Is Tustin Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tustin

Tustin, California, nestled in Orange County, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Known as the “City of Trees,” Tustin boasts a pleasant climate and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive place for families and professionals alike.

The city’s strategic location within the Los Angeles metropolitan area provides residents with convenient access to major employment centers, diverse cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. Tustin’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while fostering economic growth creates a unique living experience.

Is it Safe to Live in Tustin?

Tustin presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant attention. The city’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with 23 crimes per one thousand residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This translates to a 1 in 44 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

While Tustin is not among the safest communities in America, its crime rate is comparable to other communities of similar size across the nation. Property crime constitutes the largest share of incidents, accounting for 51.5% of the total in 2025 (as reported by Base Operations). Violent crime also occurs at a rate higher than in most U.S. communities, with a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Crime Statistics and Trends

In 2025, Tustin recorded 28,557 total incidents, averaging 2,389 per month (as reported by Base Operations). Property crimes made up a significant portion of these incidents, with 14,709 recorded cases (as reported by Base Operations). Violent crimes accounted for 22.6% of the total incidents, with 6,463 cases (as reported by Base Operations).

Tustin’s crime rate is higher than 78% of California’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Tustin varies by neighborhood, with the northeast part of the city generally considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, the west parts of Tustin see the most incidents, with approximately 87 crimes annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

Tustin’s cost of living is considerably higher than the national average. The overall cost of living in Tustin is 64% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin). This elevated cost is reflected in various aspects of daily life, including housing, transportation, and everyday goods and services.

The housing market in Tustin is characterized by high prices and steady demand. The median sale price of a home in Tustin was $1.21 million in the most recent reporting period, marking a 10.0% increase year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price is around $1.30 million, indicating a high-price market for potential buyers (as reported by realtor.com®).

Housing Costs

The median home value in Tustin is approximately $1,189,731, showing a slight decrease of 0.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). However, the median sale price of a home was $1,051,667 as of February 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Homes in Tustin typically receive an average of two offers and sell in about 35 days (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices in Tustin are also significantly above the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Tustin is around $2,360 per month, which is 44% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $2,360 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $2,791 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Rental Market Trends

The rental market in Tustin shows sustained demand and rising values. The median rent price is approximately $3.2K per month, with year-over-year price growth standing at 8.47% (as reported by realtor.com®). The average rent for an apartment in Tustin is $2,749, reflecting a 1.83% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by RentCafe).

Studio apartments in Tustin average around $2,133 per month, while one-bedroom apartments average $2,390 per month. Two-bedroom units are priced at an average of $2,979 per month, and three-bedroom apartments average $3,804 per month (as reported by RentCafe). The largest share of rentals in Tustin falls between $2,501-$3,000 per month (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

Tustin’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to a stable job market. The city offers various employment opportunities across different sectors, making it a viable option for job seekers.

The average salary in Tustin is approximately $49,632 annually, or about $23.86 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Tustin typically range between $35,217 and $61,259 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Tustin was $117,342 as of 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Major Employers

Key employers in Tustin contribute significantly to the local economy and employment landscape. Tustin Unified School District is a major employer, providing numerous educational roles within the city (as reported by Legacy Capital Investment Group). Other significant employers include Rockwell Collins, Ricoh, and Costco, offering diverse job opportunities (as reported by Legacy Capital Investment Group).

Additional major employers in the Tustin area include Safmarine and GE Power Electronics, further diversifying the job market. Regency Health Services Inc. and Pacific Health Corporation are also notable companies within Tustin, contributing to the healthcare sector (as reported by Zippia).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Tustin has shown some fluctuations, reflecting broader economic trends. The unemployment rate in Tustin city was 5.4% in 2023 (as reported by CensusDepth). This represents a slight decrease from 5.9% in 2022, indicating a gradual recovery in the job market.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the civilian unemployment rate in California was 5.4% in February 2026 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This figure aligns with Tustin’s local unemployment rate, suggesting a consistent trend across the state.

Climate and Environment

Tustin enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city’s weather is generally pleasant throughout the year, making it conducive to outdoor activities.

The average annual temperature in Tustin hovers around the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is most common during the winter months, with an average of about 1.46 inches in March and 2.15 inches in December (as reported by Time and Date). Summers are typically warm and dry, with July and August seeing very little precipitation.

Temperature and Precipitation

Average temperatures in Tustin remain mild year-round. The warmest months are July and August, with average high temperatures reaching the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winter months are cooler, with average low temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit during January (as reported by U.S. Climate Data).

Precipitation in Tustin is relatively low, with most of it occurring between November and March. The city receives an average of approximately 14 inches of rain annually (as reported by U.S. Climate Data). Coastal fog and stratus are common weather factors, particularly during the summer months (as reported by the National Weather Service).

Education and Demographics

Tustin is served by the Tustin Unified School District, which is recognized for its quality education. The district consistently ranks among the top school districts in California, offering a strong academic environment for students.

The district has an overall Niche grade of A, with specific ratings for its elementary, middle, and high schools. Tustin High School, for example, has an above-average rating of B+ and a student-teacher ratio of 25 to 1 (as reported by Niche). The district’s commitment to education is evident in its student performance and diverse offerings.

School Ratings

Tustin Unified School District is highly rated, earning an A overall grade (as reported by Niche). It is ranked as the #57 best school district in California out of 466 (as reported by Niche). The district also ranks #58 out of 671 for diversity among California school districts (as reported by Niche).

Many elementary schools within the district, such as Orchard Hills, Tustin Memorial Elementary School, and Hicks Canyon Elementary School, have received top ratings of 5 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Tustin High School, while rated B+, is considered an above-average public school (as reported by Niche).

Population and Diversity

Tustin’s population was 80,276 in 2020 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The city is characterized by a diverse racial and ethnic composition. Hispanic or Latino individuals form the largest group, making up 41.2% of the population (as reported by Tustin Demographics).

Asian residents constitute the second-largest group at 26.2%, followed by White residents at 25.5% (as reported by Tustin Demographics). In terms of citizenship, 84.9% of Tustin residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Tustin is 37.5 years (as reported by Tustin Demographics).