CaliforniaPop. 312,534Big cities
Is Santa Ana a Good Place to Live? Santa Ana, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Santa Ana ranks #650 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #20 of 53 big cities and #74 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (10.8%, #10 of 53) and high household income ($93,999, #11 of 53), and trails on high rents ($2,082/mo, #49 of 53) and high living costs (113.6, #48 of 53).
Santa Ana by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Santa Ana'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 Santa Ana?
Santa Ana'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 $2,082/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $868,002, 14% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Santa Ana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $868,002#1082 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,812/mo#996 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $713,000#1157 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $2,082/mo#1128 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 7.6x#1193 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 26.6%#1130 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Santa Ana 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. Santa Ana is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Santa Ana safe?
Santa Ana recorded 337 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% above the US rate of 328 and 22% below California's 433. That ranks #615 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #14 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Santa Ana Police Department. Property crime runs 1,328 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Santa Ana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 337#615 of 1,085 | 433 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,328#370 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Santa Ana?
The median household in Santa Ana earns $93,999, 13% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Santa Ana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $93,999#417 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 10.8%#562 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Santa Ana?
The median resident of Santa Ana is 34.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 18.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1204 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Santa Ana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 34.7 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 18.3%#1204 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 44.6% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Santa Ana's schools and health?
Santa Ana's 68 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (California 87%), with 20.7 students per teacher and $21,767 spent per pupil. 29% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Santa Ana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 87% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 20.7#964 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $21,767#132 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 29%#331 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 20.7%#1231 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 48,269 students are enrolled in Santa Ana's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Santa Ana?
The average commute in Santa Ana is 24.5 minutes (California 29.7); 2.7% of workers take transit and 9.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Santa Ana 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 | Santa Ana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 24.5 min#734 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 69.7% | 67.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.7% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.3% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 9.3% | 14.1% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.4#100 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | Santa Ana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 64.9°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 71.5°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 57.9°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 11.2 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Santa Ana?
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 | Santa Ana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| 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 0.14% | 0.3%#1079 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Santa Ana compare with similar-size cities?
Santa Ana is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #20 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 312,534.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana, CAPop. 312,534 | #650 | 55.8 | $93,999 | $2,082/mo | 337 | 24.5 min |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 min |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #1019 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 | 21.7 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 Santa Ana compare with the rest of California?
Santa Ana ranks #74 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 6% below the California median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% 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 |
| Gilroy, CAPop. 59,004 | … #70 | 56.0 | $133,107 | $2,301/mo | 406 |
| Murrieta, CAPop. 112,064 | #71 | 55.9 | $114,081 | $2,388/mo | 186 |
| Buena Park, CAPop. 82,871 | #72 | 55.9 | $110,550 | $2,206/mo | 281 |
| Glendora, CAPop. 50,926 | #73 | 55.9 | $113,569 | $2,254/mo | 188 |
| Santa Ana, CAPop. 312,534 | #74 | 55.8 | $93,999 | $2,082/mo | 337 |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #75 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CAPop. 175,411 | #76 | 55.8 | $111,895 | $2,357/mo | 233 |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #77 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 |
| Garden Grove, CAPop. 170,964 | #78 | 55.6 | $92,174 | $2,012/mo | 239 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Santa Ana among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Santa Ana's score calculated?
Santa Ana scores 55.8 out of 100, #650 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 Santa Ana. Similar-size median 53.8.
60.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Santa Ana's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
75.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Santa Ana. Similar-size median 54.8.
54.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Santa Ana's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
59.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Santa Ana's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
34.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Santa Ana. Similar-size median 47.2.
61.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Santa Ana. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Santa Ana. Similar-size median 53.7.
47.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Santa Ana's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
70.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
23.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Santa Ana's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
Is Santa Ana, CA a good place to live?
Santa Ana ranks #650 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #20 of 53 big cities and #74 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (10.8%, #10 of 53) and high household income ($93,999, #11 of 53), and trails on high rents ($2,082/mo, #49 of 53) and high living costs (113.6, #48 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana'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 $2,082/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $868,002, 14% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana recorded 337 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% above the US rate of 328 and 22% below California's 433. That ranks #615 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #14 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Santa Ana Police Department. Property crime runs 1,328 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Santa Ana?
The median household in Santa Ana earns $93,999, 13% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Santa Ana?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $2,082/mo (Census), #1128 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,812/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Santa Ana?
The typical home value in Santa Ana is $868,002, up 3.3% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $713,000.
How are the public schools in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana's 68 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (California 87%), with 20.7 students per teacher and $21,767 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Santa Ana?
The average commute is 24.5 minutes, #734 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana walkable?
Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana?
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 Santa Ana?
Santa Ana has 312,534 residents. The median resident of Santa Ana is 34.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 18.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1204 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Santa Ana compare with the rest of California?
Santa Ana ranks #74 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 6% below the California median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Santa Ana?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Santa Ana's population of 312,534 are Lexington, KY (#405 overall), Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall), and Newark, NJ (#1109 overall). Santa Ana is #650.