What to know when moving to Pomona, CA
TL;DR: Pomona at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 46.6% of residents rent and the median household income is $77,699.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 36 postsecondary institutions in the area, including California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 12.8%, some residents may face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 1.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,776.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Pomona has a population of 68,673, with a median household income of $77,699. The education level is relatively low, with only 19.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Approximately 46.6% of the community are renters, which contributes to a diverse housing market.
Residents enjoy an area with low public transit use; only 1.2% of commuters rely on it. The region also sees about 18.8 inches of rainfall annually, so having an umbrella handy is wise. Probably not your spot if you are seeking a highly educated community or robust public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,776, while the median owner-occupied home value is $568,300.
- The community has a poverty rate of 12.8%, indicating some financial challenges for residents.
- With only 1.2% of residents commuting via public transit, plan for a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Renter households make up 46.6% of the population, which highlights a significant rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for California indicates a mixed picture, with declining rates in several areas. For violent crime, the state's annual rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national rate. Property crime stands at 1,764 per 100,000, 14% above the national average of 1,546.9, although there has been a notable decrease in crime rates over the last few years.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 (down 17.4% since 2022).
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 (down 26.1% since 2022).
- Homicide rate: 3.2 per 100,000 (down 44.9% since 2022).
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Pomona provides access to a total of 36 postsecondary institutions across nearby counties, including:
- California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
- Western University of Health Sciences
- North-West College-Pomona
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Los Angeles County experiences about 18.8 inches of rain annually, with a maximum of 32 rainy days. The winter season brings the most precipitation, totaling around 11 inches. For outdoor activities, residents can explore:
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park - 4.3 stars, 2,838 reviews
- English Springs Park - 4.7 stars, 1,790 reviews
- Planes of Fame Air Museum - 4.8 stars, 1,671 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Los Angeles County shows an unemployment rate of 5.0% as of December 2025, with approximately 4.89 million employed individuals out of a labor force of about 5.15 million. This indicates a robust employment landscape overall.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.