What to know when moving to West Hollywood, CA
West Hollywood at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 71.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 61.1% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $110,705, which supports a higher standard of living.
- The Reality Check:
- Median rent is $2,230, which may be steep for some.
- Commute:
- Only 2.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,230 per month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
West Hollywood is a highly educated community, with 71.7% of its residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area also has a significant renter population, with 61.1% of residents renting their homes. However, the median gross rent is $2,230, which may pose a challenge for budget-conscious newcomers. The community experiences about 32 rainy days a year, mostly in the winter and fall.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing options, as the median rent is relatively high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,230, which reflects the area's demand and desirability.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,085,900, indicating a strong real estate market.
- Approximately 12.4% of the population lives below the poverty line, showing a mix of economic conditions.
- With 61.1% of residents renting, there is a notable renter presence in the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates show a mixed but improving picture. The state has a property crime rate of 1,764 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 1,546.9. However, property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022. Violent crime in California is at a rate of 415.5 per 100,000, again above the national average of 325.3, but with a 17.4% decrease since 2022.
- Violent crime rate: 415.5 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime rate: 1,764 per 100k vs. national rate of 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
West Hollywood has access to a total of 92 postsecondary institutions within Los Angeles County, which includes a variety of options for higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 92
- With College Scorecard data: 86
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
West Hollywood, located in Los Angeles County, sees about 18.8 inches of rainfall annually, with most of the rain falling in winter (11 inches) and fall (7.3 inches). The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with no snowy days recorded.
- Griffith Park - 4.7 stars based on 69,481 reviews
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art - 4.6 stars based on 20,642 reviews
- La Brea Tar Pits and Museum - 4.6 stars based on 15,026 reviews
- Runyon Canyon Park - 4.8 stars based on 5,599 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, as of December 2025, the unemployment rate is at 5.0%, with a labor force of 5,148,903 and 4,889,561 employed individuals.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0%
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.