What to know when moving to Valley Village, CA
TL;DR: Valley Village at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 51.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and nearly 70% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $84,925, providing a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,998, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 2.5% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,998/mo rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Valley Village features a population of 30,918 with a significant renter population at 69.4%. The community is fairly educated, with over half of the residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, with a poverty rate of 12.9%, it reflects a mix of economic backgrounds. The area is quite dry with only 32 rainy days annually, making it less appealing for those who enjoy frequent rain.
Probably not your spot if: high housing costs are a concern, given the median gross rent of $1,998.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,998, which could strain budgets compared to other areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $1,019,300, indicating high property values.
- 51.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's educated character.
- 12.9% poverty rate shows some economic diversity within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates show some notable trends. Property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022, with a current annual state rate of 1,764 per 100k-higher than the national rate of 1,547. Violent crime has also dropped by 17.4%, with a state rate of 415.5 per 100k, significantly above the national average of 325.3.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k (California) vs. 325.3 per 100k (national).
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k (California) vs. 1,546 per 100k (national).
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Valley Village has access to a total of 81 postsecondary institutions in the surrounding area, providing a range of educational opportunities.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 81
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 76
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Valley Village experiences an annual precipitation of 18.8 inches, with 32 rainy days each year. The dry climate allows for plenty of outdoor activities without the hassle of frequent rain.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Sherman Oaks Castle Park - 4.4 stars (3,728 reviews)
- Medieval Torture Museum - 4.9 stars (2,531 reviews)
- Brand Park - 4.8 stars (1,996 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 stands at 5.0% as of December 2025. The labor force consists of approximately 5.1 million individuals, with nearly 4.9 million employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (Los Angeles County, December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.