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Is Laguna Niguel a Good Place to Live? Laguna Niguel, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Laguna Niguel ranks #213 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #105 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and high household income ($140,452, #37 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,903/mo, #512 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,190,900, #502 of 524).
Laguna Niguel by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Laguna Niguel'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 Laguna Niguel?
Laguna Niguel'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 $2,903/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,485,606, 94% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Laguna Niguel | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,485,606#1167 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,383/mo#1069 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,190,900#1274 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,903/mo#1287 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.5x#1238 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.8%#980 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Laguna Niguel 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. Laguna Niguel is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Laguna Niguel safe?
Laguna Niguel recorded 114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% below the US rate of 373 and 74% below California's 440. That ranks #157 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #67 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Laguna Niguel Police Department. Property crime runs 651 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Laguna Niguel | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 114#157 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 651#69 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Laguna Niguel?
The median household in Laguna Niguel earns $140,452, 83% above the US figure of $76,827 and 53% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Laguna Niguel | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $140,452#66 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $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 10.8% | 6.4%#206 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Laguna Niguel?
The median resident of Laguna Niguel is 47.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 59.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #129 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Laguna Niguel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 47.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 59.8%#129 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 67.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Laguna Niguel's schools and health?
Laguna Niguel's 9 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.5 students per teacher and $15,133 spent per pupil. 23.3% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Laguna Niguel | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.5#995 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,133#575 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 23.3%#76 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15%#262 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 4.9%#59 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,413 students are enrolled in Laguna Niguel's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Laguna Niguel?
The average commute in Laguna Niguel is 25.9 minutes (California 25.2); 0.4% of workers take transit and 26.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Laguna Niguel scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.3°F and winters 56.1°F, with 12.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Laguna Niguel | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.9 min#850 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.3%#859 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 62.8% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 26.8% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.7#506 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 68.4 | 44.2 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 67.8 | 44.8 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 69.3 | 47.9 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 72.5 | 50.1 | 0.8 |
| May | 74.5 | 54.5 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 76 | 57.8 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 79.5 | 60.1 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 61.2 | 0 |
| Sep | 81 | 58.5 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 77.2 | 55.1 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 72.2 | 48.5 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 67.3 | 43.8 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Laguna Beach.
| Measure | Laguna Niguel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 56.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 12.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Laguna Beach.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Laguna Niguel?
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 | Laguna Niguel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.3%#1079 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Laguna Niguel compare with similar-size cities?
Laguna Niguel is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #105 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 64,139.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laguna Niguel, CAPop. 64,139 | #213 | 64.1 | $140,452 | $2,903/mo | 114 | 25.9 min |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #1250 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 | 19.8 min |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #311 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 | 20.8 min |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #317 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 | 23.3 min |
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #7 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data | 26 min |
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #963 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 | 19.5 min |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #111 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 | 27.1 min |
| Sanford, FLPop. 63,730 | #696 | 55.0 | $66,891 | $1,609/mo | 530 | 25 min |
| Millcreek, UTPop. 63,648 | #358 | 60.8 | $98,045 | $1,492/mo | no data | 20.6 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 Laguna Niguel compare with the rest of California?
Laguna Niguel ranks #17 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 53% above the California median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 94% 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 |
| San Ramon, CAPop. 85,993 | … #13 | 64.5 | $196,161 | $2,968/mo | 92 |
| Fremont, CAPop. 228,295 | #14 | 64.2 | $181,506 | $2,933/mo | 106 |
| El Dorado Hills, CAPop. 51,026 | #15 | 64.2 | $165,349 | $2,552/mo | no data |
| San Francisco, CAPop. 830,235 | #16 | 64.1 | $140,970 | $2,476/mo | 486 |
| Laguna Niguel, CAPop. 64,139 | #17 | 64.1 | $140,452 | $2,903/mo | 114 |
| Redwood City, CAPop. 82,447 | #18 | 64.0 | $157,814 | $2,968/mo | 369 |
| Roseville, CAPop. 155,955 | #19 | 63.6 | $119,288 | $2,142/mo | 191 |
| Aliso Viejo, CAPop. 51,113 | #20 | 63.6 | $142,439 | $2,854/mo | 120 |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #21 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Laguna Niguel among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Laguna Niguel's score calculated?
Laguna Niguel scores 64.1 out of 100, #213 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Laguna Niguel. Similar-size median 55.5.
80.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Laguna Niguel's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
94.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Laguna Niguel. Similar-size median 58.9.
75.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Laguna Niguel's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Laguna Niguel's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
16.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Laguna Niguel. Similar-size median 56.1.
89.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Laguna Niguel. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Laguna Niguel. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Laguna Niguel's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
23.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Laguna Niguel's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Is Laguna Niguel, CA a good place to live?
Laguna Niguel ranks #213 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #105 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and high household income ($140,452, #37 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,903/mo, #512 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,190,900, #502 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Laguna Niguel?
Laguna Niguel'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 $2,903/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,485,606, 94% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Laguna Niguel?
Laguna Niguel recorded 114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% below the US rate of 373 and 74% below California's 440. That ranks #157 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #67 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Laguna Niguel Police Department. Property crime runs 651 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Laguna Niguel?
The median household in Laguna Niguel earns $140,452, 83% above the US figure of $76,827 and 53% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Laguna Niguel?
Median rent in Laguna Niguel is $2,903/mo (Census), #1287 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,383/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Laguna Niguel?
Zillow's typical home value in Laguna Niguel is $1,485,606, up 4.8% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,190,900.
How are the public schools in Laguna Niguel?
Laguna Niguel's 9 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.5 students per teacher and $15,133 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Laguna Niguel?
The average commute is 25.9 minutes, #850 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Laguna Niguel?
Laguna Niguel averages 63.1°F over the year, 69.3°F in summer and 56.1°F in winter, with 12.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Laguna Niguel walkable?
Laguna Niguel scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel?
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 Laguna Niguel?
Laguna Niguel has 64,139 residents. The median resident of Laguna Niguel is 47.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 59.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #129 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Laguna Niguel compare with the rest of California?
Laguna Niguel ranks #17 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 53% above the California median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 94% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Laguna Niguel?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Laguna Niguel's population of 64,139 are North Little Rock, AR (#1250 overall), Bellevue, NE (#311 overall), Burnsville, MN (#317 overall), Reston, VA (#7 overall), and Utica, NY (#963 overall). Laguna Niguel is #213.