What to know when moving to Sylmar, CA
TL;DR: Sylmar at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 20.1% holding a bachelor's degree and 32.3% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $95,480, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- 1.5% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,965/month rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Sylmar has a population of 93,513 and a median household income of $95,480, reflecting a solid economic environment. With 20.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the area is moderately educated, while 32.3% of the population are renters. The low public transit usage, at just 1.5%, suggests that most residents rely on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a high transit share, as the low percentage indicates limited public transport options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,965, which can be a significant budget item.
- Median home value stands at $641,100, reflecting the cost of homeownership in the area.
- The poverty rate is 12.7%, indicating some economic challenges for a portion of the population.
- 32.3% of residents are renters, showcasing a mix of ownership and rental in the housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state-level crime rates show a mixed picture. Violent crime has an annual rate of 415.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Property crime is notably higher at 1,764 incidents per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 14%.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k (vs. national average: 325.3)
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k (vs. national average: 1,546.9)
- Notable trend: Violent crime decreased by 17.4% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 36 educational institutions in the area, including:
- Los Angeles Mission College
- California State University-Northridge
- California Institute of the Arts
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Sylmar experiences an annual precipitation of about 18.8 inches, with 32 rainy days each year. The winter months bring around 11 inches of rain, while the fall averages 7.3 inches. The area has no snowfall.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Six Flags Magic Mountain (4.5 stars, 51,274 reviews)
- Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park (4.6 stars, 6,136 reviews)
- Veterans Memorial Community Regional Park (4.8 stars, 2,315 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate stands at 5.0% as of December 2025. The labor force comprises approximately 5,148,903 individuals, with 4,889,561 currently employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.