Is Azusa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Azusa
Azusa, a city nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Its location at the entrance of the San Gabriel Canyon, earning it the nickname “Canyon City,” provides residents with scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The city’s motto, “Azusa stands for everything from A to Z in the U.S.A.,” reflects a long-standing pride in its community and its place in the nation.
For those considering a move, understanding the nuances of Azusa’s living conditions is essential. This guide delves into the safety, cost of living, job market, climate, education, and demographics to provide a comprehensive overview of life in this Southern California city.
Is it Safe to Live in Azusa?
Azusa’s overall crime rate is comparable to the national average, with a C+ safety grade (according to Niche). The city experiences a crime rate of 24.45 per 1,000 residents annually (according to StatisNostics). Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with crime varying by neighborhood (according to Niche). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Azusa ranges from 1 in 28 in the west to 1 in 53 in the northeast (according to Niche).
Violent crime in Azusa occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar size across America. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 369 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime in Azusa is also a consideration, with a rate of 1 in 68 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Compared to the national average, Azusa’s total crime rate is 17% lower per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes), and violent crimes are 25% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Azusa
The cost of living in Azusa is higher than the national average, with an overall index of 141% (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant factor, being 81% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). The median home price in Azusa was $680,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 24.4% from the previous year (according to Redfin). For renters, the average apartment rent in Azusa was approximately $2,117 per month in April 2026 (according to RentCafe).
Utility prices in Azusa are 9% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 38% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly above the national average, by 9% (according to Payscale). Healthcare costs in Azusa are 4% lower than the national average (according to Payscale).
Housing Costs
The housing market in Azusa can be described as somewhat competitive (according to Redfin). The median sale price of a home was $680,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). Homes typically sell after about 51 days on the market, which is longer than the previous year (according to Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $438, showing a slight decrease from the previous year (according to Redfin).
For those looking to rent, the average rent for an apartment in Azusa is around $2,117 per month (according to RentCafe). A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,912, while a two-bedroom unit is approximately $2,455 (according to RentCafe). Houses for rent in Azusa are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $3,000 (according to Zumper).
Salary and Income
The average annual salary in Azusa is approximately $50,300, or about $24.18 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary for jobs in Azusa, around $76,962 per year, or $37 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Azusa was reported as $90,721 in 2024 (according to US Census Bureau data). This median income reflects a community with a mix of working and middle-class residents.
Salaries in Azusa can vary significantly by profession. For instance, the average annual pay for a Data professional is around $167,879 (according to ZipRecruiter). Top-paying jobs can include roles like Pilot, Registered Nurse, and Pharmacist, with salaries significantly higher than the city average (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The cost of living in Azusa is 41% higher than the national average (according to Payscale), which is an important consideration when evaluating salaries.
Job Market in Azusa
Azusa’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to its job market. Major employers in the area include educational institutions and large corporations. Azusa Pacific University is a significant employer, being one of the largest Christian universities in the nation (according to Zippia). Northrop Grumman, a global security company, also has a presence, providing employment in aerospace, electronics, and other technical services (according to Zippia).
Other notable employers include retail giants like Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and Target, as well as service providers such as FedEx and UPS (according to Indeed.com). The city also has a presence in manufacturing, with companies like Conagra Brands and TreeHouse Foods operating in the area (according to Indeed.com). The local government also provides employment opportunities through entities like the Azusa Police Department (according to Zippia).
Climate in Azusa
Azusa experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The average high temperature throughout the year is around 85°F, with average lows of 55°F (according to Livability.com). Summer temperatures can reach highs in the upper 80s, while winter temperatures typically remain mild (according to AccuWeather).
Rainfall in Azusa is most common during the winter months. The average annual rainfall is approximately 22 inches (according to Livability.com). January typically sees the highest rainfall, with an average of 3.37 inches, while summer months like June and July receive very little precipitation (according to Time and Date). Snowfall is virtually non-existent in Azusa (according to Livability.com).
Education in Azusa
The Azusa Unified School District serves the city’s K-12 population. The district has an overall rating of B- (according to Niche). Within the district, Azusa High School serves grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 26% of students are proficient in math and 54% are proficient in reading at Azusa High School (according to Niche).
Several elementary schools also serve the community. Paramount Elementary School and Magnolia Elementary School both have a C+ overall grade (according to Niche). Duff Language Magnet Academy and Cypress Elementary School receive B+ and B- grades, respectively (according to Niche). For higher education, Azusa Pacific University is a prominent institution in the city, awarding numerous degrees annually (according to Data USA).
Demographics of Azusa
Azusa is home to approximately 49,031 residents, according to recent US Census data (according to Census Dots). The city’s population is projected to be around 48,746 in 2026, indicating a slight decline (according to US Census Bureau data). The racial composition of Azusa is predominantly Hispanic, making up 65.4% of the population (according to Census Dots).
Other significant racial groups include Asian residents at 15.0% and White residents at 13.8% (according to Census Dots). The median age in Azusa is 34.4 years (according to US Census Bureau data). The population is relatively balanced in terms of gender, with 50.8% male and 49.2% female residents (according to Point2Homes).