Is Grand Terrace Safe, Pros and cons of living in Grand Terrace
Grand Terrace, California, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to major Southern California hubs. Nestled near the San Bernardino Mountains, this city provides a refreshing alternative to the fast pace of larger metropolitan areas. With a strong sense of community and a friendly atmosphere, Grand Terrace appeals to families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
The city’s strategic location facilitates easy commutes and access to employment centers, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. Grand Terrace is positioned to offer a desirable living experience, combining small-town charm with the conveniences of a well-connected region.
Is it Safe to Live in Grand Terrace?
Grand Terrace presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with a crime rate that is notably lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Grand Terrace is 6% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, standing at 26% below the national average (according to AreaVibes).
While the city is considered safe, there are variations by neighborhood, with residents often viewing the eastern parts of the city as the safest. Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Grand Terrace is approximately 1 in 51 (according to AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is $528 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average (according to CrimeGrade).
Housing and Cost of Living
The housing market in Grand Terrace offers a range of options, with a median home value of $587,468 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). This median home value is lower than the California state average of $648,235, making it a more accessible option within the state. The median rent for an apartment in Grand Terrace is approximately $1,766 per month (according to Apartments.com).
The overall cost of living in Grand Terrace is about 19% higher than the national average. However, it is 13% less expensive than the average city in California (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This suggests a moderate cost of living relative to other parts of the state, with housing being a significant factor.
Housing Costs
The median home value in Grand Terrace was $472,748 (according to Livability.com). However, more recent data from March 2026 indicates a median home price of $540K (according to Redfin). This indicates a rising trend in home values over the past year.
Rental prices also reflect this trend, with the average rent in Grand Terrace being $1,766 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This is 8% higher than the national average rent of $1,642 per month.
Cost of Living Index
Grand Terrace’s cost of living index is higher than the U.S. national average. It is 19% more expensive than the national average, though it remains 13% less expensive than the average city in California (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This is based on accumulating costs for food, transportation, healthcare, rent, utilities, and taxes.
The cost of living for a single person is estimated at $2,896 per month, and for a family of four, it is $6,376 per month. These figures reflect a 3% increase from the previous year, driven by housing, transportation, and food costs.
Job Market and Economy
Grand Terrace boasts a diverse employment landscape with a total of 2,719 jobs situated within the community (according to the City of Grand Terrace). The leading employment categories include education, professional-management, and manufacturing-distribution. The average salary in Grand Terrace is $69,080 (according to the City of Grand Terrace).
Major employers in Grand Terrace include Auto Zone, Bank of America, CVS Pharmacy, Stater Bros. Market, and Walgreens Pharmacy. These companies contribute significantly to the local economy and provide a range of employment opportunities for residents.
Major Employers
Key employers in Grand Terrace are diverse, spanning various sectors. These include retail giants like Auto Zone and Stater Bros. Market, financial institutions such as Bank of America, and healthcare providers like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens Pharmacy (as listed by the City of Grand Terrace). Other notable employers include Essco Wholesale Electrical, Miguel’s Jr. Mexican Restaurant, Riverside Winnelson, Superior Pool Products, and Wilden Pump & Engineering Company.
The presence of these companies indicates a stable job market with opportunities in retail, services, and manufacturing. Many national brands also have a presence, further diversifying the employment options available to residents.
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Grand Terrace is $45,346 as of May 26 (according to ZipRecruiter). This translates to approximately $21.80 per hour. Salaries in Grand Terrace typically range between $32,361 and $55,804 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level.
While specific unemployment rate data for Grand Terrace is not readily available in the search results, the city’s median household income is $83,628 (according to Data USA). This indicates a generally stable economic environment for its residents.
Climate and Weather
Grand Terrace experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summers are typically hot, arid, and clear, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F from June through September (according to Weather Spark). The hottest month is August, with average highs around 95°F and lows of 65°F.
Winters are cool and partly cloudy, with temperatures rarely dropping below 43°F or exceeding 96°F throughout the year (according to Weather Spark). The cool season lasts from November to March, with average daily high temperatures below 72°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 44°F and highs of 67°F.
Temperature and Rainfall
Throughout the year, temperatures in Grand Terrace generally range from 41°F to 95°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average of 12 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it occurring between October and April (according to myPerfectWeather and Weather Spark). February is typically the wettest month, with an average of 2.4 inches of rain.
The dry season lasts from April to October, with June receiving the least amount of rain, averaging only 0.1 inches. Snowfall is rare, with an average of only 2 inches per year (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
Grand Terrace is served by the Colton Joint Unified School District, with several schools catering to different age groups. Grand Terrace Elementary School has a reading proficiency of 30.4% and a math proficiency of 22.6% (according to California School Trends). Grand Terrace High School has an average GPA of 3.52 and a graduation rate of 90% (according to Homes.com).
The population of Grand Terrace is approximately 13,078 residents (according to ZoomProspector). The median age is 37.7 years (according to Data USA). The racial makeup is diverse, with 51.3% Hispanic, 34.3% White, and 5.1% Asian residents (according to Data USA).
School Ratings
Grand Terrace Elementary School is ranked #5943 out of 9,523 schools in California, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in the state (according to Niche). Conversely, Grand Terrace High School has a Niche grade of B- and a GreatSchools Rating of 5 out of 10 (according to Homes.com).
Terrace Hills Middle School is ranked 4th with a percentile of 34.9, and Terrace View Elementary is ranked 6th with a percentile of 57.8 (according to California School Ratings). These varied ratings suggest a mixed performance across the school district.
Demographics and Diversity
Grand Terrace is home to a population of 13,078 people, with a median age of 37.7 years (according to Data USA). The city’s demographic profile shows a significant Hispanic population, making up 51.3% of residents, followed by White residents at 34.3% (according to Data USA). Asian residents constitute about 5.1% of the population.
The population is also characterized by a substantial percentage of foreign-born residents, at 14.6% as of 2024 (according to Data USA). This diversity contributes to the cultural richness of the community.