Is La Habra Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in La Habra Heights
Is it Safe to Live in La Habra Heights?
La Habra Heights has an overall crime rate of 8 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average when compared to cities of all sizes across America (NeighborhoodScout). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in La Habra Heights is approximately 1 in 120. The city’s crime rate is lower than about 73% of other communities in California (NeighborhoodScout).
While the overall crime rate is average, violent crime in La Habra Heights occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar sizes nationwide. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in La Habra Heights is 1 in 598, equating to a rate of 2 per 1,000 inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, however, is about average for all cities and towns in America, with a rate of 7 per 1,000 residents (NeighborhoodScout).
Neighborhood Safety and Crime Cost
Residents generally consider the southeastern part of La Habra Heights to be the safest area within the city. Your chance of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 38 in the northern neighborhoods to 1 in 51 in the southeast (MetroStatUSA).
The total projected cost of crime in La Habra Heights for the upcoming year is estimated at $1,926,158, which translates to about $345 per resident and $957 per household (MetroStatUSA). Crime-related expenses account for approximately 0.4% of the median household income in La Habra Heights (MetroStatUSA).
Demographics and Population
La Habra Heights is home to a population of approximately 5,478 people, with a projected population of 5,113 in 2026 (Data USA, Point2Homes). The population has been declining annually, with a decrease of about 7.5% since the most recent census (World Population Review). The median age in La Habra Heights is 46.9 years (Data USA, World Population Review).
The racial composition of La Habra Heights is primarily White (48.67%), followed by Asian (20.14%) and Hispanic (19.37%) residents (Data USA, Point2Homes). A significant portion of residents, about 27.1%, were born outside the country (Data USA). Notably, none of the households reported speaking a non-English language as their primary shared language (Data USA).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The median property value in La Habra Heights was approximately $1.2 million in 2024, reflecting a 7.8% increase from the previous year (Data USA). The homeownership rate is high, at 91.3%, which is considerably higher than the national average (Data USA). La Habra Heights real estate consistently ranks among the most expensive in the nation (NeighborhoodScout).
Housing expenses in La Habra Heights are substantially higher than the national average, with costs being 290% higher (Payscale). Utility prices are also slightly elevated, at 9% above the national average, and transportation expenses are 38% higher (Payscale). Grocery prices are 9% higher than the national average, while healthcare costs are approximately 4% lower (Payscale).
Income and Employment
The median household income in La Habra Heights is around $179,583, which is significantly higher than both the California and national averages (World Population Review, Point2Homes, Niche). The poverty rate stands at 4.92% (World Population Review, Data USA).
Employment in La Habra Heights has seen a decline, with a decrease of approximately 5.95% from the previous year (Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (Data USA). The unemployment rate is reported at 3.41%, which is lower than the state average (MetroStatUSA).
Major Employers
While specific major employers within La Habra Heights are not detailed in the provided data, nearby cities offer insights into regional employment opportunities. For instance, in the adjacent city of La Habra, top employers include CVS Pharmacy and Walmart (Wikipedia). These large retail and service-based companies are indicative of the types of industries that may employ residents of La Habra Heights as well.
Other companies mentioned in the broader La Habra area include Howard’s Appliances, Help For Brain Injured Children, and American First Credit Union (Zippia). These examples highlight a mix of retail, service, and community-focused organizations that contribute to the local job market.
Climate and Weather
La Habra Heights experiences a climate characterized by short, hot, arid, and clear summers, and long, cool, wet, and partly cloudy winters (Weather Spark). Temperatures typically range from 45°F to 87°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 38°F or exceeding 96°F (Weather Spark).
The hottest month is August, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 65°F. The coolest month is December, with average highs of 67°F and lows of 46°F (Weather Spark). The area receives significant seasonal rainfall, with the rainy period extending from October to April. February typically sees the most rain, averaging about 3.1 inches, while July is the driest month with almost no rainfall (Weather Spark).
School Ratings
Public schools serving La Habra Heights generally receive high ratings. Niche.com provides an “A-” grade for crime and safety, and an “A+” for weather, contributing to a positive environment for families (Niche). Several high schools in the vicinity, including La Serna High School and Sonora High School, have received ratings of 3.92 and 3.97 out of 5, respectively (Niche).
Elementary schools in the area also fare well. Heights Christian Schools La Habra Heights Preschool is noted for its small student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 (Niche). The Fullerton Joint Union High School District and Whittier Union High School District, which serve the area, both hold strong ratings (Niche).
Demographics Breakdown
La Habra Heights has a population of approximately 5,478 residents, with a median age of 46.9 years (Data USA, World Population Review). The gender distribution shows slightly more males than females, with 51.8% male and 48.2% female (Point2Homes).
The community is ethnically diverse, with White residents making up the largest group at 48.67%, followed by Asian residents at 20.14%, and Hispanic residents at 19.37% (Data USA). Of the population, 95.1% are U.S. citizens, a rate that has slightly decreased in recent years (Data USA).