy days.
- Apollo Park - 4.5 stars (1,548 reviews)
- Bolivar Park - 4.6 stars (1,286 reviews)
- Furman Park - 4.6 stars (1,210 reviews)
- DeForest Park - 4.3 stars (1,185 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is currently at 5.0%, with a labor force of approximately 5,148,903 individuals. The total employment stands at 4,889,561.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 4,889,561.
- Labor force: 5,148,903.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.