Is Walnut Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in Walnut Park

Is it Safe to Live in Walnut Park?

Walnut Park’s crime rates present a mixed picture. While specific crime statistics for Walnut Park itself are not readily available from national sources like the FBI, data for similar neighborhoods in larger metropolitan areas can offer some context. For instance, “Walnut Park East” in St. Louis, Missouri, shows crime rates significantly above the national average, with violent crimes being a particular concern. However, it’s crucial to distinguish this from Walnut Park, California, as crime rates can vary drastically by location.

Localized data for Walnut Park, California, indicates that crime can vary significantly. Detailed crime maps and per-crime type breakdowns are recommended for a more precise understanding of safety in specific areas within Walnut Park. It’s important to note that crime statistics can be complex and influenced by various socioeconomic factors.

Demographics and Community Profile

Walnut Park is a CDP in Los Angeles County, California, with a population of approximately 15,000 residents. The community is predominantly Hispanic, making up about 96.9% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Walnut Park is 36.7 years (as reported by Population 2026).

The foreign-born population in Walnut Park is substantial, with around 44.4% of residents born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA). This demographic characteristic contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of the community. The population density is high, with 20,312.4 persons per square mile as of the 2020 Census (as reported by Los Angeles County, California).

Economic Landscape and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Walnut Park, California, is notably higher than the national average, estimated to be 44% higher (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs in Walnut Park are also less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation and healthcare costs are also higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

The median household income in Walnut Park is approximately $80,331 (as reported by Population 2026 and Census Reporter). However, a significant portion of families, around 17.1%, live below the poverty line (as reported by Census Reporter). The local economy employs roughly 6,600 people, with manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare & social assistance being the largest industries (as reported by Data USA).

Housing Market Insights

The Walnut Park housing market is described as very competitive, with a Redfin Compete Score of 71 out of 100 (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price of a home in Walnut Park was approximately $630,000 as of last month, showing a decrease of 27.8% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Walnut Park tend to stay on the market for an extended period, with an average of 200 days on the market in January 2026, compared to 94 days the prior year (as reported by Redfin).

The average rental price in Walnut Park is around $2,323 per month (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Rents in Walnut Park are generally lower than in many other California neighborhoods (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The housing supply in Walnut Park is tight, with a low vacancy rate of 2.3%, indicating high demand for properties (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Job Market and Employment

The Walnut Park economy supports around 6,600 jobs, with a slight decline in employment from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors include manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Walnut Park is reported to be around $55,501 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Other sources indicate a higher average salary of $77,184 per year or $37 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Walnut Park is 4.7%, which is above the U.S. average (as reported by California State Authority). Major industries contributing to employment include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Walnut Park experiences a climate with warm, arid, and clear summers, and long, cool, wet, and partly cloudy winters (as reported by Weather Spark). Temperatures typically range from 48°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 42°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warm season lasts from July to October, with average daily high temperatures above 79°F, peaking in August with highs around 82°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The cool season extends from November to March, with average daily high temperatures below 70°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 49°F and highs of 67°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Walnut Park experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with the rainy period lasting from mid-October to late April. February typically sees the most rainfall, averaging 3.3 inches, while July is the driest month with no rainfall (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and School Ratings

Walnut Park Elementary School serves students in grades K-5 and is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (as reported by Homes.com). The school has a student-teacher ratio of 21:1 (as reported by Homes.com). Academic proficiency at Walnut Park Elementary shows that 22% of students achieve proficiency in math and 26% in reading (as reported by Homes.com).

The school has received a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 5 out of 10 (as reported by Homes.com). Walnut Park Elementary ranks in the bottom half of California elementary schools, with academic performance below district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger). Approximately 97.8% of students at Walnut Park Elementary are Hispanic or Latino (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

Specific major employers for Walnut Park, California, are not extensively detailed in the provided search results. However, broader employment sectors include manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance (as reported by Data USA). For the nearby city of Walnut, major companies include Costco Wholesale, McDonald’s, FedEx, Target, and UPS (as reported by Indeed.com).

In the broader Los Angeles County, the average annual employment is substantial, with over 4.5 million jobs (as reported by California State Authority). The average annual pay across the county is around $83,554 (as reported by California State Authority). The top employing sectors in the county include education and healthcare (as reported by California State Authority).

Pros and Cons of Living in Walnut Park

Walnut Park offers a strong sense of community, largely due to its predominantly Hispanic population and shared cultural heritage. The cost of living, while higher than the national average, can be offset by the median household income, which is relatively strong (as reported by Population 2026 and Census Reporter). The neighborhood is also noted for its walkability, which can enhance daily life and reduce reliance on vehicles (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, the higher cost of living, particularly for housing, can be a significant drawback for potential residents (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). While crime rates are not explicitly detailed for Walnut Park, CA, in all sources, some surrounding areas have shown higher crime rates, warranting careful consideration (as reported by DoorProfit and AreaVibes). The academic performance of local schools, such as Walnut Park Elementary, also falls below state averages, which may be a concern for families with children (as reported by SchoolDigger).