Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Palma, CA
Considering a move to La Palma, CA? This friendly Orange County city of 15,568 residents offers top-notch schools, a highly educated community, and an impressively low violent crime rate of just 86 per 100K. With a median home price near $875,000 and average rents around $2,350, the cost of living is high, but so are incomes and homeownership rates. Enjoy a sunny, mild climate with 73% sunny days and great access to healthcare and local amenities—all within about a 30-minute average commute.
Demographics - La Palma, CA
Demographics - La Palma, CA
La Palma is home to about 15,568 residents, with a notably high population density and a median age of 43.1, reflecting a mature, diverse community. Over half of the population identifies as Asian, and 38% speak a language other than English at home, offering a vibrant multicultural environment. The balanced gender ratio and variety in ethnic backgrounds contribute to the city’s welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
15,568
Density:
7,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38%
Ethnic Composition
White:
18.7%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
52.3%
Others:
26.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Palma, CA?
Living in La Palma comes with a high cost of living index of 154.6, driven by a median home value of $875,000 and average rents around $2,350. Residents can expect higher housing, transportation, and grocery costs compared to the national average, though utilities and healthcare remain relatively manageable. State taxes range from 1% to 13.3%, making financial planning important for new arrivals.
Median House Value:
$875,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
154.6
Grocery:
111.8
Housing:
226.3
Utilities:
108.7
Transportation:
137.9
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
109.2
Crime
Is La Palma, CA a safe place to live?
La Palma boasts a low violent crime rate of just 86 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,158 per 100,000, offering residents a sense of safety and security. The chance of experiencing violent crime is particularly low, at 1 in 1,160. This makes it an attractive choice for those prioritizing a peaceful neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
86
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,158
Crime Index:
1,244
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,160
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 86
Weather
What is the weather like in La Palma, CA year-round?
La Palma enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with winter temperatures ranging from 47°F to 69°F and summer highs reaching 85°F. The city sees an average of 13 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 73% of the year. These pleasant conditions make outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.
Winter
Min:
47°F
Max:
69°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Residents of La Palma benefit from strong household and family incomes, with a median household income of $111,073 and a low poverty rate of 6.3%. The community is highly educated, with nearly 96% holding a high school diploma and almost half earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average around 30 minutes, and unemployment rates remain low at 3.8%.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$111,073
Family Income:
$120,650
Per Capita Income:
$42,500
Income Male:
$61,000
Income Female:
$46,500
Poverty Rate:
6.3%
Non English Speakers:
38%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
30.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
48.7%
Education
How are the schools in La Palma, CA?
La Palma is known for its strong education system, featuring well-regarded public schools like Los Coyotes Elementary and Walker Junior High with favorable student-teacher ratios. Private school options and proximity to colleges such as Cypress College and CSU Long Beach provide diverse learning opportunities. The city’s commitment to education is reflected in its highly educated population and excellent school choices.
Public Schools
Name:
Los Coyotes Elementary School
Street:
8122 Moody St
Phone:
714-228-3260
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
25:1
Name:
Walker Junior High School
Street:
8132 Walker St
Phone:
714-220-4051
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Irenaeus Parish School
Street:
9201 Grindlay St
Phone:
714-827-4500
Students:
285
Colleges
Name:
Cypress College
City:
Cypress
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
15,000
Name:
California State University, Long Beach
City:
Long Beach
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
37,500
Healthcare
La Palma offers convenient access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a strong network of physicians at 2.6 per 1,000 residents. Health insurance coverage is high at 93.7%, and the area’s healthcare index of 77.8 reflects reliable local medical services. Residents can feel confident in their ability to find comprehensive care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
West Anaheim Medical Center
Address:
3033 W Orange Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804
Phone:
(714) 827-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
La Palma Intercommunity Hospital
Address:
7901 Walker St, La Palma, CA 90623
Phone:
(714) 670-7400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Palma, CA?
The housing market in La Palma is robust, with a median home price of $875,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 74.2%. Average rent for a two-bedroom is about $2,350, and the area experiences low vacancy and foreclosure rates. Steady home appreciation and limited new construction make it a desirable but competitive market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$875,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
La Palma residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 320 N. Glassell St. in nearby Orange. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers, with additional resources and online services available at the official website. For questions or appointments, residents can call 1-800-777-0133.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
320 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866
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.