Is Signal Hill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Signal Hill
Signal Hill, California, offers a unique living experience within Los Angeles County. This city, entirely surrounded by Long Beach, boasts a rich history tied to the discovery of oil and a distinctive geographical feature that gives it its name. Residents and potential newcomers often seek to understand the quality of life, encompassing safety, economic opportunities, and community atmosphere.
The city provides a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an appealing choice for various lifestyles. Understanding the current conditions of Signal Hill involves examining key aspects such as its safety, cost of living, job market, climate, and demographic makeup. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear picture for anyone considering a move to this distinctive Southern California locale.
Is it Safe to Live in Signal Hill?
Crime Overview
Signal Hill’s crime rates present a complex picture, with some statistics indicating a higher incidence of crime compared to national averages. The city has been noted as having a crime rate of 67 per one thousand residents, placing it among communities with higher crime rates when compared to towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Signal Hill is approximately one in 15 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Specifically, property crimes are a significant concern, with a rate of 58 per one thousand population. Signal Hill has one of the higher rates of motor vehicle theft nationally (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime rates are also a concern, with a chance of becoming a victim of one of these crimes being one in 112 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, other reports indicate that violent crime rates are 7.3% below the national average and property crime averages are 28.9% below the national average, with a violent crime grade of C and property crime grade of B according to FBI data from 2019-2023 (as reported by Crime Explorer).
Understanding Crime Statistics
When examining crime data, it is important to consider the source and the specific metrics used. Some analyses suggest Signal Hill ranks in the 14th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 14% of cities but less safe than 86% (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident in Signal Hill is approximately $649 per year, which is higher than both the national and California state averages (as reported by AreaVibes).
Conversely, other sources state that Signal Hill’s crime rates are 93% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 94% lower than the national average, and that the city is safer than 94% of cities in California (as reported by AreaVibes). This discrepancy highlights the importance of consulting multiple sources and understanding the methodologies behind different crime reporting agencies.
Cost of Living in Signal Hill
Housing Expenses
The cost of living in Signal Hill is notably higher than the national average. Housing expenses are reported to be 100% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). The median home value in Signal Hill is approximately $773,981 (as reported by Livability.com). This figure reflects a market where homeownership comes with a significant investment.
Rental prices also contribute to the overall cost of living. The median monthly rent in Signal Hill is around $2,000 (as reported by Zumper). For houses, the average monthly rent can be higher, around $3,172 (as reported by Zumper). The average rent for all property types is $2,700 per month (as reported by Zillow).
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Signal Hill are also above the national average. Utility prices are 9% higher than the national average, and transportation costs, including gas and bus fares, are 38% higher (as reported by PayScale). Grocery prices are also 9% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Overall, Signal Hill’s cost of living is approximately 45% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Some analyses indicate it is 33% more expensive than the national average but 4% less expensive than the average city in California, assuming a $72,000 annual salary and a two-bedroom apartment (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
Employment Landscape
Signal Hill’s economy is characterized by a diverse range of industries and employers. The average salary in Signal Hill is approximately $55,318 per year, or $26.60 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Signal Hill typically range from $39,411 to $69,345 annually, depending on factors like occupation and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Signal Hill is reported at 6% (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This figure is important for understanding the local job market dynamics. For comparison, the California unemployment rate was 5.30% as of March 2026 (as reported by YCharts).
Major Employers and Industries
Signal Hill is home to a variety of businesses, contributing to its employment sector. Some of the largest companies in Signal Hill include Hof’s Hut Restaurant & Bakery, Walters Wholesale Electric, and Leland Pacific (as reported by Zippia). Other significant employers include Costco, Home Depot, and Kaiser Permanente, reflecting a mix of retail, industrial, and healthcare sectors (as reported by Long Beach Business Journal).
The most common employment sectors for residents living in the broader Los Angeles County (Southeast)–Long Beach (Central) & Signal Hill Cities PUMA are Restaurants & Food Services, Elementary & Secondary Schools, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a strong presence in service, education, and building industries within the region.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Temperature and Seasons
Signal Hill experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild, wet winters. Over the course of the year, temperatures typically vary from 48°F to 82°F, rarely dropping below 42°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season lasts from July to September, with daily high temperatures often above 79°F, with August being the hottest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The cool season spans from November to March, with average daily high temperatures below 69°F. December is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 49°F to 66°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, with approximately 3386.1 hours annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Signal Hill receives an average of 12 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). The rainy period typically lasts from October to April, with February being the wettest month, averaging about 3.2 inches of rain (as reported by Signal Hill Weather).
Conversely, the dry season extends from April to October, with July experiencing the least amount of rain, often with 0.0 inches (as reported by Signal Hill Weather). The chance of a wet day varies throughout the year, with November through March having a greater than 10% chance of precipitation (as reported by Signal Hill Weather).
Demographics and Community
Population Composition
As of the 2020 census, Signal Hill had a population of 11,848 (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease, with a projected population of 11,011 in 2026, indicating a declining trend (as reported by Demographics Signal Hill, CA).
The racial composition of Signal Hill includes approximately 44.94% White, 23.07% Asian, and 6.29% Black or African American residents, with smaller percentages for other racial groups (as reported by Demographics Signal Hill, CA). The median age in Signal Hill is around 41.9 years, slightly higher than the state and national averages (as reported by Data Commons and Demographics Signal Hill, CA).
Household and Income Data
The median household income in Signal Hill is reported to be $113,298 (as reported by Demographics Signal Hill, CA). This income level is higher than the state and national averages. The poverty rate in Signal Hill is approximately 7.07% (as reported by Demographics Signal Hill, CA).
For renters, the median household income was $76,414, with a rent-to-income ratio of 29.1% (as reported by Point2Homes). The distribution of income varies by age group, with households led by individuals aged 45 to 64 reporting the highest median income of $121,900 (as reported by Point2Homes).
Education and Schools
Elementary Education
Signal Hill is served by the Long Beach Unified School District, providing educational services to its young residents. Within the city limits, there are two public elementary schools: Signal Hill Elementary School and Juan Bautista Alvarado Elementary School (as reported by Wikipedia). Signal Hill Elementary School is rated B+ by Niche and has a 8/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Homes.com).
Signal Hill Elementary School ranks better than 63% of elementary schools in California and ranks 24th among 53 ranked elementary schools in the Long Beach Unified School District (as reported by SchoolDigger). The school has a student-teacher ratio of 27 to 1 and demonstrates strong academic performance, often outperforming district and state averages in math and English (as reported by SchoolDigger and Niche).
Secondary and Higher Education Access
There is one middle school within Signal Hill’s city limits: Jessie Elwin Nelson Academy (as reported by Wikipedia). While Signal Hill itself does not host higher education institutions, its proximity to Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area provides residents with access to numerous colleges and universities.
These institutions offer a wide array of programs and degrees, catering to diverse educational and career aspirations. The accessibility to quality education, from elementary through higher learning, is a significant factor for families considering a move to Signal Hill.
Housing Market Trends
Home Prices and Values
The housing market in Signal Hill shows a median listing price of $580,000 (as reported by realtor.com). The average home value in Signal Hill, CA, is approximately $708,079, reflecting a slight decrease of 2.8% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This trend indicates a dynamic market with fluctuations in property values.
Neighborhoods within Signal Hill have varying median home values. For example, the Poly High District has a median home value of $634,108, while Zaferia is listed at $545,617 (as reported by Zillow). These figures provide a localized perspective on housing costs within the city.
Rental Market Insights
The rental market in Signal Hill presents a median rental price of $2,700 per month (as reported by Zillow). This reflects a month-over-month decrease of $200 and a year-over-year decrease of $1,050 (as reported by Zillow). Currently, there are approximately 36 rentals available in Signal Hill (as reported by Zillow).
The average rent for houses in Signal Hill can range significantly, from $1,100 to $14,000, with an average of $2,700 (as reported by Zillow). For apartments, the average monthly rent is $1,947, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,750 and a two-bedroom averaging $2,495 (as reported by Zumper).