What to know when moving to San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 85.1% of residents are renters and the median household income is $42,898.
- The Major Draw:
- Median rent is $1,155, making it accessible compared to many neighboring areas.
- The Reality Check:
- The poverty rate stands at 28.9%, indicating economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 2.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,155 in rent each month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
San Bernardino features a population of 2,283, with a significant portion of its residents, 85.1%, renting their homes. The median household income is $42,898, which reflects the economic landscape of the area. With only 11.8% of the population holding a bachelor's degree, the community has room for growth in educational attainment. The annual rainfall totals around 6.6 inches, with 31 rainy days, so planning for wet weather is wise.
Probably not your spot if: high housing costs and a high poverty rate are dealbreakers for you.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,155, which is relatively affordable for renters in the region.
- The median home value is $348,400, pointing to a market that may be challenging for first-time homebuyers.
- 11.8% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, which can influence job opportunities and community services.
- The poverty rate is 28.9%, indicating that a significant portion of residents faces economic hardships.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state annual property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 1,546.9. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, also exceeding the national average of 325.3. However, both violent and property crime rates have seen a decline of 17.4% and 26.1% respectively since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
San Bernardino has access to 19 postsecondary institutions, including notable options in the nearby area.
- California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino Valley College
- Concorde Career College-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino Community College District
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
San Bernardino County sees an annual precipitation of about 6.6 inches with 31 rainy days. This climate allows for outdoor activities year-round, though residents should be prepared for occasional rain. Local parks offer great recreational opportunities.
- Lake Gregory Regional Park - 4.4 stars (4,535 reviews)
- Glen Helen Regional Park - 4.4 stars (3,076 reviews)
- San Bernardino County Museum - 4.7 stars (1,720 reviews)
- SkyPark at Santa's Village - 4.5 stars (2,195 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In San Bernardino County, the unemployment rate is 5.0% as of December 2025, with a labor force of approximately 1,054,660 and 1,001,640 employed individuals. This suggests a relatively stable job market in the area.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employment: 1,001,640
- Labor force: 1,054,660
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.