Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Topanga, CA
Considering a move to Topanga, CA? This scenic canyon community of 8,560 offers a tranquil, nature-immersed lifestyle just outside Los Angeles. Though home prices average $2.1M and rents are high, residents enjoy top-rated schools, low violent crime (71 per 100K), and abundant sunshine (72% of days). Commute times average 37 minutes, and the area boasts highly educated neighbors and quick access to major LA amenities. If you value privacy, natural beauty, and a close-knit vibe, Topanga is a unique SoCal gem.
Demographics - Topanga, CA
Demographics - Topanga, CA
Topanga is a close-knit community of about 8,560 residents, known for its predominantly White population and a median age of 48.2 years, reflecting a mature and stable household base. With a population density of just 370 people per square mile, the area provides a spacious environment, and about 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
8,560
Density:
370 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.5%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
3.7%
Others:
8.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Topanga, CA?
Living in Topanga comes with a high cost of living, highlighted by a median home value of $2.1 million and average rents around $4,800 per month. The cost of living index is nearly double the national average, driven primarily by housing expenses, making it important for newcomers to budget accordingly.
Median House Value:
$2,100,000
Gross Rent:
$4,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,100
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
199.0
Grocery:
114.2
Housing:
314.0
Utilities:
110.7
Transportation:
141.0
Health Care:
107.5
Miscellaneous:
109.5
Crime
Is Topanga, CA a safe place to live?
Topanga enjoys a notably low violent crime rate of just 71 incidents per 100,000 residents, contributing to a strong sense of safety. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 95 chance, but overall the area ranks as safer than many nearby communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
71
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,121
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,408
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Topanga, CA year-round?
Residents benefit from a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with mild winters averaging 45–66°F and warm, sunny summers reaching up to 86°F. The area enjoys around 72% sunny days annually and receives about 17.5 inches of rain each year, ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Topanga’s residents generally enjoy a high standard of living, with median household incomes surpassing $150,000 and a poverty rate of just 6.5%. The community is well-educated, with over 62% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and most commuting about 37 minutes to work.
Median Income:
$75,000
Household Income:
$153,000
Family Income:
$184,000
Per Capita Income:
$70,000
Income Male:
$92,000
Income Female:
$60,000
Poverty Rate:
6.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$4,800
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
36.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.3%
Bachelors or More:
62.1%
Education
How are the schools in Topanga, CA?
Families in Topanga benefit from strong educational options, including highly regarded public and private schools, as well as proximity to top colleges like Pepperdine University and Santa Monica College just a short drive away. The local schools offer low student-teacher ratios and a supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Topanga Elementary Charter School
Street:
22075 Topanga School Rd
Phone:
310-455-3711
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.4
Private Schools
Name:
Manzanita School
Street:
1717 Old Topanga Canyon Rd
Phone:
310-455-9700
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
Pepperdine University
City:
Malibu
State:
CA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
9,500
Name:
Santa Monica College
City:
Santa Monica
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
25,000
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is convenient, with major hospitals like UCLA Health and Kaiser Permanente nearby and about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. A high percentage of the population is insured, ensuring residents have reliable medical support close at hand.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UCLA Health - Santa Monica Medical Center
Address:
1250 16th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone:
(424) 259-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center
Address:
5601 De Soto Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Phone:
(818) 719-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.6%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Topanga, CA?
Topanga’s housing market is characterized by high home values, with a median price of $2.1 million and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 78%. Home values have appreciated by 7% over the past year, though rental vacancies remain limited and new construction is rare.
Median Home Price:
$2,100,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$4,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Topanga residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Los Angeles. Essential services like licensing and vehicle registration can be accessed both in person and online through the DMV’s official website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1331 N. Eastern Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063
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.