Huntington Beach: The Data Profile (2026)

Huntington Beach presents a distinct economic anomaly within the California landscape. With a population of 192,151, it functions as a mid-sized coastal enclave rather than a sprawling metropolis. The financial barrier to entry is significant; the median income sits at $120,231, a substantial +61.2% deviation from the US median of $74,580. However, this high earning power is immediately challenged by a cost of living index where housing commands a premium of +56.3% above the national baseline. The demographic profile is highly educated, with 44.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "High-Earning Hybrid Professional." This profile fits individuals or families earning between $140,000 and $200,000 annually who require proximity to a coastal hub but maintain a flexible or hybrid work schedule. The data suggests this group can absorb the 112.1 healthcare index and 118.7 restaurant premium, provided they secure housing at or below the median price point.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial reality of Huntington Beach is defined by the "Sunshine Tax," specifically the electricity rate of 31.97 cents/kWh—nearly double the US average of 16.0 cents.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
To maintain a "comfortable" standard of living (saving 20% of income), a single person requires a net monthly income of approximately $6,200 (roughly $110,000 gross). For a family, the required gross income exceeds $165,000. The +61.2% income advantage over the US average is almost entirely eroded by housing and energy costs, leaving residents with a similar or lower savings rate than the national average despite higher nominal earnings.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary financial stressor. The barrier to homeownership is extreme, forcing many toward the rental market where competition remains fierce due to low inventory.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buying vs. Renting Relative to National Curve:
Mathematically, renting is currently the more viable financial option for the median earner. The price-to-rent ratio in Huntington Beach is approximately 26.7 (Median Home $1,350,000 / Annual Rent $50,400), significantly exceeding the traditional 15 threshold where buying becomes favorable. To justify purchasing a median home at $1,350,000, a household needs an income exceeding $300,000 with a 20% down payment. For those earning the local median of $120,231, renting a $2,350 1-bedroom unit is the only feasible option without severe cost burdening.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

While local unemployment sits at 5.5% (above the US average of 4.0%), the regional economy is propped up by the "Super-Commuter" phenomenon. The return-to-office (RTO) mandates in nearby Los Angeles and Irvine have solidified the value of the coastal commute, albeit a painful one.

Average commute times for residents traveling to major hubs (LA, Irvine, Costa Mesa) range from 45 to 75 minutes one-way on the I-405 corridor. The local job market is heavily skewed toward Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (18% of workforce) and Healthcare (14%). Residents are increasingly utilizing the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for non-highway commutes to avoid gridlock, though this adds mileage. The 5.5% unemployment rate is attributed to a high volume of service-sector workers who are priced out of the local housing market and face longer commutes, increasing turnover rates in local hospitality and retail.

Quality of Life Audit

Huntington Beach scores high on health metrics but struggles with air quality and specific crime categories. The "Healthy Hiker" profile thrives here, with low obesity and smoking rates.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
The crime data presents a mixed picture. Violent crime is relatively controlled at 500 incidents per 100k residents, sitting only 31% higher than the national average. However, property crime is a significant outlier at 2,676 per 100k residents—33.8% higher than the US average of 2,000. This indicates a high risk of vehicle break-ins and residential burglary, likely driven by high-value targets in affluent neighborhoods.

Air Quality & Environment:
While the AQI of 54 is categorized as "Moderate," the PM2.5 level of 9.0 µg/m³ hovers near the EPA's upper safety limit. This is exacerbated by the marine layer trapping pollutants from the nearby Santa Ana Freeway and the Ports of Long Beach/Orange County.

Schools & Weather:
The weather remains the primary asset: today’s conditions are Clear with a high of 69°F and a low of 45°F. The school systems (Huntington Beach Union High School District) consistently rank in the top 15% of California districts, with graduation rates exceeding 93%.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Health & Lifestyle: A health score of 84.5 and obesity rate of 24.0% indicate a superior physical environment for active residents.
• Income Potential: Median income of $120,231 offers high earning potential for specialized industries.
• Climate: Consistent highs in the 60s-70s°F range reduce HVAC costs (excluding electricity rates) and enable year-round outdoor activity.

Cons:

• Housing Cost: A median home price of $1,350,000 is mathematically inaccessible to the median earner without significant generational wealth.
• Property Crime: A rate of 2,676 per 100k requires constant vigilance regarding vehicle and home security.
• Energy Costs: Electricity at 31.97 cents/kWh adds roughly $1,200 annually to the cost of living compared to the US average.

Final Recommendation:
Huntington Beach is a "Renter's Trap" for the median earner. The data suggests that unless a household earns in the top 20% of the local demographic (approx. $180,000+), the high housing index (156.3) and property crime risk outweigh the health benefits. It is highly recommended for high-earning professionals who rent to maintain liquidity, or for families with dual incomes exceeding $250,000 looking to buy into the school district.

FAQs

1. What salary is required to live comfortably in Huntington Beach?
For a single person, a gross salary of $110,000 is the minimum to cover a $2,600 rent and save 20%. For a family, the requirement jumps to $165,000 due to the +71% premium on 3-bedroom rentals.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other coastal cities?
Huntington Beach is slightly more affordable than Irvine or Newport Beach (where median home prices exceed $1.6M), but significantly more expensive than San Diego or Ventura. The $3,236 average rent for a 2-bedroom places it in the top 10% of expensive rental markets nationally.

3. Is the property crime rate a safety concern?
Yes. With a property crime rate of 2,676 per 100k, you are 33.8% more likely to be a victim of theft here than the US average. Gated parking and home security systems are highly recommended.

4. When is the best time to move to secure housing?
Rental inventory typically peaks in October and November as leases expire before the holidays. Moving during this window can save 5-8% on monthly rent compared to the summer peak. Buying activity slows in Q4, potentially offering negotiation leverage on the $1,350,000 median price point.