Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Irvine, CA
Thinking of moving to Irvine, CA? With a population of over 313,000, Irvine is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and sunny Mediterranean climate with 70% of days clear each year. The median home price is $1.35 million and average rent for a 2-bedroom is $3,150, reflecting a high cost of living, but incomes are strong and crime rates are among the lowest in the nation. Commute times are manageable at around 26 minutes, and the city is home to top-ranked schools and major employers, making it a top choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Irvine, CA
Demographics - Irvine, CA
Irvine is a diverse and rapidly growing city, home to over 313,000 residents with a median age of 34.2 years. The community features a strong Asian presence, making up nearly 44% of the population, and about a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city’s balanced gender ratio and moderate population density create a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere ideal for families and young professionals.
Population:
313,685
Density:
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
31.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
37.4%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
43.6%
Others:
16.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Irvine, CA?
Living in Irvine comes with a high cost, as the median home value is $1.35 million and average rent is $3,150 per month. The overall cost of living index is 187.1, well above the national average, mainly due to housing costs, while utilities and healthcare remain relatively moderate. State taxes in California range from 1% property tax to a top income tax rate of 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$1,350,000
Gross Rent:
$3,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,150
State Taxes:
Low:
1% (property)
|
High:
13.3% (income)
Cost Of Living Index:
187.1
Grocery:
116.5
Housing:
345.0
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
143.2
Health Care:
111.8
Miscellaneous:
110.4
Crime
Is Irvine, CA a safe place to live?
Irvine is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the U.S., with a violent crime rate of just 63 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,055 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a much lower chance of experiencing crime compared to national averages, making it an appealing choice for those seeking safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
63
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,055
Crime Index:
1,118
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,587
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Irvine, CA year-round?
Irvine enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs averaging 83°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 45°F. Rainfall is moderate at nearly 14 inches annually, and about 70% of days are sunny, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. The comfortable weather is a major draw for newcomers to the area.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Irvine’s residents are highly educated, with nearly 70% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and household incomes averaging $120,000. The community is diverse, with a 10% poverty rate and around a third of residents speaking a non-English language at home. Unemployment is low at 4.1%, and average commute times are manageable at just over 26 minutes.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$120,463
Family Income:
$140,000
Per Capita Income:
$54,000
Income Male:
$71,000
Income Female:
$53,000
Poverty Rate:
10.0%
Non English Speakers:
31.1%
Rent:
$3,150
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.3%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.6%
Bachelors or More:
69.6%
Education
How are the schools in Irvine, CA?
Irvine is renowned for its excellent education system, featuring top-rated public schools like University High and Northwood High, as well as a selection of respected private institutions. The city is also home to the University of California, Irvine and Irvine Valley College, providing robust higher education opportunities. With high graduation rates and a focus on academic excellence, Irvine attracts families prioritizing quality education.
Public Schools
Name:
University High School
Street:
4771 Campus Dr
Phone:
949-936-7600
Students:
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
27.5
Name:
Northwood High School
Street:
4515 Portola Pkwy
Phone:
949-936-7200
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
27.0
Private Schools
Name:
Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School
Street:
5 Federation Way
Phone:
949-509-9500
Students:
600
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Irvine
City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
37,000
Name:
Irvine Valley College
City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Irvine is high-quality and accessible, with major hospitals like Hoag Hospital Irvine and UCI Medical Center offering comprehensive medical and emergency services. The city boasts 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 94% of the population has health insurance coverage. Irvine’s healthcare infrastructure supports both families and professionals with varied medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hoag Hospital Irvine
Address:
16200 Sand Canyon Ave, Irvine, CA 92618
Phone:
(949) 517-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UCI Medical Center – Irvine
Address:
101 The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868
Phone:
(714) 456-7890
Type:
Teaching, General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
76.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Irvine, CA?
The housing market in Irvine is competitive, with a median home price of $1.35 million and average 2-bedroom rents at $3,150. About 46% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city experiences low vacancy and foreclosure rates, reflecting strong demand and stability. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, making it a desirable but costly market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$1,350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Irvine residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located at 20 Pacifica, offering convenient access for licensing and vehicle registration needs. The DMV can be reached at 1-800-777-0133, and more information is available on their official website. Services are tailored to meet the needs of both new arrivals and long-term residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
20 Pacifica, Irvine, CA 92618
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.