What to know when moving to Sherman Oaks, CA
TL;DR: Sherman Oaks at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 68.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income stands at $114,348, making it a financially appealing area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,437, which could strain your budget.
- Commute:
- Only 1.9% of residents use public transit, indicating it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,437/month in rent if you plan to move here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Sherman Oaks is home to a population of 25,566, with a notable 56.5% of residents renting their homes. The high median household income of $114,348 reflects a community with significant financial stability. However, with only 1.9% of the population relying on public transit, it is best to plan on having a car. The area experiences about 32 rainy days annually, so a good umbrella is advisable.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a transit-friendly environment, as public transport usage is quite low.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,437, which might be a stretch for some budgets.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $1,467,900, indicating high property costs in the area.
- The poverty rate is relatively low at 8.3%, pointing to a generally affluent community.
- 68.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, suggesting a focus on education.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates show a mixed picture, with property crime at a state annual rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national rate. However, there's been a notable 26.1% decrease in property crime since 2022. Violent crime is at a rate of 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average, yet it has also seen a decline of 17.4% during the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022, at 3.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Sherman Oaks has access to 68 total postsecondary institutions in the area, with 65 of them offering College Scorecard data. Notable institutions include:
- Casa Loma College-Los Angeles
- Paul Mitchell the School-Sherman Oaks
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
In Los Angeles County, the area experiences an annual rainfall of about 18.8 inches over approximately 32 rainy days. The winter months bring the most precipitation, averaging 11 inches. Enjoy the outdoors at nearby parks like Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park, which has a rating of 4.6 stars from over 6,000 reviews, or the Sherman Oaks Castle Park rated at 4.4 stars.
- Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park - 4.6 stars (6,136 reviews)
- Sherman Oaks Castle Park - 4.4 stars (3,728 reviews)
- Franklin Canyon Park - 4.6 stars (1,952 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is currently 5.0% with a labor force of 5,148,903. The total number of employed individuals stands at 4,889,561, reflecting a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.