Is Burbank Safe, Pros and cons of living in Burbank
Burbank, California, nestled in the San Fernando Valley, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and metropolitan access. Known as the “Media Capital of the World,” it’s a city where the entertainment industry thrives, drawing professionals and creatives alike. This dynamic environment, combined with a strong sense of community and proximity to Los Angeles, makes Burbank an attractive place to consider for a new home.
The city boasts a population of over 104,000 residents, reflecting a diverse demographic makeup. Burbank offers a lifestyle that balances career opportunities with a community-focused atmosphere, making it a compelling choice for many.
Is it Safe to Live in Burbank?
Burbank’s crime rates present a mixed picture. Overall crime rates in Burbank are 63.4% higher than the national average. Violent crimes are 8.8% higher than the national average, with 396 reported incidents per 100,000 people. Property crimes are significantly higher, at 74.5% above the national average, with 3,114 incidents per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes, using FBI UCR data for 2024).
The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Burbank is approximately 1 in 257. For property crimes, the chance is about 1 in 33. These figures suggest that while Burbank has areas that are safer than others, vigilance is advisable (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
Burbank’s housing market is characterized by premium prices, reflecting its desirability and location. The median home value in Burbank is approximately $1,200,885, showing a slight decrease of 2.4% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price for homes is around $1.19 million (as reported by Realtor.com®).
Rental prices are also substantial. The average rent for an apartment in Burbank is around $2,881 per month, marking a 3.46% increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). A one-bedroom apartment averages $2,539, while a two-bedroom unit costs approximately $3,458 monthly (as reported by RentCafe).
Cost of Living
Burbank is considered an expensive city, with its overall cost of living being 42.6% higher than the national average. This places it among the more costly cities globally and within the United States (as reported by Livingcost). Housing is a major contributor to this higher cost, being 257.2% more expensive than the national average for both buying and renting.
Beyond housing, other goods and services also contribute to the elevated cost of living. These items, including personal care, clothing, and entertainment, are approximately 21% more expensive than the national average. A single person can expect monthly expenses of around $3,259, including rent, while a family of four may spend about $7,114 monthly (as reported by Livingcost).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Burbank is a hub for major employers, particularly within the entertainment and media industries. Prominent companies include Warner Bros. Discovery, The Walt Disney Company, and Nickelodeon, which employ thousands in the area (as reported by Chamber of Commerce). Other significant employers span various sectors, including Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, Hollywood Burbank Airport, and the Burbank Unified School District (as reported by Chamber of Commerce).
The city’s economy is resilient, bolstered by its strong media and entertainment sector. This industry continues to drive job growth, with additional demand seen in healthcare, hospitality, and technology sectors. Burbank also offers a business-friendly environment with incentives and streamlined services for new and existing businesses (as reported by Los Angeles Business Journal).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Burbank, CA, was reported at 6.80%, which is higher than the previous month’s rate of 5.90% and higher than the rate from the previous year (as reported by YCharts, referencing Bureau of Labor Statistics data). The average salary in Burbank is approximately $89,000 annually, or about $43 per hour (as reported by Salary.com).
However, other sources indicate a different average annual salary. ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary in Burbank as $65,114, which translates to about $31.30 per hour. This wide range in reported salaries may reflect different methodologies and the inclusion of various job types and experience levels (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Rainfall
Burbank experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Average summer high temperatures typically reach around 81°F, while winter lows can drop to around 54°F (as reported by National Weather Service). The city generally receives minimal rainfall, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months.
The climate is generally pleasant throughout the year, with sunny days being common. Patchy fog can occur, particularly in the mornings, especially during the cooler months. The National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts, indicating typical conditions like mostly sunny days in the summer and potential for rain in the winter.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Burbank is served by the Burbank Unified School District, which has received an overall ‘A’ rating from Niche. The district is recognized for its academics, diversity, and teachers. Within the district, Burbank High School also holds an ‘A’ rating, noted for its college preparatory offerings and strong academic programs (as reported by Niche).
While Burbank Unified School District is highly rated, specific elementary schools like Burbank Elementary School in Artesia have received a ‘C-‘ overall Niche grade, indicating varying performance across different schools and districts. Parents often look to Niche for detailed school reviews and rankings to make informed decisions.
Demographics
As of the most recent US Census data, Burbank has a population of 104,546, making it the 69th most populated city in California. The largest racial/ethnic groups are White (54.1%), followed by Hispanic (23.9%) and Asian (11.5%) (as reported by CUBIT, referencing US Census Bureau data). The median household income in Burbank was $97,082 in 2024, with approximately 7.6% of families living in poverty (as reported by CUBIT).
The median age for residents is 40.1 years. Projections indicate a slight population increase, with an estimated 104,886 residents by 2026. This demographic profile suggests a stable, established community with a significant proportion of working-age adults (as reported by CUBIT).