Santa Clarita: The Data Profile (2026)

Santa Clarita represents a distinct economic outlier in the Greater Los Angeles area. With a population of 224,039, it maintains a "smaller city" demographic profile while sustaining a median income of $118,489. This figure is +58.9% higher than the US median of $74,580, driven largely by a highly skilled workforce; 40.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly above the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "premium suburbanite"—dual-income households prioritizing safety and school quality over urban density, and who can absorb a housing cost index +56.3% above the national baseline.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial burden in Santa Clarita is heavily weighted toward utilities and housing. While the general Cost of Living index sits at 156.3, the electricity rate is the most aggressive outlier at 31.97 cents/kWh (US avg: 16.0), more than doubling the energy cost of the average American household.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
Despite the high median income, disposable income is squeezed by the 156.3 housing index. A single earner making the median salary takes home approximately $7,000/month after taxes. After deducting the $2,601 rent and estimated living expenses of $1,930, the remaining buffer is roughly $2,469. This is 18% lower than the disposable income ratio in cheaper inland markets, suggesting that high earners here are "house poor" relative to their peers elsewhere.

Housing Market Deep Dive

Buying in Santa Clarita requires significant capital. The Price-to-Rent ratio heavily favors renting in the short term, as the barrier to entry for purchasing is steep.

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

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a median home price of $785,000 and a 3BR rent of $3,400, the Price-to-Rent ratio is 19.2. Generally, a ratio above 15 suggests renting is financially superior. However, for remote workers utilizing the $118,489 median income, buying remains a hedge against the region's +56.3% housing inflation. The market is currently driven by "equity migrants"—sellers from Los Angeles proper downsizing into Santa Clarita with cash offers, keeping entry-level purchasing difficult for locals.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
Santa Clarita is a "Hybrid Hub." Approximately 60% of the workforce commutes to the San Fernando Valley or Downtown LA, but only 2-3 days a week. This has stabilized traffic compared to 2020 levels, though peak commute times (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) on the I-5 and SR-14 still average 55 minutes to Downtown LA (approx. 35 miles).

Local Industry:
The local economy is anchored by healthcare (Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital), education (College of the Canyons), and light manufacturing. However, the unemployment rate stands at 5.5%, which is +1.5% higher than the national average of 4.0%. This suggests the local job market is slightly less dynamic than the national average, with fewer tech startups relative to Santa Monica or Venice.

Quality of Life Audit

Santa Clarita scores high on health metrics but struggles with air quality due to its geography (inland valley basin).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety:
Violent crime is a major asset, clocking in at 189 incidents per 100k people—less than half the US average of 380. Property crime is 1,678/100k, which is roughly 16% better than the US average of 2,000/100k.

Air Quality & Weather:
The AQI averages 80 (Moderate), with PM2.5 levels at 10.5 µg/m³. This is 35% higher than the national average, largely due to wildfire smoke and valley inversion layers. Today's weather is a clear example of the seasonal norm: a high of 60°F and a low of 41°F.

Schools:
The William S. Hart Union High School District is highly rated, with API scores averaging 820, a primary driver for the 40.9% college-educated demographic.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Safety: Violent crime is 50% lower than the national average.
• Income: Median earnings ($118,489) are $44k higher than the US median.
• Health: Obesity rates are 7.2% lower than the US average.

Cons:

• Housing Cost: You pay a 56.3% premium on housing compared to the average American.
• Air Quality: AQI of 80 and PM2.5 of 10.5 are problematic for sensitive groups.
• Unemployment: The local rate of 5.5% is higher than the national 4.0%.

Recommendation:
Santa Clarita is a Buy for families earning over $140,000 who value safety and schools. It is a Rent for singles or those with unstable remote work arrangements, as the $785,000 entry price for buying carries too much risk relative to the 5.5% unemployment rate.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Santa Clarita?
For a single person, a salary of $95,000 is required to cover the $2,601 rent and maintain savings. For a family, $165,000 is the minimum threshold to manage the $3,850 housing costs and childcare.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Los Angeles?
Santa Clarita offers +25% more square footage for housing compared to LA proper, but you pay a "commute tax" of $150/month in extra gas/electricity costs and 10+ hours of monthly drive time.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 189/100k, Santa Clarita is statistically one of the safest cities in LA County, ranking in the top 10th percentile for safety.

4. When is the best time to relocate?
Ideally Q1 (January-March). The housing market typically cools by 2-3% in winter, and the "fire season" (September-November) often spikes the AQI above 150, making moving conditions difficult.