356 movers in Santa Ana
What to know when moving to Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 70.8% of residents renting and a median household income of $68,697.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 59 educational institutions, including Santa Ana College and Rancho Santiago Community College.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 15.7% may present challenges for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 3.2% of commuters use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,650 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Santa Ana, a significant portion of the population is made up of renters, with 70.8% living in rental properties. The median gross rent is $1,650, which reflects the area's housing market dynamics. The community has a relatively low education attainment rate, with only 11% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This may appeal to those looking for affordable housing options without the pressure of high educational expenses.
Probably not your spot if: You are looking for a highly educated population, as only 11% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,650, which is relatively affordable given the median household income of $68,697.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $608,300, indicating a competitive housing market.
- The community has a poverty rate of 15.7%, which may affect overall living conditions.
- Renter percentage is high at 70.8%, suggesting a strong rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the annual property crime rate is 1,764 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 14% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000, 27.7% above the national average. However, property crime has seen a decline of 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, while violent crime has decreased by 17.4% in the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Santa Ana offers access to a total of 59 postsecondary institutions, with 56 of them providing College Scorecard data. Notable nearby options include Santa Ana College and Trinity Law School, along with various vocational training institutes.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 59
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 56
- Nearby options include American College of Healthcare and Technology and Rancho Santiago Community College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, and College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Orange County experiences around 15.6 inches of rain annually, with an average of 42 rainy days each year. The winters are wetter, contributing to about 8.6 inches of rain in that season alone.
- Mile Square Regional Park: 4.7 stars, 6,808 reviews
- Eisenhower Park: 4.6 stars, 2,391 reviews
- Bowers Museum: 4.7 stars, 2,150 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orange County, the unemployment rate is currently 3.9%, with approximately 1,578,358 people employed out of a labor force of 1,642,351.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% (December 2025)
- Employed: 1,578,358
- Labor force: 1,642,351
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
