What to know when moving to Valencia, CA
TL;DR: Valencia at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 53.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 22.3% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $148,818, making it financially appealing.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,923, which may stretch budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 1% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,923/month for rent if you're renting.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Valencia attracts a population of 33,059 residents, characterized by a high level of education and a relatively low poverty rate of 5.1%. The median owner-occupied home value is $803,000, which indicates a preference for home ownership over renting, as reflected in the 22.3% renter percentage. With only 1% relying on public transit, the area is car-dependent, and the climate features 32 rainy days annually, primarily in winter and fall.
Probably not your spot if you're looking for affordable renting options, as the median gross rent is quite high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,923, which may require careful budgeting.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $803,000, indicating a strong housing market.
- 53.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the community's educational character.
- The poverty rate is low at 5.1%, suggesting economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates indicate a mixed safety profile. While property crime rates have decreased by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, the state still experiences a higher property crime rate of 1,764 per 100,000 compared to the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: California's annual rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 state rate, down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Valencia has access to 4 postsecondary institutions, providing educational opportunities within the area.
- California Institute of the Arts
- College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita)
- Los Angeles Mission College (Sylmar)
- The Master's University and Seminary (Santa Clarita)
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Valencia experiences an annual precipitation of 18.8 inches, with 32 rainy days each year, primarily in winter and fall. This climate supports various outdoor activities.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain - 4.5 stars (51,274 reviews)
- Central Park - 4.7 stars (2,348 reviews)
- Nethercutt Museum - 4.9 stars (1,421 reviews)
- Canyon Country Park - 4.7 stars (987 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is 5.0% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 5,148,903 and 4,889,561 employed individuals.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.