CaliforniaPop. 195,240Mid-size cities
Is Huntington Beach a Good Place to Live? Huntington Beach, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Huntington Beach ranks #400 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #55 of 256 mid-size cities and #37 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #12 of 205) and high household income ($120,919, #28 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($1,100,000, #246 of 256) and high rents ($2,510/mo, #244 of 256).
Huntington Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Huntington Beach's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,510/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,351,762, 77% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Huntington Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,351,762#1152 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,081/mo#1046 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,100,000#1261 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,510/mo#1248 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 9.1x#1262 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.9%#996 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Huntington Beach housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Huntington Beach is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Huntington Beach safe?
Huntington Beach recorded 182 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% below the US rate of 373 and 59% below California's 440. That ranks #311 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #44 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Huntington Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,464 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Huntington Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 182#311 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,464#456 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Huntington Beach?
The median household in Huntington Beach earns $120,919, 57% above the US figure of $76,827 and 32% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Huntington Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $120,919#151 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.8%#305 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Huntington Beach?
The median resident of Huntington Beach is 44 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 49% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Huntington Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 44 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 49%#280 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 55.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Huntington Beach's schools and health?
Huntington Beach's 31 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $16,669 spent per pupil. 24% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Huntington Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 23.2#1094 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,669#438 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 24%#102 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.4%#186 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 22,013 students are enrolled in Huntington Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Huntington Beach?
The average commute in Huntington Beach is 28.4 minutes (California 25.2); 0.6% of workers take transit and 21.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Huntington Beach scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.5°F and winters 57.9°F, with 11.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Huntington Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.4 min#1022 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 10.1%#1062 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 68.1% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 21.8% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.4#100 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 67 | 48.6 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 66.7 | 50.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 67.7 | 52.3 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 70.2 | 54.9 | 0.5 |
| May | 71.3 | 59.3 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 74.1 | 62.6 | 0 |
| Jul | 78.9 | 66.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 80.4 | 67.1 | 0 |
| Sep | 79.9 | 65 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 76.5 | 59.2 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 71.9 | 53.3 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.5 | 48.3 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Ana John Wayne Airport.
| Measure | Huntington Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 64.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 57.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Ana John Wayne Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Huntington Beach?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Huntington Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.3%#1079 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Orange County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Orange County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.009% | 84% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 58% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Huntington Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Huntington Beach is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #55 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 195,240.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | #400 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 | 28.4 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 min |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #948 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 | 19 min |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #1152 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 | 20.7 min |
| Peoria, AZPop. 196,906 | #489 | 58.2 | $95,815 | $1,843/mo | 253 | 28.2 min |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #737 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 | 23.2 min |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #897 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 | 20.2 min |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #617 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 | 25 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Huntington Beach compare with the rest of California?
Huntington Beach ranks #37 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 60 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 32% above the California median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 77% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | … #33 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 |
| Redondo Beach, CAPop. 69,291 | #34 | 60.7 | $150,245 | $2,691/mo | 239 |
| Eastvale, CAPop. 70,633 | #35 | 60.5 | $160,069 | $3,252/mo | 52 |
| Placentia, CAPop. 52,826 | #36 | 60.3 | $115,929 | $2,388/mo | 245 |
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | #37 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #38 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 |
| Alameda, CAPop. 77,238 | #39 | 59.9 | $137,697 | $2,474/mo | 348 |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #40 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 |
| Novato, CAPop. 52,546 | #41 | 59.6 | $115,736 | $2,506/mo | 211 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Huntington Beach among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Huntington Beach's score calculated?
Huntington Beach scores 60 out of 100, #400 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Huntington Beach. Similar-size median 52.9.
72.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Huntington Beach's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
84.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Huntington Beach. Similar-size median 53.8.
71.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Huntington Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
53.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Huntington Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
21.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Huntington Beach. Similar-size median 51.2.
78.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Huntington Beach. Similar-size median 42.1.
34.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Huntington Beach. Similar-size median 50.1.
52.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Huntington Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
70.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
23.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Huntington Beach's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Huntington Beach has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Huntington Beach
Is Huntington Beach, CA a good place to live?
Huntington Beach ranks #400 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #55 of 256 mid-size cities and #37 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #12 of 205) and high household income ($120,919, #28 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($1,100,000, #246 of 256) and high rents ($2,510/mo, #244 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,510/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,351,762, 77% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach recorded 182 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% below the US rate of 373 and 59% below California's 440. That ranks #311 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #44 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Huntington Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,464 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Huntington Beach?
The median household in Huntington Beach earns $120,919, 57% above the US figure of $76,827 and 32% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,510/mo (Census), #1248 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,081/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Huntington Beach?
Zillow's typical home value in Huntington Beach is $1,351,762, up 5.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,100,000.
How are the public schools in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach's 31 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $16,669 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Huntington Beach?
The average commute is 28.4 minutes, #1022 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach averages 64.9°F over the year, 71.5°F in summer and 57.9°F in winter, with 11.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Huntington Beach walkable?
Huntington Beach scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Huntington Beach at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Huntington Beach?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach has 195,240 residents. The median resident of Huntington Beach is 44 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 49% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Huntington Beach compare with the rest of California?
Huntington Beach ranks #37 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 60 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 32% above the California median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 77% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Huntington Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Huntington Beach's population of 195,240 are Overland Park, KS (#116 overall), Sunrise Manor, NV (#1275 overall), Grand Rapids, MI (#948 overall), Montgomery, AL (#1152 overall), and Peoria, AZ (#489 overall). Huntington Beach is #400.