Is Long Beach Safe, Pros and cons of living in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, situated in Los Angeles County, is a significant coastal city known for its diverse economy and vibrant culture. It offers a unique blend of urban amenities and coastal living, attracting a wide range of residents. The city’s strategic location and historical significance contribute to its dynamic character.

This coastal metropolis boasts a rich history, evolving from its early days as a resort town to a major economic hub. Its economy is driven by various sectors, including trade, aerospace, and tourism, making it a city of opportunity. Long Beach provides a compelling lifestyle for those seeking a balance between professional pursuits and recreational activities.

Is it Safe to Live in Long Beach?

Long Beach presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant attention. The city’s overall crime rate is 6,794 per 100,000 residents, based on 2024 FBI NIBRS data (U.S. Crime Map). While this figure is comparable to other large U.S. cities, specific crime categories show variation.

Violent crime statistics indicate a chance of being a victim of one of these crimes in Long Beach is one in 149 (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is more prevalent, with a chance of being a victim of property crime being one in 29 (NeighborhoodScout). The city’s crime rate is considered higher than the average for communities of similar population size (NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs in Long Beach

The housing market in Long Beach reflects its desirable coastal location, with median home prices significantly above the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Long Beach was $905,000, an increase of 3.7% compared to the previous year (Redfin). This price point is 107% higher than the national average (Redfin).

Rental costs are also substantial, with the average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Long Beach being $2,117 per month (Zillow). This figure places Long Beach rentals at a higher cost than the national average rent of $1,910 as of March 2026 (Zillow).

Median Home Prices

The median sale price for homes in Long Beach was $905,000 in March 2026, indicating a competitive market (Redfin). This median price has seen a 3.7% increase year-over-year (Redfin). The price per square foot stands at $647, showing a slight decrease of 2.5% from the previous year (Redfin).

Further market segmentation reveals variations across neighborhoods. For instance, in Central Long Beach, the median sale price was $660,000 in March 2026, up 38.9% year-over-year (Redfin). In contrast, Downtown Long Beach’s median sale price was $500,000 in March 2026, marking a 10.1% increase year-over-year (Redfin).

Rental Market Overview

The rental market in Long Beach presents a range of options, with an average rent of $2,117 per month (Zillow). This average rent has seen a modest increase of $17 month-over-month and year-over-year (Zillow).

More recently, as of March 31, 2026, the average rent in Long Beach was reported as $2,277, which is higher than the national average of $1,910 (Zillow). This indicates a sustained trend of higher rental costs within the city.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Long Beach is influenced by several factors, with housing being a significant contributor. Housing expenses in Long Beach are 135% higher than the national average (PayScale). Utility prices are also above the national average, by 9% (PayScale).

Transportation costs in Long Beach are notably higher, being 38% above the national average for expenses like bus fares and gas prices (PayScale). These elevated costs across essential categories contribute to a higher overall cost of living for residents.

Housing Expenses

Housing in Long Beach is a primary driver of its cost of living. As of December 2025, the median home price was $573,000, showing a year-over-year decrease of 4.0% (Rentcast). However, the Zillow 1-year price projection suggests a relatively flat market ahead with a 0.1% increase (Rentcast).

Condominium prices have also seen a decrease, with the median home value for condos at $422,000, a 6.4% year-over-year change (Rentcast). These figures highlight the significant investment required for homeownership in Long Beach.

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses also contribute to the cost of living. Utility prices are 9% higher than the national average (PayScale). Transportation costs are also elevated, with bus fares and gas prices being 38% higher than the national average (PayScale).

The average cost of living index in Long Beach is higher than the national average, reflecting these increased expenses across various categories. This makes Long Beach a more expensive city to live in compared to many other U.S. urban areas (Council for Community and Economic Research).

Job Market and Economy

Long Beach boasts a diverse and robust economy, with major employers spanning various key industries. The Port of Long Beach is a significant economic driver, processing a substantial portion of the country’s maritime international trade (City of Long Beach). This generates employment in sectors like trade, logistics, and real estate.

Other prominent sectors include aviation and aerospace, financial services, healthcare, and technology. Companies like Gulfstream, Epson America, and Molina Healthcare are among the major employers, contributing to the city’s employment landscape (City of Long Beach, Instawork, Zippia).

Major Employers

The city’s economic foundation is supported by a variety of large organizations. The Port of Long Beach, in conjunction with the Port of Los Angeles, plays a critical role in international trade and logistics (City of Long Beach). Aviation and aerospace companies, such as Gulfstream, have a significant presence, employing many individuals (City of Long Beach).

Healthcare is another vital sector, with Molina Healthcare being a major employer (Zippia). Technology firms like Epson America also contribute significantly to the job market (City of Long Beach). California State University, Long Beach is also a substantial employer within the education sector (Payscale).

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Long Beach, CA, was 5.20% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average of 7.65% (YCharts). The average annual salary in Long Beach is approximately $63,485, though this can vary significantly by occupation (ZipRecruiter). Most salaries fall between $43,868 and $81,853 annually (ZipRecruiter).

The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area, however, reports a higher average hourly wage of $36.64 in May 2024, compared to the national average of $32.66 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This suggests that while the city-specific average might be lower, the broader region offers competitive compensation in certain fields.

Climate in Long Beach

Long Beach experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall. The city generally enjoys sunny days, typical of Southern California’s weather patterns (Wikipedia). Temperatures can vary, with inland areas like the Long Beach Airport experiencing a wider range than coastal regions.

The average annual temperature in Long Beach is 64.9°F (18.3°C), with August being the hottest month (average 74.3°F or 23.5°C) and December being the coldest (average 56.7°F or 13.7°C) (Wikipedia). The city experiences about 23 days annually with temperatures above 90°F (32.2°C) and approximately two days exceeding 100°F (37.8°C) (Wikipedia).

Temperature and Rainfall

Summers in Long Beach are typically hot, with frequent low clouds and fog occurring overnight that usually clear by the afternoon, often accompanied by a cooling sea breeze (Wikipedia). Heat waves can occur, becoming more frequent, intense, and long-lasting due to climate change (City of Long Beach). While rainfall is occasional, the city lies within a semi-arid region with dry summers and wet winters (City of Long Beach).

The annual average temperature hovers around 64.9°F (18.3°C) (Wikipedia). August is the warmest month, averaging 74.3°F (23.5°C), while December is the coolest, averaging 56.7°F (13.7°C) (Wikipedia). The city sees about 23 days annually with highs above 90°F, and around two days above 100°F (Wikipedia).

Education in Long Beach

Long Beach is served by the Long Beach Unified School District, which is recognized for its diversity and commitment to student success. The district serves a large student population across K-12 grades and is rated highly for its diverse student body and athletic programs (Niche). State test scores show that 36% of students are proficient in math and 50% in reading (Niche).

The district also offers numerous opportunities for higher education, with California State University, Long Beach and Long Beach City College being prominent institutions. These, along with other local colleges, are of significant interest to students graduating from the district’s high schools (Niche).

School District Performance

The Long Beach Unified School District has earned an overall “A minus” grade from Niche, reflecting its strong performance across various educational metrics (Niche). It is ranked among the top school districts in California for diversity, athletics, and as a place to teach (Niche). The district’s student-teacher ratio is 24 to 1 (Niche).

While state test scores indicate areas for growth, with 36% of students proficient in math and 50% in reading, the district is noted for its comprehensive offerings. Its commitment to diversity and extracurricular activities contributes to a well-rounded educational environment for its students (Niche).

Higher Education Options

Long Beach is a hub for higher learning, with several notable institutions. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a large university with a significant enrollment (Wikipedia). Long Beach City College offers associate degrees and vocational training programs (Niche).

These institutions are highly regarded and are frequently a focus for students from the local high school districts (Niche). The presence of these universities and colleges enhances the educational landscape and provides valuable opportunities for residents.

Demographics of Long Beach

Long Beach is a diverse city with a population of approximately 455,548 people as of 2024, making it the seventh most populous city in California (Data USA, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). The city’s racial and ethnic composition is varied, with Hispanic individuals forming the largest group at 43.8% (Data USA, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).

White residents make up 26.2% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 12.7%, and Black residents at 11.4% (Data USA, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). This diverse demographic makeup contributes to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Population and Diversity

The population of Long Beach is projected to be around 451,165 by 2026, indicating a slight decrease from current estimates (World Population Review). The city is more diverse than California as a whole, with a significant Hispanic population (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Data USA). Approximately 24.7% of residents were born outside the country (Data USA).

The median age in Long Beach is 37.1 years (Data USA, World Population Review). For every 100 females, there are approximately 96.6 males in the population (World Population Review).

Income and Poverty

In 2024, the median household income in Long Beach was $87,430 (Data USA, World Population Review). Despite this median income, 9.9% of Long Beach families live in poverty (World Population Review). The poverty rate for the population where poverty status is determined is 14.8% (Data USA).

The most common demographic group living below the poverty line is Hispanic, followed by White individuals (Data USA). This highlights an economic disparity within the city’s diverse population.