Is La Mirada Safe, Pros and cons of living in La Mirada

Is it Safe to Live in La Mirada?

La Mirada presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are notably higher than the national average. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in La Mirada stands at approximately 1 in 52 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When compared to California’s other cities and towns, La Mirada’s crime rate is higher than that of 67% of them (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Specifically, property crimes, which include motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary, occur at a rate of 17 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city also experiences a concerning rate of motor vehicle theft, which is higher than in many other communities across the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While violent crime does occur, it is at a rate of about 2 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Crime Statistics Overview

The overall crime rate in La Mirada is considered considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data indicates that La Mirada has a safety grade of “F” with a high-risk designation (as reported by PlainCrime). This assessment is based on a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,794 per 100,000, which is 144% above the national average (as reported by PlainCrime).

Demographics and Population

La Mirada is home to a diverse population, with projections indicating a population of 46,567 for 2026 (as reported by the US Census Bureau). As of the most recent US Census data, La Mirada is the 200th most populated city in California out of 1,570 cities (as reported by the US Census Bureau). The racial composition of La Mirada is varied, with Hispanic individuals forming the largest group at 46%, followed by White residents at 25.8% and Asian residents at 21.2% (as reported by the US Census Bureau).

The median age of residents in La Mirada is 42.9 years (as reported by the US Census Bureau). This demographic is relatively older compared to the national median age. The gender distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of females, with a ratio of 96.9 males for every 100 females (as reported by World Population Review).

Key Demographic Trends

The population of La Mirada has seen a slight decrease, with projections suggesting an annual rate of change of -0.6% (as reported by the US Census Bureau). This trend reflects a -3.2% population change observed between 2019 and 2024 (as reported by the US Census Bureau). The median household income in La Mirada was reported as $109,288 in 2024 (as reported by the US Census Bureau). However, a small percentage, 4.4%, of La Mirada families live below the poverty line (as reported by the US Census Bureau).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in La Mirada is significantly higher than the national average, with an overall index that is 56% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by Payscale). This elevated cost is largely driven by substantial housing expenses, which are 135% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs are also notably higher, being 38% above the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Food expenses in La Mirada are also above the national average, by approximately 9% (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices are 9% higher than the national average, while healthcare costs are 4% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). These combined expenses contribute to a higher overall cost of living for residents.

Housing Costs

Housing in La Mirada represents the most significant factor contributing to the high cost of living. The median home price was approximately $955,000 in the last month, showing an increase of 11.2% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is also on the rise, increasing by 2.3% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental costs are also substantial, with the average rent in La Mirada standing at $2,050 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure indicates a month-over-month decrease of $150 and a year-over-year decrease of $1,150 (as reported by Zillow). However, other reports indicate a higher average rent of $2,420 last month, showing a $10 increase from the previous month (as reported by Redfin).

Job Market and Economy

La Mirada’s job market shows a steady employment rate, with the employed population at 22,924 as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate for the region is not directly specified in the provided data, but state-level unemployment rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics can offer context. The average annual salary in La Mirada is approximately $49,729, translating to about $23.91 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Salaries in La Mirada generally range between $35,928 and $61,570 annually, with variations depending on the occupation and experience level (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some of the highest-paying professions include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), obstetricians, and Kaiser Permanente physicians (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Major Employers

Several key employers contribute to La Mirada’s economy. Babcock, an engineering and manufacturing company, is listed as one of the largest companies in the area (as reported by Zippia). Biola University, a private Christian university, is also a significant employer, offering a wide range of academic programs (as reported by Zippia).

Other notable companies include AmerTire Depot, which provides tires and wheels, and Southern California Gas, a major natural gas distributor (as reported by Zippia). FLIR Systems, a company specializing in thermal imaging, and Stater Bros. Markets are also present in the La Mirada business landscape (as reported by Lensa).

Climate and Weather

La Mirada enjoys a climate characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from a low of 46°F in December to a high of 87°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences comfortable humidity levels during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment for residents.

The annual precipitation in La Mirada averages around 13 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). February is generally the wettest month, receiving about 3.2 inches of rain (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2). Conversely, July is the driest month, with virtually no rainfall (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Summers in La Mirada are typically short, warm, arid, and clear, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 82°F from July to September (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2). The hottest month is August, with average highs around 85°F and lows of 66°F (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2). Winters are longer, cooler, and wetter, with partly cloudy skies.

The cool season lasts from late November to late March, with average daily high temperatures below 71°F (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2). December experiences the coolest temperatures, with average highs around 68°F and lows of 46°F (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2). The period from April to October is generally dry, with minimal rainfall (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2).

Education and Schools

La Mirada is served by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, which oversees the local public schools. La Mirada High School is a highly rated public institution, earning an “A minus” overall Niche grade (as reported by Niche). It has a student-teacher ratio of 24 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

State test scores indicate that 32% of students at La Mirada High School are proficient in math and 65% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). Several elementary schools in the area also receive strong ratings. Escalona Elementary School, for instance, has an “A minus” grade with a student-teacher ratio of 23:1 (as reported by Niche).

School Performance and Ratings

Niche.com provides detailed school rankings and ratings based on rigorous analysis of data and reviews. La Mirada High School is recognized among the best high schools for athletes in California, ranking 91st out of 1,708 schools (as reported by Niche). It is also noted as a Niche Standout High School in California, ranking 119th out of 574 (as reported by Niche).

In terms of academic preparation, the school ranks 562nd out of 1,449 for best college prep public high schools in California (as reported by Niche). Other schools in the district also perform well, with various elementary schools receiving high marks for academics and student-teacher ratios. For example, Gardenhill Elementary School has an “A+” rating with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 (as reported by Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in La Mirada

La Mirada offers a blend of desirable amenities and potential drawbacks for residents. The city boasts a generally pleasant climate with comfortable temperatures year-round (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Its demographic profile shows a stable population with a median age that is slightly older than the national average (as reported by the US Census Bureau).

However, the cost of living in La Mirada is a significant consideration, being considerably higher than the national average, primarily due to elevated housing costs (as reported by Payscale). While the job market offers various opportunities, the average salaries may not fully offset the high cost of living for some individuals (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Key Advantages

One of the primary advantages of living in La Mirada is its agreeable climate, with mild winters and warm summers (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2). The city also benefits from a stable population and established neighborhoods. The presence of Biola University contributes to a dynamic community and provides educational and employment opportunities (as reported by Zippia).

The school system, particularly La Mirada High School, receives positive ratings, indicating a solid educational foundation for families (as reported by Niche). Additionally, La Mirada offers a range of attractions like the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and the Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center, enhancing the quality of life for its residents (as reported by Salary.com).

Potential Challenges

A significant challenge for La Mirada residents is the high cost of living, particularly the median home price, which was around $955,000 recently (as reported by Redfin). This makes homeownership a substantial financial commitment. Furthermore, crime rates in La Mirada are higher than the national average, which is a concern for safety (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

While there are major employers, the average salary of approximately $49,729 may not be sufficient for all residents to comfortably manage the high cost of living (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The rental market also presents its own set of challenges, with average rents exceeding national averages (as reported by Zillow).