Is Costa Mesa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa, California, offers a blend of suburban comfort and coastal proximity, making it an appealing location for many. Nestled in Orange County, it boasts a Mediterranean climate and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city is known for its diverse population and a cost of living that reflects its desirable Southern California location.

This analysis delves into various aspects of life in Costa Mesa, covering safety, economic factors, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a move to this dynamic city.

Is it Safe to Live in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa’s overall crime rate is 69% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly concerning, being 105% higher than the national average, with a rate of 738 per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Costa Mesa is about 1 in 28 (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, crime statistics can vary by neighborhood. While the southwest parts of Costa Mesa experience the most incidents, residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest. The total projected cost of crime in Costa Mesa for 2025 is estimated at over $45 million, equating to approximately $402 per resident (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing Costs

The housing market in Costa Mesa is significantly more expensive than the national average. The median home price in Costa Mesa is approximately $1,415,000 (as reported by Redfin). This figure is 224% higher than the national average, underscoring the substantial investment required for homeownership in the area (as reported by Redfin).

Rental costs are also elevated. The average rent for an apartment in Costa Mesa is around $2,995 per month (as reported by Zillow), which is 49.75% higher than the national average. For a studio apartment, expect to pay about $2,109 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,602 monthly (as reported by RentCafe).

Cost of Living Index

Overall, Costa Mesa’s cost of living is 64% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin). This is influenced by various factors, including housing, groceries, and utilities. Groceries are about 8% more expensive than the national average (as reported by Redfin).

While healthcare costs are about 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin), other expenses contribute to the city’s overall high cost of living. For instance, utilities can add a significant amount to monthly expenses, with electricity averaging $260 per month and natural gas around $80 per month (as reported by Orange County Real Estate).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Costa Mesa is home to a diverse range of employers across various sectors. Key industries include aerospace, defense, healthcare, and retail. Major companies with a significant presence include Hoag Health System, Vans, and several large retail corporations like Walmart and Costco Wholesale (as reported by Indeed.com and Lensa).

Other notable employers contributing to the local economy include Anduril, a defense technology company, and Ducommun, which provides manufacturing solutions for aerospace and industrial markets. The presence of these companies creates a varied job market for residents (as reported by Indeed.com).

Employment and Income

The average annual salary in Costa Mesa is approximately $63,867, which translates to about $30.71 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries fall within the range of $44,000 to $81,920 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The median household income in Costa Mesa is reported to be $111,505 (as reported by Data USA). The city’s unemployment rate is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but California’s statewide unemployment rate was 5.3% as of March 2026 (as reported by the Employment Development Department).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Rainfall

Costa Mesa enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a low of 47°F in winter to a high of 81°F in summer (as reported by Livability.com). The warmest month is typically August, with average highs around 78°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The city receives a low amount of rainfall, with an average of 12 inches per year, primarily concentrated in the winter months (as reported by Livability.com). February is often the wettest month, while July typically sees no rainfall (as reported by Weather Spark).

Sunshine and Humidity

Costa Mesa benefits from abundant sunshine throughout the year, with over 3300 hours annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The sunniest months are July through September, often featuring clear skies about 80% of the time. Humidity levels remain comfortable year-round, contributing to the pleasant living conditions.

The city’s climate is generally favorable for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and low humidity. Even during the warmer summer months, dew points remain in the mid-50s°F, and gentle breezes are common (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

School Ratings

Public schools in Costa Mesa generally receive positive ratings, with an average ranking of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of California public schools (as reported by Niche). The Newport-Mesa Unified School District, which serves Costa Mesa, is noted for its high performance in core academic subjects (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Standout schools include Early College High School, which boasts a 100% graduation rate, and several highly-rated elementary schools like Maude B. Davis Elementary (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, school performance can vary, with some schools facing academic challenges and high rates of absenteeism (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Student Demographics

The student population in Costa Mesa reflects the city’s diverse demographics. Minority enrollment in public schools is 64% of the student body, with a majority being Hispanic (as reported by Niche). This is lower than the California public school average of 80% minority enrollment (as reported by Niche).

In terms of proficiency, Costa Mesa public schools show a math proficiency score of 44% and a reading proficiency score of 56%, both exceeding the California state averages (as reported by Niche). The city’s educational institutions offer a range of programs, from elementary to high school levels.

Demographics and Population

Population Overview

Costa Mesa has a population of approximately 110,330 residents (as reported by Data USA). The projected population for 2026 is around 109,227, indicating a slight annual decrease (as reported by Point2Homes).

The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with 51.4% males and 48.6% females (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Costa Mesa is 37 years (as reported by Point2Homes).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of Costa Mesa is diverse. White residents constitute about 47.5% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 36.6%, and Asian residents at 8.1% (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche). Other racial groups, including African American, Indigenous American, and Pacific Islander populations, make up the remaining percentage.

A significant portion of the population, 22.3%, was born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). Citizenship rates are also notable, with 87.7% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).