What to know when moving to Upland, CA
TL;DR: Upland at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 48.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 13.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $157,118, which is significantly above the national average.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,790, which may be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 1% of residents use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,790/mo in rent to find a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Upland is a community where education takes center stage, with nearly half of the population holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $157,118 reflects a prosperous area, though housing costs are high, with a median gross rent of $2,790. The low percentage of renters at 13.5% suggests many residents own their homes, contributing to a stable community feel.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rent, as costs are significantly above the national median.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,790, indicating a high cost of living.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $853,900, revealing a strong real estate market.
- 48.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- Poverty rate is low at 5.2%, reflecting economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for California shows a mixed picture with trends showing a decrease in rates.
- Violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
- Property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000, which is 14% above the national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has dropped by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Upland residents have access to a variety of nearby educational institutions, fostering a strong educational environment.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 28
- Key institutions include Salon Success Academy-Upland and Chaffey College, both located close by.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
San Bernardino County experiences about 6.6 inches of rain annually, with 31 rainy days. The fall season sees the highest precipitation, making it the wettest time of the year.
- Parks worth checking out include:
- Red Hill Park (4.7 stars, 3,123 reviews)
- Claremont Hills Wilderness Park (4.8 stars, 1,623 reviews)
- Upland Memorial Park (4.2 stars, 1,070 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In San Bernardino County, the job market shows signs of stability and growth.
- Unemployment rate is 5.0% as of December 2025.
- Total employment stands at 1,001,640.
- The labor force consists of 1,054,660 individuals, indicating a healthy job market.
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.