Is Florence-Graham Safe, Pros and cons of living in Florence-Graham

Florence-Graham, an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, California, presents a complex picture for those considering a move. It is a densely populated area with a rich cultural tapestry, yet it faces challenges common to many urban environments. Understanding the nuances of its safety, cost of living, and community resources is essential for making an informed decision about settling here.

The community is characterized by a predominantly Hispanic population, with a significant percentage of foreign-born residents. This diversity contributes to the vibrant social fabric of Florence-Graham. However, like many areas within the greater Los Angeles region, it grapples with issues related to economic opportunity and public safety.

Is it Safe to Live in Florence-Graham?

Florence-Graham’s crime rate is notably higher than both the national and California state averages. The overall crime rate is 34.95 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeMapping). This places the community in the 24th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 24% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeMapping). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 25 in the northern areas to 1 in 34 in the southern parts of the community (as reported by CrimeMapping).

Violent crime rates are also a concern, standing 101% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). In Florence-Graham, there is a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of crime annually (as reported by AreaVibes). While the northwest parts of the community see the highest total crime counts, approximately 502 per year, the southern areas experience the fewest, with about 97 crimes annually (as reported by CrimeMapping). The murder rate is 0.1172 per 1,000 residents, with the northeast part of the city considered the safest by residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Florence-Graham offers a range of options, though prices are a significant factor. The average home value in Florence-Graham is approximately $592,353, showing a slight decrease of 0.8% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This median home price is lower than the California average of $648,235 (as reported by Zillow).

Rental prices are also a considerable expense. The average rent in Florence-Graham is around $2,799 per month (as reported by Zumper), which is 44% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,895 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,799 (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent in the area are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $3,585 (as reported by Zumper).

Cost of Living and Economic Landscape

Florence-Graham is considered an expensive place to live, ranking among the top cities globally and within the United States for cost of living. The average cost of living is approximately $2,917 per month (as reported by Livingcost.org). This figure places it in the top 3% of the most expensive cities worldwide and 144th out of 319 cities in California (as reported by Livingcost.org).

The median household income in Florence-Graham was $65,132 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). However, 16.3% of families in the community live below the poverty line (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). The unemployment rate in Florence-Graham is 12% higher than the national average (as reported by Nextburb), and the poverty level is 53% higher than the national average (as reported by Nextburb).

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Florence-Graham presents a mixed outlook, with an unemployment rate that is higher than the national average (as reported by Nextburb). The average annual salary in Florence-Graham is approximately $63,646, equating to about $30.60 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries typically range between $42,583 and $84,171 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

While specific major employers within Florence-Graham are not detailed in the provided search results, the broader Los Angeles County area boasts a diverse economy. Key sectors include technology, government, tourism, finance, and education (as reported by Livability.com). Major employers in the greater Los Angeles region include institutions like UCLA Health System, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (as reported by Livability.com).

Climate and Environment

Florence-Graham experiences a climate typical of Southern California, characterized by warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. The average high temperature is around 74°F, with an average low of 56°F (as reported by Livability.com). The area receives an average of 14 inches of rainfall annually, with no significant snowfall (as reported by Livability.com).

Air quality can be a concern at times, with occasional periods of poor air quality that are unhealthy for sensitive groups (as reported by AccuWeather). The air quality index fluctuates, but there are days when reducing outdoor activity is recommended due to pollution levels (as reported by AccuWeather).

Education and Schools

Florence-Graham is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which has an overall B- rating (as reported by Homes.com). Within the community, Florence Avenue Elementary School serves students from kindergarten to sixth grade. This public school has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 and received a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools rating of 7 out of 10 (as reported by Homes.com).

Academic proficiency at Florence Avenue Elementary School shows that 19% of students achieve proficiency in math and 24% in reading (as reported by Homes.com). For middle school education, Charles Drew Middle School offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes athletic opportunities and electives (as reported by Homes.com).

Demographics and Community

Florence-Graham is home to a population of approximately 60,700 residents (as reported by Data USA). The community is overwhelmingly Hispanic, with 94.4% of residents identifying as such (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). The median age in Florence-Graham is 31.7 years (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).

A notable aspect of the demographics is that 41.8% of residents were born outside of the country (as reported by Data USA). While 72% of residents are U.S. citizens, this is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The population density is high, with 17,704.2 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia).