Is San Fernando Safe, Pros and cons of living in San Fernando

San Fernando, a city nestled within the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County, California, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Its location provides residents with proximity to the vast opportunities of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area while maintaining its own distinct community identity. This city, an enclave within the larger City of Los Angeles, presents a compelling option for those seeking a place to call home in Southern California.

The area boasts a rich cultural tapestry, evident in its demographics and community life. Understanding the various facets of San Fernando, from its safety and cost of living to its employment landscape and climate, is crucial for anyone considering a move. This comprehensive overview aims to provide potential residents with the essential information needed to make an informed decision about life in San Fernando.

Is it Safe to Live in San Fernando?

San Fernando presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant careful consideration. The overall crime rate in San Fernando is higher than the national average, with a notable increase in property crimes. Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in San Fernando is approximately 1 in 46, according to NeighborhoodScout.

Specifically, property crimes, including motor vehicle theft, larceny, and burglary, are a concern, with San Fernando having one of the higher rates of vehicle theft in the nation (NeighborhoodScout). While violent crime rates are closer to the national average, the prevalence of property crime means residents should take standard precautions. The city’s crime rate is higher than 82% of California’s cities and towns of all sizes (NeighborhoodScout).

Crime Statistics Overview

San Fernando’s crime rate is reported to be 20% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). This translates to about 1.61 daily crimes, comprising 0.23 violent crimes and 1.38 property crimes. Violent crimes, such as robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder, occur at a rate of approximately 4 per 1,000 inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout).

Property crimes, including theft and vehicle theft, are more common, with a rate of 22 per 1,000 population (NeighborhoodScout). This suggests an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime compared to other communities nationwide. Year over year, crime in San Fernando has seen a slight increase of 1% (AreaVibes).

Neighborhood Safety Variations

Safety can vary significantly by neighborhood within San Fernando. Residents generally consider the northern parts of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime. Conversely, the western neighborhoods may present a higher risk, with a chance of victimization ranging from 1 in 15 to 1 in 38 depending on the specific area (NeighborhoodScout).

When assessing safety, it is advisable to research specific neighborhoods within San Fernando. The northeast parts of San Fernando experience the most incidents, approximately 184 per year, while the southeast part has the fewest, with around 10 crimes annually (NeighborhoodScout). This variation highlights the importance of localized research when considering a move.

The Cost of Living in San Fernando

San Fernando’s cost of living is notably higher than the national average, making it a more expensive place to reside. Overall living expenses are approximately 50% higher than the national average, positioning it among the more costly cities in the United States (AreaVibes). This elevated cost is primarily driven by housing expenses, which significantly impact the overall affordability.

The median household income in San Fernando is $83,024 as of 2024 (San Fernando Demographics), which is 9% higher than the national average (San Fernando, CA Employment). However, this income level is offset by the high cost of essential goods and services, particularly housing.

Housing Costs

Housing is the most significant contributor to San Fernando’s high cost of living. Housing expenses are approximately 124% higher than the national average, impacting both home purchases and rental rates (AreaVibes). The median home price in San Fernando is $650,891 (Livability.com), and median listing prices can reach $750,000 (realtor.com®).

Rental prices also reflect this trend, with the median rent standing at $2,800 per month (realtor.com®). This is 48.3% higher than the usual rate (AreaVibes), and for some neighborhoods, it can be even higher, particularly in the northern areas (BestNeighborhood.org). The average rent across all property types is around $2,667 per month (Zillow).

Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in San Fernando also tend to be higher than the national average. Utility prices are about 9% higher, and transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are approximately 38% higher than the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices are also elevated, running about 9% above the national average (Payscale).

While healthcare costs are slightly lower than the national average (Payscale), the combined effect of increased housing, utility, transportation, and food expenses contributes to San Fernando’s overall high cost of living. For a single person, estimated monthly expenses can reach $2,885, and for a family of four, they can be as high as $6,209 (Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

San Fernando’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, providing employment opportunities for its residents. The unemployment rate in San Fernando is currently 4.6% (Niche), which is 22% lower than the national average (San Fernando, CA Employment). This indicates a relatively stable job market within the city.

The average annual salary in San Fernando is approximately $50,762, equating to about $24.40 per hour (ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary significantly based on occupation and experience, with most ranging between $36,250 and $63,331 annually (ZipRecruiter).

Major Employers

Key employers in and around San Fernando contribute significantly to the local economy. Companies like FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service are prominent employers, offering a range of positions in logistics and services (Indeed.com). Other significant companies include Starbucks, Amazon.com, Dollar Tree, The Home Depot, and PepsiCo (Indeed.com).

Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC) is also a major employer, providing essential healthcare services to the community (Zippia). The San Fernando Valley region as a whole is home to numerous large companies, though specific major employers within the immediate city limits can vary (Inside The Valley).

Employment Trends

The employment landscape in San Fernando is characterized by a mix of established national brands and local service providers. While the city’s median household income is higher than the national average (San Fernando, CA Employment), the income per capita is lower (San Fernando, CA Employment). This suggests a potential for income disparity within the city.

Jobs with higher salaries in San Fernando include positions like Orthodontist, Gs 11, and Dentist (ZipRecruiter). Popular roles that offer competitive pay above the city average include Electrician, Class A Truck Driver, and Pharmacist (ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

San Fernando experiences a subtropical, hot-summer Mediterranean climate, typical of the San Fernando Valley region. This climate is characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, mild winters. Due to its inland location, summer days are often hotter, and winter nights can be colder than in coastal areas of Los Angeles (San Fernando Valley – Wikipedia).

The city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, contributing to its pleasant weather for much of the year. Average annual rainfall is relatively low, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months.

Temperature Ranges

Temperatures in San Fernando typically range from a low of 44°F to a high of 92°F throughout the year (myPerfectWeather). The hot season extends from late June to late September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 86°F. August is the hottest month, with average highs around 91°F and lows of 65°F (San Fernando Climate).

The cool season lasts from mid-November to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 69°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows around 46°F and highs of 65°F (San Fernando Climate). The city experiences around 271 days of comfortable weather annually, making it an attractive climate for many (myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall and Precipitation

San Fernando receives an average of 16 inches of precipitation annually (myPerfectWeather). The rainy season typically spans from mid-October to late April, with February being the wettest month, averaging about 3.3 inches of rain (San Fernando Climate). The rest of the year, from late April to mid-October, is generally dry, with July having virtually no rainfall (San Fernando Climate).

Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common during the winter months. The period from late November to late March has a greater than 11% chance of a wet day. Conversely, the drier season lasts for approximately 7.9 months, from late March to late November, with July having an average of only 0.1 wet days (San Fernando Climate).

Education in San Fernando

San Fernando is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, offering a range of public educational institutions for its young residents. The quality of education, as measured by proficiency scores and rankings, presents an area for potential improvement. Public schools in San Fernando have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of California public schools (Niche).

Math proficiency scores average 20%, compared to the California public school average of 34%, and reading proficiency scores are at 34%, versus the statewide average of 47% (Niche). The student body in San Fernando’s public schools is overwhelmingly diverse, with minority enrollment at 99%, predominantly Hispanic students (Niche).

Public School Performance

Several public schools serve the San Fernando community, including Vista Del Valle Dual Language Academy, O’melveny Elementary School, and Cesar E. Chavez Learning Academies (Niche). While these schools cater to a large student population, their overall testing ranks reflect lower performance in math and reading proficiency compared to state averages (Niche). San Fernando Elementary School, for instance, has a student-teacher ratio of 21:1 and a Niche grade of C+ (Homes.com).

San Fernando Senior High School has an overall Niche grade of B and serves grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. State test scores indicate that 16% of its students are proficient in math and 36% in reading (Niche). These figures highlight the need for enhanced educational resources and support within the local school system.

Educational Opportunities

Despite the lower overall rankings, San Fernando offers educational opportunities for its students. The city is part of the larger Los Angeles Unified School District, which provides a framework for curriculum and educational standards. Schools like Vista Del Valle Dual Language Academy focus on dual-language mastery and high literacy levels (Homes.com).

The community’s demographic makeup, with a high percentage of Hispanic students, is reflected in the schools’ student populations. While test scores may be below the state average, efforts are made to provide students with the resources and opportunities to succeed within the existing educational structure (Homes.com).

Demographics and Diversity

San Fernando is a city characterized by its rich ethnic diversity, with a population that is predominantly Hispanic. As of the latest census data, Hispanic or Latino residents constitute a significant majority, making up 92.4% of the population (San Fernando Demographics). This high percentage reflects the cultural landscape of the city and the surrounding San Fernando Valley.

The population of San Fernando was recorded as 23,946 in the 2020 census (San Fernando, California – Wikipedia). More recent projections estimate the population to be around 23,258 in 2026, indicating a slight decline (San Fernando, California Population 2026). The city’s population density is quite high, with approximately 10,087 people per square mile (San Fernando, California – Wikipedia).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of San Fernando shows a dominant Hispanic population, followed by smaller percentages of other ethnic groups. White residents account for about 4.4% of the population, while Asian and African American communities each represent smaller fractions (San Fernando Demographics). Other races and those identifying with two or more races also form part of the city’s diverse demographic profile.

As of 2024, the “Other (Hispanic)” category comprises the largest portion of residents, with over 10,000 individuals. “Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)” and “White (Hispanic)” are the next most common ethnic groups (Data USA). This composition underscores the strong Hispanic influence in San Fernando.

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in San Fernando is 37.5 years, with slightly more females than males. The median age for males is 36.4 years, and for females, it is 38.2 years (San Fernando, California Population 2026). This age distribution suggests a community with a mix of working-age adults and a growing senior population.

For every 100 females, there are approximately 108.2 males in San Fernando (San Fernando, California Population 2026). This gender ratio is slightly higher for males, which can influence various community dynamics and service needs.