Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Los Angeles, CA
Considering a move to West Los Angeles, CA? This vibrant area combines urban living with laid-back SoCal vibes, boasting a population of 44,000, abundant sunshine (73% of days), and mild year-round temperatures. Expect a high cost of living—median home prices top $1.2M and average rents are around $2,900—balanced by a well-educated community and proximity to top schools and UCLA. Crime rates are moderate for LA, and average commutes are just under 30 minutes. If you value access to healthcare, education, and a sunny climate, West LA is a fantastic choice for your next home.
Demographics - West Los Angeles, CA
Demographics - West Los Angeles, CA
West Los Angeles is home to around 44,000 residents with a diverse population—over half are White, 17% Asian, and 27% speak a language other than English at home. The median age is nearly 38, and the area features a balanced gender ratio, making it a welcoming community for all ages and backgrounds.
Population:
44,000
Density:
11,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
27%
Ethnic Composition
White:
55%
Black:
5%
Asian:
17%
Others:
23%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Los Angeles, CA?
The cost of living in West Los Angeles is notably high, with median home values at $1.2 million and average rents about $2,900 per month. With a cost of living index of 185, expenses for housing, groceries, and utilities are considerably above the national average, making budgeting an important consideration for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$1,200,000
Gross Rent:
$2,900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,150
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
185.0
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
315.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
157.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is West Los Angeles, CA a safe place to live?
West Los Angeles experiences moderate crime rates for the region, with a 1 in 275 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 41 chance of property crime annually. While not the lowest in Los Angeles, these rates are typical for a dense urban area, and residents generally feel secure with appropriate precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
364
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,450
Crime Index:
2,814
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 275
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in West Los Angeles, CA year-round?
Enjoy a mild, sunny climate in West Los Angeles, where average highs range from 67°F in winter to 82°F in summer and over 73% of days are sunny. The area receives around 15 inches of rainfall annually, contributing to its year-round appeal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
47°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Residents in West Los Angeles are well-educated, with over 92% holding at least a high school diploma and more than half earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. Median household income stands at $95,000, and the community maintains a moderate poverty rate and low unemployment, making for a vibrant and stable neighborhood.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$95,000
Family Income:
$132,000
Per Capita Income:
$62,000
Income Male:
$71,000
Income Female:
$56,000
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
27%
Rent:
$2,900
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
7.8%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
56.2%
Education
How are the schools in West Los Angeles, CA?
West Los Angeles is served by several quality public and private schools, and is in close proximity to UCLA and Santa Monica College for higher education. Families benefit from strong educational offerings and access to renowned institutions within a short commute.
Public Schools
Name:
Fairburn Avenue Elementary School
Street:
1403 Fairburn Ave
Phone:
(310) 470-1344
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Emerson Community Charter School
Street:
1650 Selby Ave
Phone:
(310) 234-3100
Students:
870
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1
Private Schools
Name:
Saint Sebastian School
Street:
1430 Federal Ave
Phone:
(310) 473-3337
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
UCLA
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
44,900
Name:
Santa Monica College
City:
Santa Monica
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
25,800
Healthcare
West Los Angeles offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like UCLA Medical Center nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio (3.8 per 1,000 people). Over 90% of residents have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive medical services are readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica
Address:
1250 16th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone:
(424) 259-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Address:
757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone:
(310) 825-9111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
73.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Los Angeles, CA?
The West Los Angeles housing market is highly competitive, with a median home price of $1.2 million and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,900. Homeownership is less common, with about one-third of residents owning their homes, and property values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$1,200,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
32.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver's licensing and vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in downtown Los Angeles. The DMV provides comprehensive online resources and assistance for all standard registration and licensing needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3615 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
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.