Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sylmar, CA
Considering a move to Sylmar, CA? This sunny San Fernando Valley community offers a population of about 91,500 and enjoys 72% sunny days yearly, with warm summers and mild winters. Housing averages $665,000 for a median home and $2,150 for typical rent, reflecting a high cost of living index of 157. Crime rates are moderate for Los Angeles, with a 1 in 256 chance of violent crime. Commutes average just under 32 minutes, and the area is served by solid public schools and a local community college. Sylmar stands out for its diverse culture and access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Sylmar, CA
Demographics - Sylmar, CA
Sylmar is a diverse community of about 91,500 residents, with a median age of 34 and a nearly balanced gender ratio. Over half the population speaks a language other than English at home, and the area features a vibrant mix of cultures, with 76.5% identifying as 'other' than White, Black, or Asian. The neighborhood offers a youthful and multicultural environment ideal for families and newcomers.
Population:
91,500
Density:
4,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.0
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
55.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
17.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
4.0%
Others:
76.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sylmar, CA?
Living in Sylmar comes with a higher cost of living, reflected in its index of 157, which is well above the national average. The median home value is $665,000 and typical rent is $2,150, while utility and transportation expenses are also elevated. Residents should budget for California's variable state tax rates and expect higher housing costs compared to many other regions.
Median House Value:
$665,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
157.0
Grocery:
122.5
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
107.2
Transportation:
137.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
116.5
Crime
Is Sylmar, CA a safe place to live?
Sylmar experiences moderate crime rates for Los Angeles, with a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 and a 1 in 256 chance of being affected. Property crimes are more common, at 2,220 per 100,000 people, translating to a 1 in 45 chance. Overall, the area is considered relatively safe by city standards, but residents should still take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,220
Crime Index:
2,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Sylmar, CA year-round?
Sylmar boasts a pleasant climate with hot, dry summers reaching up to 95°F and mild winters with lows around 41°F. The area enjoys about 72% sunny days annually and receives roughly 19 inches of rain each year. This weather is ideal for those who appreciate sunny, outdoor living with minimal rainfall.

Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
95°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Residents of Sylmar enjoy a median household income of $73,000 and a family income of $75,500, though about 15.5% live below the poverty line. The community is characterized by a significant proportion of non-English speakers and an average commute of just under 32 minutes. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, with a smaller percentage holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$31,600
Household Income:
$73,000
Family Income:
$75,500
Per Capita Income:
$25,000
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
15.5%
Non English Speakers:
55.0%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
6.4%
Commute Time:
31.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
65.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.1%
Education
How are the schools in Sylmar, CA?
Education in Sylmar includes a mix of public and private schools, such as Sylmar Charter High School and St. Didacus School, alongside local higher education at Los Angeles Mission College. Public schools offer reasonable student-to-teacher ratios, and nearby colleges provide accessible opportunities for advanced study. The educational environment supports families with children of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Sylmar Charter High School
Street:
13050 Borden Ave
Phone:
818-833-3700
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Name:
Olive Vista Middle School
Street:
14600 Tyler St
Phone:
818-833-3900
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.0

Private Schools
Name:
St. Didacus School
Street:
14325 Astoria St
Phone:
818-367-5886
Students:
280

Colleges
Name:
Los Angeles Mission College
City:
Sylmar
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,400
Name:
California State University, Northridge
City:
Northridge
State:
CA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
38,800
Healthcare
Sylmar is served by major facilities like Olive View-UCLA Medical Center and Mission Community Hospital, both offering emergency services and general care. The area has approximately 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and 87% of people have health insurance. Healthcare access is reliable, supporting families and individuals with a range of medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Olive View-UCLA Medical Center
Address:
14445 Olive View Dr, Sylmar, CA 91342
Phone:
(747) 210-3000
Type:
General & Teaching Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mission Community Hospital
Address:
14850 Roscoe Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402
Phone:
(818) 787-2222
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sylmar, CA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $665,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,150. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied and the rental vacancy rate is low at 4.2%, indicating steady demand. Home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year, reflecting a competitive market.
Median Home Price:
$665,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Sylmar residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Arleta. DMV services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential tasks, with information and online services available through the state website. The office is easily accessible for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
14400 Van Nuys Blvd, Arleta, CA 91331
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.