Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Los Angeles, CA
Dreaming of a move to Los Angeles, CA? With a population of over 3.8 million, LA offers vibrant diversity, world-class universities, and year-round sunny weather (73% sunny days). While the median home price sits at $875,000 and average rents are about $2,850, LA's strong job market and bustling lifestyle attract many newcomers. Expect average commutes of 31 minutes and a moderate crime rate (749 violent crimes per 100k), with plenty of educational options and major hospitals nearby. Explore more below to see if LA is your next home!
Demographics - Los Angeles, CA
Demographics - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a diverse city of over 3.8 million residents, where more than half of the population speaks a language other than English at home. The city’s median age is 36, and its neighborhoods reflect a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with a notable presence of White, Black, Asian, and other communities. High population density and balanced gender ratios contribute to the city’s vibrant urban atmosphere.
Population:
3,822,238
Density:
8,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.0
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
56.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
28.9%
Black:
8.7%
Asian:
11.7%
Others:
50.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Los Angeles, CA?
Living in Los Angeles comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $875,000 and average rents nearing $2,850 per month. Expenses such as utilities and transportation are also above the national average, making budgeting essential for new residents. State taxes range widely, and the overall cost of living index is significantly higher than the U.S. average.
Median House Value:
$875,000
Gross Rent:
$2,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,600
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
176.2
Grocery:
110.5
Housing:
298.0
Utilities:
105.4
Transportation:
139.7
Health Care:
110.9
Miscellaneous:
109.3
Crime
Is Los Angeles, CA a safe place to live?
Los Angeles experiences a moderate crime rate, with 749 violent crimes and 2,374 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The likelihood of being affected by violent crime is about 1 in 134, while property crime chances are around 1 in 42. While crime is a consideration, many neighborhoods offer safe and welcoming environments.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
749
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,374
Crime Index:
3,123
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 134
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Los Angeles, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs around 85°F and winter lows near 48°F. Los Angeles boasts 73% sunny days annually and receives about 15.5 inches of rainfall each year. The comfortable weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The typical Los Angeles household earns around $76,135 annually, though the city’s poverty rate is above the national average at 17.6%. About 81% of residents have completed high school or higher, and commutes average around 31 minutes. With a vibrant mix of cultures and a significant portion of non-English speakers, LA’s neighborhoods are dynamic and diverse.
Median Income:
$48,700
Household Income:
$76,135
Family Income:
$84,500
Per Capita Income:
$41,800
Income Male:
$53,200
Income Female:
$47,300
Poverty Rate:
17.6%
Non English Speakers:
56.0%
Rent:
$2,850
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
9.1%
Commute Time:
31.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.0%
Bachelors or More:
36.8%
Education
How are the schools in Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles is home to notable public and private schools, as well as renowned universities like UCLA and USC. Public schools such as Granada Hills Charter serve thousands of students, while private institutions offer additional educational choices. Higher education options are abundant, supporting a culture of learning and opportunity.
Public Schools
Name:
Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies
Street:
5931 W 18th St
Phone:
323-525-2000
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
25.2
Name:
Granada Hills Charter High School
Street:
10535 Zelzah Ave
Phone:
818-360-2361
Students:
4,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
25.1
Private Schools
Name:
Harvard-Westlake School
Street:
700 North Faring Road
Phone:
310-274-7281
Students:
1,600
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
46,000
Name:
University of Southern California (USC)
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
49,000
Healthcare
Los Angeles offers access to major hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Medical Center, with 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. Around 88% of locals have health insurance, contributing to a solid healthcare infrastructure. Emergency services and specialized care are readily available throughout the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Address:
8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone:
(310) 423-3277
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UCLA Medical Center
Address:
757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone:
(310) 825-9111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Los Angeles, CA?
The housing market in Los Angeles is competitive, with a median home price of $875,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $2,850. Only about 36.5% of residents own their homes, and vacancy rates remain low, reflecting strong demand. Home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, indicating a resilient market.
Median Home Price:
$875,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Los Angeles residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive resources available online and at state offices. The nearest main office is located in Sacramento, and assistance is accessible via phone or the official DMV website. Residents can manage driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other essential needs conveniently.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
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.