Is El Segundo Safe, Pros and cons of living in El Segundo

El Segundo, California, is a city that offers a unique blend of coastal charm and economic vitality. Nestled in Los Angeles County, it boasts a strong presence in the aerospace and technology sectors, earning it the nickname “Aerospace Capital of the World.” This vibrant community provides a high quality of life, with a focus on family-friendly environments and convenient access to major transportation hubs.

The city’s name, meaning “The Second” in Spanish, hints at its historical connection to early oil refining on the West Coast. Today, El Segundo has evolved into a dynamic hub for innovation and business, attracting a diverse population and a robust workforce. Its appeal lies in its strategic location, excellent amenities, and a commitment to fostering a thriving atmosphere for both residents and businesses.

Is it Safe to Live in El Segundo?

El Segundo’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a total crime rate of 5,977 offenses per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This rate is 182% higher than the national average, placing it among cities with higher overall crime rates (as reported by AreaVibes). However, it is important to note that crime is not uniformly distributed, and residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

While the overall crime statistics may seem concerning, the likelihood of experiencing crime varies by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 17 in the southwest to 1 in 45 in the northwest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in El Segundo, consistent with national trends (as reported by DoorProfit). The El Segundo Police Department employs 60 officers to serve the community (as reported by Movegreen).

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in El Segundo is 512 per 100,000 individuals, which is 43% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents face approximately a 1 in 199 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime annually (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Key violent crime rates include murder at 2.9 per 100,000, aggravated assault at 127.9 per 100,000, and robbery at 33.2 per 100,000 (as reported by DoorProfit).

Property Crime Statistics

El Segundo recorded 885 property crimes, amounting to 5,464 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 210.5% (as reported by AreaVibes). The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in El Segundo is estimated at 1 in 19 (as reported by AreaVibes). Larceny/theft is the most common crime, with an estimated rate of 1,239.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 12% below the national average for this crime type (as reported by DoorProfit).

Pros and Cons of Living in El Segundo

El Segundo offers a compelling lifestyle with its strong economic base and desirable location. The city is a hub for major aerospace and technology companies, providing abundant career opportunities for its residents. Its proximity to the coast and a family-friendly atmosphere contribute to its appeal as a place to live and raise a family.

However, the cost of living in El Segundo is significantly higher than the national average. Housing expenses, in particular, are substantially elevated, making it a considerable financial commitment for many. While the city boasts a high median income, the expenses associated with daily life can offset some of that advantage.

Economic Opportunities

El Segundo is renowned for its robust job market, particularly in the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors. Major employers such as Boeing, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman have a significant presence in the city, offering numerous employment opportunities (as reported by Wikipedia). The Aerospace Corporation and Mattel are also headquartered in El Segundo, further diversifying the economic landscape.

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in El Segundo is substantially higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a primary driver. The median home value in El Segundo is approximately $1,809,455 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout), and the median home price is around $1.6 million (as reported by Redfin). Renting is also expensive, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment being approximately $2,450 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Housing Market Insights

El Segundo’s housing market is characterized by high demand and high prices, reflecting its desirability as a place to live. The median home value in El Segundo is $1,809,455 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout), with prices appreciating significantly over the past decade. Appreciation rates for homes have been tracking above average, with a cumulative appreciation rate of 99.54% over the last ten years (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The real estate market in El Segundo is described as somewhat competitive (as reported by Redfin). Homes typically sell after about 33 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). Single-family detached homes are the most common housing type, accounting for 39.86% of the city’s housing units (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Home Prices and Values

The median home price in El Segundo was approximately $1.6 million in March 2026, an increase of 18.1% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The average home value in El Segundo is $1,759,408, up 3.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median listing home price is $1,842,000 (as reported by Realtor.com).

Rental Market Trends

The rental market in El Segundo is also competitive, with average rents significantly above the national average. As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in El Segundo is $2,209 per month, which is 35% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in El Segundo is $2,945, which is 51% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Major Employers

El Segundo boasts a dynamic job market, largely driven by its prominent aerospace and technology industries. The city is home to several major corporations, including Boeing, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman, which are among the largest aerospace companies in the U.S. (as reported by Wikipedia). The Aerospace Corporation is also a significant employer in the area.

Other notable companies with a presence in El Segundo include Mattel, AT&T Entertainment Hub, and Big 5 Sporting Goods (as reported by Wikipedia). This concentration of large corporations and diverse industries provides a stable and varied employment landscape for residents.

Key Industries and Employers

The aerospace and defense sectors are dominant in El Segundo, with companies like Boeing, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman employing thousands (as reported by Wikipedia). Technology firms and other industries also contribute to the city’s economic strength. The presence of the Los Angeles Air Force Base and the Space and Missile Systems Center further solidifies El Segundo’s role as a critical center for aerospace and defense activities (as reported by Wikipedia).

Average Salary and Unemployment Rate

The average annual household income in El Segundo was $181,755 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in El Segundo was $150,737 (as reported by Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in El Segundo stands at 6% (as reported by Point2Homes). However, other sources indicate the unemployment rate is 4.3% (as reported by Niche).

Climate and Weather

El Segundo enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate, characterized by comfortable temperatures year-round. The city experiences warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Temperatures typically range from 48°F to 78°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 44°F or exceeding 83°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The average annual precipitation in El Segundo is approximately 13 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The rainy season generally occurs from October to April, with February being the wettest month, receiving about 3.4 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). Summers are arid and clear, providing ample sunshine, with an average of 3463.0 hours of sunshine annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Temperature and Rainfall Averages

The average high temperature in El Segundo is around 74°F in August, while the average low is 51°F in December (as reported by Weather Spark). The city receives an average of 13 inches of rainfall annually (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). The driest month is July, with virtually no rainfall, while December is the wettest (as reported by Weather Spark).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Summers in El Segundo are comfortable, arid, and clear, offering a pleasant environment for outdoor activities (as reported by Weather Spark). Winters are cooler, wetter, and partly cloudy, with the majority of the year’s precipitation occurring during these months (as reported by Weather Spark). The humidity level remains comfortable throughout the summer, contributing to the city’s appeal (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

El Segundo is served by the El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD), a highly-rated district known for its academic excellence and community engagement. The district consistently ranks among the top school districts in California, often placing in the top 5% for academic performance (as reported by Public School Review). The student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 24:1, reflecting a commitment to personalized attention for students (as reported by Niche).

The district’s schools demonstrate strong performance in standardized testing, with proficiency rates in math and reading significantly above the state averages. For example, 70% of students are proficient in math, and 76% are proficient in reading, compared to state averages of 34% and 47%, respectively (as reported by Public School Review).

Elementary and Middle Schools

Elementary schools in El Segundo, such as Center Street Elementary School and Richmond Street School, receive high ratings for their foundational academics and enrichment programs (as reported by Niche and Public School Review). El Segundo Middle School is also highly regarded, offering a Gifted & Talented program and excelling in areas like robotics and debate (as reported by Niche and Public School Review).

High School and District Performance

El Segundo High School is a distinguished public institution with a 98% four-year graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average (as reported by Public School Review and Niche). The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, honors programs, and strong extracurricular activities. The El Segundo Unified School District as a whole is recognized for its high-quality teachers and overall academic environment (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

El Segundo has a population of approximately 17,272 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s population density is 3,161.6 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in El Segundo is 39.0 years (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial makeup of El Segundo is diverse, with Caucasians forming the largest group at 60.9%, followed by those with Asian roots at 11.3%, and Hispanic or Latino residents at 15.7% (as reported by Wikipedia). A significant portion of the population, 85.2%, are U.S.-born citizens, with an additional 10.7% being naturalized citizens (as reported by Point2Homes).

Age and Gender Distribution

The age distribution in El Segundo shows that 20.6% of residents are under 18, with 12.9% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.4% male and 49.6% female (as reported by Niche).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

In terms of race and ethnicity, El Segundo is predominantly White (60.9%), with a notable Hispanic or Latino population (15.7%) and a significant Asian community (11.3%) (as reported by Wikipedia). Residents with two or more races constitute 5.7% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).