Reviewed movers in Santee
What to know when moving to Santee, CA
Santee at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 28% of residents are renters and the median household income is $105,603.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to numerous parks like Mission Trails Regional Park, rated 4.8 by over 7,800 users.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $2,202, housing costs are on the higher side.
- Commute:
- Only 1.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget around $2,202 for rent to find a comfortable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santee has a population of 59,739, with a median household income of $105,603. Approximately 28% of the residents are renters, indicating a community that has a mix of ownership and rental living. The median gross rent stands at $2,202, which is a significant factor for those considering a move here. The area sees about 50 rainy days a year, so be prepared for some wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low-cost living or rely heavily on public transit, as only 1.2% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $2,202, making housing costs relatively high.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $654,800.
- 33.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate in Santee is 8.5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state has a violent crime rate of 415.5 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 325.3. Property crime is also elevated at a rate of 1,764 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 1,546.9. However, violent crime has seen a decrease of 17.4% and property crime has decreased by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, indicating a trend towards improved safety.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Violent crime down 17.4% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
The area has a total of 37 postsecondary institutions, providing residents with various educational opportunities.
- 37 total institutions in the region.
- 34 institutions with College Scorecard data.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Santee experiences about 12.1 inches of rainfall annually, with 50 rainy days each year. The winter months account for the highest precipitation, with about 7.3 inches. This climate allows for plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year.
- Balboa Park, rated 4.8 with 78,275 reviews.
- Mission Trails Regional Park, rated 4.8 with 7,805 reviews.
- Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, rated 4.5 with 1,623 reviews.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In San Diego County, the unemployment rate is 4.4%, with 1,604,783 people employed out of a labor force of 1,678,915, indicating a robust job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.4% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 1,604,783.
- Labor force: 1,678,915.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
