Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Laguna Beach, CA
Considering a move to Laguna Beach, CA? With its population of 22,827, Laguna Beach offers an upscale, coastal lifestyle with median home prices at $2.7 million and average rents around $3,200. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (100 per 100K), short 28-minute average commute, and outstanding weather with 73% sunny days a year. The city boasts high educational attainment, excellent local schools, and easy access to top hospitals. If you’re seeking luxury living, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant arts community, Laguna Beach is hard to beat.
Demographics - Laguna Beach, CA
Demographics - Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach is a coastal city with a population of 22,827, known for its mature median age of 51 and a predominantly White community. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a relaxed and inclusive environment. The city's high population density supports a vibrant, tight-knit atmosphere ideal for those seeking a lively yet refined beachside lifestyle.
Population:
22,827
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.7%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
5.9%
Others:
8.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Laguna Beach, CA?
Living in Laguna Beach comes at a premium, with median home values around $2.7 million and average rents near $3,200 per month. The overall cost of living index is notably high, reflecting the city's luxury real estate, upscale amenities, and above-average household expenses. Residents can expect elevated costs for groceries, housing, and transportation compared to national averages.
Median House Value:
$2,700,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$2,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$5,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
292
Grocery:
135
Housing:
560
Utilities:
110
Transportation:
145
Health Care:
115
Miscellaneous:
125
Crime
Is Laguna Beach, CA a safe place to live?
Laguna Beach offers a notably safe environment, with a violent crime rate of just 100 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate that remains below state and national averages. The chance of experiencing violent crime is very low, making the city appealing for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. Overall, the community enjoys a strong sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
100
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,300
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Laguna Beach, CA year-round?
Residents of Laguna Beach enjoy a mild coastal climate with winter lows around 46°F and summer highs near 79°F, providing comfortable weather year-round. The city sees about 13.6 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 73% sunny days, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers. This pleasant, sun-soaked weather is a hallmark of the local lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Laguna Beach is an affluent community, with a median household income of $143,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.7%. The area is highly educated, with nearly 99% of residents holding at least a high school diploma and over two-thirds possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most neighbors commute just under 30 minutes, contributing to a balanced work-life dynamic.
Median Income:
$68,000
Household Income:
$143,000
Family Income:
$183,000
Per Capita Income:
$105,000
Income Male:
$110,000
Income Female:
$78,000
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
13.2%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
98.7%
Bachelors or More:
68.2%
Education
How are the schools in Laguna Beach, CA?
Laguna Beach offers excellent educational opportunities, with highly rated public schools such as Laguna Beach High School and Thurston Middle School, and a range of private options. Student-to-teacher ratios are favorable, and higher education is easily accessible with nearby institutions like Saddleback College and UC Irvine. The city's commitment to education is evident in its high levels of academic attainment among residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Laguna Beach High School
Street:
625 Park Ave
Phone:
949-497-7750
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Thurston Middle School
Street:
2100 Park Ave
Phone:
949-497-7785
Students:
740
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Name:
Top of the World Elementary
Street:
21601 Tree Top Ln
Phone:
949-497-7790
Students:
625
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Catherine of Siena Parish School
Street:
30516 S Coast Hwy
Phone:
949-494-7339
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Saddleback College
City:
Mission Viejo
State:
CA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
University of California, Irvine
City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
Laguna Beach residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mission Hospital Laguna Beach nearby and a high physician-to-population ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is strong at over 95%, ensuring that most residents receive consistent care. The city’s healthcare index reflects both accessibility and quality of local medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mission Hospital Laguna Beach
Address:
31872 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone:
(949) 499-1311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
Address:
One Hoag Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Phone:
(949) 764-4624
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.4%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Laguna Beach, CA?
The Laguna Beach housing market is characterized by luxury, with a median home price of $2.7 million and average two-bedroom rents at $3,200. Home values have appreciated 6.4% in the past year, and the majority of properties are owner-occupied, reflecting long-term investment in the community. Rental vacancies remain low, indicating steady demand for local housing.
Median Home Price:
$2,700,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local DMV services for Laguna Beach are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at the nearby Laguna Hills office, offering convenient access for residents. The office is located on Moulton Parkway and handles vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services. Residents can also access information and services online through the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23535 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
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.