What to know when moving to Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 75.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 95.2% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $106,704, which supports a vibrant community.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $2,549, housing costs are considerably high.
- Commute:
- Only 3.5% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for rent around $2,549 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santa Monica has a population of about 7,925, with a significant portion of its residents being highly educated. Roughly 95.2% of the housing is rented, which contributes to a dynamic community atmosphere. With 75.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the area attracts individuals focused on education and professional growth.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median rent is $2,549.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,549, making it a costly place to live.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,129,700, indicating a high real estate market.
- The poverty rate stands at 19.2%, suggesting economic challenges for some residents.
- With 95.2% of residents renting, this area leans heavily towards a rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average of 1,547. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000, exceeding the national average of 325.3 by 27.7%.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate 325.3
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national rate 1,547
- Notable trend: Property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Santa Monica has access to educational opportunities with a total of 43 postsecondary institutions in the nearby area.
- Colleges with College Scorecard data: 41
- Notable institutions include Santa Monica College and Pardee RAND Graduate School.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Los Angeles County sees about 18.8 inches of rain annually across 32 rainy days. Winter brings the highest precipitation, with 11 inches of rain over 14 days. The area is ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Santa Monica State Beach (4.6 stars, 1,474 reviews)
- Palisades Park (4.7 stars, 8,057 reviews)
- Clover Park (4.7 stars, 1,717 reviews)
- Ocean View Park (4.7 stars, 2,327 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is currently at 5.0%, with approximately 4,889,561 people employed out of a labor force of 5,148,903.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% as of December 2025
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.