What to know when moving to Santa Clarita, CA
Santa Clarita at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 40.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 17.6% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $135,612, providing a solid financial base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,485, which may be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,485 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santa Clarita is home to a population of 43,621, where the median household income stands at a notable $135,612. With 40.7% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree, the community leans towards the educated. Housing options appear to favor owners, with 82.4% of residents owning their homes, reflecting a relatively low renter percentage.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rental options, as the median gross rent is $2,485.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,485, which is on the higher end for renters.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $733,000, indicating a strong real estate market.
- Education level is high, with 40.7% of residents having a bachelor's degree or higher.
- Poverty rate is low at 6.4%, showcasing financial stability in the community.
- Only 2% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a potential need for personal vehicles.
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 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national rate. However, property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022. The violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000 residents, 27.7% above the national average, but also down 17.4% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k (California) vs. 325.3 per 100k (national average)
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k (California) vs. 1,546.9 per 100k (national average)
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Santa Clarita has access to a total of 5 postsecondary institutions, all located within Los Angeles County.
- College of the Canyons
- The Master's University and Seminary
- Academy of Esthetics and Cosmetology
- California Institute of the Arts
- Los Angeles Mission College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Los Angeles County experiences an average annual precipitation of about 18.8 inches, with 32 rainy days. Winter brings the most rain, totaling 11 inches over 14 days. For outdoor activities, Santa Clarita offers several parks and attractions.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain - 4.5 stars (51,274 reviews)
- Central Park - 4.7 stars (2,348 reviews)
- Nethercutt Museum - 4.9 stars (1,421 reviews)
- Canyon Country Park - 4.7 stars (987 reviews)
- Hart Park - 4.7 stars (925 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is 5.0% as of December 2025. The labor force numbers indicate that there are 5,148,903 individuals, with 4,889,561 employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.