352 movers in San Clemente
What to know when moving to San Clemente, CA
San Clemente at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A coastal area where 48.6% of residents are renters and the median household income is $109,991.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to beautiful outdoor spaces like San Onofre State Beach, rated 4.6 stars by over 4,200 visitors.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,370, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,370/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
San Clemente is a picturesque coastal town with a population of about 37,470. With nearly half of residents (48.6%) renting, the community has a balanced mix of homeownership and rental options. The median household income stands at $109,991, reflecting a relatively affluent demographic. However, with only 0.4% commuting via public transit, it is a car-dependent area. Residents enjoy an average of 15.6 inches of rainfall annually, spread across about 42 rainy days, making outdoor activities a common pastime.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for an area with robust public transit options, as the overwhelming majority rely on cars to get around.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,370, which reflects the area's coastal appeal.
- The median home value is $1,240,000, indicating a high cost of homeownership.
- 48.6% of residents are renters, suggesting a diverse housing market.
- The poverty rate is 8.1%, which is relatively low.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the annual violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000 people, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Property crime stands at 1,764 per 100,000 people, 14% above the national rate. However, significant trends show that both violent and property crime rates have decreased by 17.4% and 26.1% respectively from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime rate: 415.5 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime rate: 1,764 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates dropped by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
San Clemente has access to a total of 5 postsecondary institutions within Orange County, offering a variety of educational opportunities.
- Laguna College of Art and Design
- Saddleback College
- Soka University of America
- South Orange County Community College District
- University of Massachusetts Global
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Orange County experiences about 15.6 inches of rain annually, with 42 rainy days each year. This climate is conducive to outdoor activities, especially with nearby parks and beaches.
- San Onofre State Beach - 4.6 stars (4,252 reviews)
- Strand Vista Park - 4.8 stars (2,141 reviews)
- Calafia Beach Park - 4.7 stars (1,746 reviews)
- San Clemente State Beach - 4.6 stars (1,623 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orange County, the unemployment rate stands at 3.9% as of December 2025, with a total labor force of 1,642,351. The area boasts approximately 1,578,358 employed individuals.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% in December 2025
- Employed: 1,578,358
- Labor force: 1,642,351
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
