What to know when moving to Tustin, CA
Tustin at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 35.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and over half, 54.2%, are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $98,647, which supports a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,211, which may stretch budgets for some.
- Commute:
- Only 1.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $832,200 if you are considering buying.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Tustin is characterized by its educated population, with 35.5% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community has a diverse housing market, with 54.2% of residents renting. However, with a median gross rent of $2,211, it's important to consider your budget when looking for a place to live.
Probably not your spot if you're looking for affordable rent; the housing costs can be quite high for many.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,211, which means you'll need to plan your budget carefully.
- The median home value is $832,200, indicating a competitive real estate market.
- With a poverty rate of 11.1%, the area has a mix of income levels.
- 54.2% of residents are renters, suggesting a significant rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, property crime is reported at an annual rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is about 14% higher than the national average. However, the property crime rate has decreased by 26.1% since 2022. Violent crime is at a rate of 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average and has also seen a 17.4% decline over the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Tustin has access to a total of 56 educational institutions within Orange County, including options like:
- IDEA at ATEP
- Advance Beauty College (Garden Grove)
- Alliant International University-Irvine (Irvine)
- California State University-Fullerton (Fullerton)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Orange County receives about 15.6 inches of rain annually, with approximately 42 rainy days each year. The winter season typically brings the most precipitation, averaging 8.6 inches. If you enjoy outdoor activities, nearby spots include:
- Irvine Regional Park - 4.8 stars (8,730 reviews)
- Bowers Museum - 4.7 stars (2,150 reviews)
- Citrus Ranch Park - 4.7 stars (736 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orange County, the unemployment rate stands at 3.9%, with a labor force of 1,642,351. There are approximately 1,578,358 employed individuals, indicating a robust job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% (December 2025)
- Employed: 1,578,358
- Labor force: 1,642,351
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.