Is Cerritos Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cerritos
Cerritos, a city nestled in Los Angeles County, California, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Incorporated in 1956, it has grown into a vibrant community known for its well-planned neighborhoods and strong sense of local pride. The city’s name, meaning “little hills” in Spanish, hints at its gentle topography, though it is predominantly a flat area.
Strategically located within the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metropolitan area, Cerritos provides residents with relatively easy access to major employment centers and cultural attractions. This positioning has contributed to its development as a desirable place to live for a diverse population. The city’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its public services and community amenities.
Is it Safe to Live in Cerritos?
Cerritos presents a complex picture regarding safety, with varied crime statistics depending on the specific metrics used. The overall crime rate in Cerritos is reported to be significantly higher than the national average, with a rate of 56 per one thousand residents. This places the city among those with higher crime rates when compared to communities of all sizes across the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
However, a closer examination reveals nuances in these figures. While the overall crime rate is elevated, the violent crime rate in Cerritos is noted to be very close to the national average, with 350 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported. Conversely, property crime rates are considerably higher than the national average, leading to an elevated overall crime rate (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the southern part of the city to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying by neighborhood (as reported by AreaVibes).
Violent Crime Analysis
In terms of violent crimes, Cerritos reports a rate that is comparable to the national average. There were 161 violent crimes reported in Cerritos, which equates to 350 per 100,000 residents. This figure is slightly lower than the national average of all cities that reported crime (as reported by AreaVibes).
The chance of an individual becoming a victim of a violent crime in Cerritos is approximately 1 in 287. This includes crimes such as homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While this is a concern, it is important to note that this rate is lower than the national average for violent crimes (as reported by Niche).
Property Crime Trends
Property crime is a more significant concern in Cerritos, contributing substantially to the city’s overall crime rate. Cerritos records 5,333 property crimes per 100,000 people, which is substantially higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This means the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Cerritos stands at 1 in 19 (as reported by AreaVibes).
The total number of property crimes recorded in Cerritos is 2,451, significantly exceeding the national average. This elevated rate places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities for property crime rates (as reported by AreaVibes). The types of property crimes tracked include burglary, larceny over fifty dollars, motor vehicle theft, and arson (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Community Safety Perceptions
Despite the statistical data, a significant portion of Cerritos residents perceive the city as safe. A student poll indicated that 55% of respondents found the city to be “very safe” with no safety concerns, while another 45% felt it was “pretty safe” with some minor concerns (as reported by Niche).
Furthermore, the visibility and responsiveness of law enforcement are positively viewed by many residents. A majority of students surveyed reported that the police are very visible and responsive when needed (as reported by Niche). This suggests that while crime statistics present challenges, community perception and the presence of law enforcement contribute to a sense of security for many living in Cerritos.
Cost of Living in Cerritos
Cerritos is recognized as a city with a high cost of living, significantly exceeding the national average. The overall cost of living in Cerritos is approximately 73% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This elevated expense is driven by several key factors, most notably housing costs, which are considerably above the U.S. average.
The city’s cost of living is also higher than the average for California, though specific comparisons can vary. One estimate places the cost of living in Cerritos at 37% more expensive than the national average, while being on par with the average for California (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,765, and for a family of four, they reach approximately $5,989 (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Expenses
Housing costs are a primary driver of Cerritos’s high cost of living. The median housing cost in Cerritos is approximately $2,335 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). More specifically, the median gross rent for tenants is around $2,930 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). Other sources indicate a median rent for all bedroom counts and property types at $3,515 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zumper).
When considering homeownership, the median home value in Cerritos was $1,094,901 as of March 2026, showing an increase of 2.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Similarly, Redfin reports that the median sale price of a home in Cerritos was $1.2 million in March 2026, representing a 16.7% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). These figures highlight that securing housing in Cerritos, whether renting or buying, involves a substantial financial commitment.
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Cerritos also tend to be higher than the national average. Utility prices are about 9% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are also notably higher, at 38% above the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Grocery prices in Cerritos are approximately 9% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs, however, are reported to be 4% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). These varied costs contribute to the overall financial picture for residents of Cerritos.
Job Market and Economy
Cerritos possesses a dynamic economy with a focus on retail and industrial sectors, supported by a diverse workforce. The city’s revenue streams are primarily generated through retail sales tax and interest income from its general fund (as reported by Wikipedia). Employment opportunities are concentrated in key areas, including the Los Cerritos Shopping Center and the Cerritos Industrial Park.
The industrial park hosts businesses involved in light manufacturing and assembly, particularly for electronic and automotive parts. Major employers within the city play a crucial role in its economic landscape. United Parcel Service (UPS) stands as the city’s largest employer, with a substantial staff of 6,000 individuals (as reported by Wikipedia). The Los Cerritos Center also contributes significantly, providing employment for approximately 4,450 full and part-time positions (as reported by Wikipedia).
Major Employers and Industries
The employment sectors that engage the most Cerritos residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations, Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations are the most common job groups for residents (as reported by Data USA). The Cerritos Auto Square is another significant economic driver, housing numerous auto dealerships within a consolidated center.
Other notable employers in Cerritos include ABC Unified School District, AT&T Mobility, Southern Wine and Spirits of Southern California, City of Cerritos, College Hospital, Nordstrom, and Delta Dental of California (as reported by The Law Offices of Paul J. Duron). These companies, spanning various industries from education and healthcare to retail and logistics, contribute to the city’s robust job market.
Unemployment and Salary Insights
The unemployment rate in Cerritos has seen some fluctuations. As of February 2026, the unemployment rate was reported at 5.3% (as reported by Data Commons). Another report from April 2026 indicates an unemployment rate of 5.30%, consistent with the previous month and year (as reported by YCharts). This rate is higher than the long-term average for the area (as reported by YCharts).
Regarding salaries, the average annual salary in Cerritos is approximately $51,406, equating to about $24.71 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources suggest a median household income of $135,439 as of 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). The median individual income was reported as $56,180 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). These figures indicate a wide range in earning potential within the city, with significant differences between individual and household incomes.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Cerritos experiences a Mediterranean climate, characteristic of much of coastal Southern California. This climate is defined by warm to hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Precipitation primarily occurs during the winter months, leaving the rest of the year largely dry and sunny.
The city benefits from a unique “semi-marine” climate pattern within Los Angeles County. While the coastal fog typically seen in beach cities rarely reaches Cerritos, a cooling breeze from the Pacific Ocean along the San Gabriel River provides a moderating effect. This influences the local weather, making Cerritos less susceptible to the extreme heat, smog, and Santa Ana winds that can affect other parts of the Los Angeles Basin.
Temperature Ranges
Throughout the year, temperatures in Cerritos typically range from a low of 46°F to a high of 87°F. The warm season spans from July to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 81°F. August is usually the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 66°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Conversely, the cool season lasts from late November to late March, with average daily high temperatures below 70°F. December is the coldest month, experiencing average lows of 47°F and highs of 68°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city enjoys a substantial number of comfortable weather days annually, estimated at around 343 days, making outdoor activities generally pleasant for most of the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Rainfall
Cerritos receives an average of about 13 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is predominantly concentrated in the winter months, with occasional light showers occurring in spring and fall. Snowfall is extremely rare in this region.
Recent rainfall data indicates that the annual average rainfall between 2021 and 2025 was 12.9 inches (as reported by Precip). For the month of May, the average rainfall is around 0.24 inches, with an average of one rainy day (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The city’s climate generally provides a dry environment for much of the year, with most precipitation occurring between November and March.
Demographics and Diversity
Cerritos is a city characterized by its significant ethnic and cultural diversity, with a notable Asian population. As of 2024, the population of Cerritos was approximately 47,900 people, with 91.1% being citizens (as reported by Data USA). A substantial portion of the residents, around 44%, were born outside of the United States, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA).
The city’s demographic makeup shows a strong representation of Asian residents, who constitute the largest ethnic group. In 2024, Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents made up a significant portion of the population, being over five times more numerous than any other single racial or ethnic group (as reported by Data USA). Hispanic or Latino residents represent another notable segment of the population, making up 16% of the residents (as reported by Niche).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of Cerritos includes a dominant Asian population, accounting for 62.22% of residents (as reported by World Population Review). White residents comprise about 13.43%, followed by those of other races at 6.45%, and Black or African American residents at 6.06% (as reported by World Population Review). Smaller percentages are represented by Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiracial populations.
As of the 2020 census, the racial makeup of Cerritos was 15.0% White, 6.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 62.6% Asian, and 0.4% Pacific Islander, with 5.7% from other races and 9.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents, regardless of race, constituted 14.3% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia). This diverse population contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of the city.
Age and Household Characteristics
The median age in Cerritos is 47.7 years as of 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the middle-aged and older brackets, with 27.3% aged 45-64 and 24.8% aged 65 and over (as reported by Wikipedia). There is a slightly higher proportion of males to females, with approximately 101.2 males for every 100 females (as reported by World Population Review).
In terms of household structure, the majority of residents in Cerritos own their homes. As of 2024, 75.9% of housing units were owner-occupied, a figure that has been increasing (as reported by Data USA). Only 24.1% of homes are lived in by tenants, indicating a strong homeownership culture within the community (as reported by Point2Homes).
Education in Cerritos
Cerritos is served by the Los Angeles County R-1 School District, which provides educational opportunities for students from elementary through high school. The district encompasses 18 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 11 high schools, indicating a comprehensive public education system within the area (as reported by Movoto).
Beyond K-12 education, Cerritos is also home to Cerritos College, a prominent community college. In 2023, universities in Cerritos awarded a total of 6,565 degrees, with Cerritos College being the largest institution by number of degrees awarded (as reported by Data USA). This demonstrates a commitment to higher education and vocational training within the city.
School District Performance
While specific school ratings were not detailed in the search results, the presence of a well-established school district suggests a focus on educational standards. The district’s structure, with numerous institutions across different grade levels, aims to provide accessible education to the city’s youth. Further research into individual school performance data would be necessary for a detailed assessment of the quality of education provided.
The educational attainment levels of Cerritos residents are relatively high, with a significant percentage pursuing higher education. Approximately 17.3% of the population has attended high school, while 17.1% have pursued college studies (as reported by Point2Homes). A substantial portion holds bachelor’s degrees (34.41%) or graduate degrees (21.76%) (as reported by Data Commons).
Higher Education Opportunities
Cerritos College plays a vital role in the city’s educational landscape, offering a wide array of programs and degrees. In 2023, the college awarded 6,325 degrees, making it a significant contributor to the higher education sector in the region (as reported by Data USA). The student population at Cerritos College is diverse, with a majority of graduates identifying as Hispanic or Latino.
Other institutions like Fremont University and ABC Adult School also contribute to the educational offerings in Cerritos, each awarding degrees and certificates in various fields (as reported by Data USA). These institutions collectively support the educational aspirations of residents and contribute to the skilled workforce in the area.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cerritos is characterized by high values and a competitive environment, reflecting its desirability as a residential location. As of March 2026, the median listing home price was $1,294,833 (as reported by Zillow). The median sale price of a home in Cerritos was $1.2 million in March 2026, marking a significant increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
The market trends indicate a strong seller’s advantage, with homes receiving an average of 5 offers and selling relatively quickly. Properties in Cerritos typically sell after 31 days on the market, a faster pace compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This high demand and rapid turnover suggest a robust real estate market.
Home Values and Prices
The average home value in Cerritos stood at $1,094,901 as of March 31, 2026, showing a 2.1% increase over the preceding year (as reported by Zillow). More recent data from April 2026 shows the median sale price in Cerritos at $1,197,950 (as reported by Movoto). The median sale price per square foot is $620, although this has seen a slight decrease of 2.2% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
The high median home prices indicate that Cerritos is an affluent area, with a significant portion of homes valued at $750,000 or more (as reported by Niche). This price point positions Cerritos as a market where securing a home requires substantial financial resources.
Rental Market Dynamics
The rental market in Cerritos also reflects the city’s overall high cost of living. As of March 2026, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Cerritos was $3,515, which is 84% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). Other sources provide slightly different figures, with the average rent in Cerritos ranging between $2,452 and $3,693 in 2026 (as reported by RentCafe and Apartments.com).
For specific unit types, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $3,030 per month (as reported by Zumper), while a two-bedroom apartment costs approximately $3,719 per month (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent are even more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $4,500 (as reported by Zumper). These rental prices, coupled with the high home prices, underscore the significant financial commitment required for housing in Cerritos.