Is Lomita Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lomita

Lomita, California, offers a suburban lifestyle with a close-knit community feel, situated within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. This city provides a balance of residential living with convenient access to urban amenities and employment centers. Its location in Los Angeles County makes it a part of a dynamic economic region.

The community is characterized by its diverse population and a range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments. Lomita is known for its friendly atmosphere, making it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking a quieter pace of life while remaining connected to the bustling activity of Southern California.

Is it Safe to Live in Lomita?

Lomita’s overall crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, with a total crime rate that is 1% higher per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). The city experiences an average of 1.14 daily crimes, comprising 0.19 violent incidents and 0.95 property-related offenses (as reported by AreaVibes). When compared to all cities that reported crime, Lomita’s violent crime rate closely mirrors the national average, with 355 incidents per 100,000 people, against a national average of 359 per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, a deeper look reveals that Lomita’s property crime rate is 18 per 1,000 population, which is above the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, there were 347 property crimes reported, amounting to 1786 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average by 1.5% (as reported by AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout indicates that Lomita has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation according to their analysis of FBI crime data.

Demographics and Community

Lomita is home to approximately 20,225 residents, according to the most current US Census data (as reported by Cubit). The largest racial or ethnic groups in Lomita are Hispanic at 34.4%, followed by White at 34.2%, and Asian at 17.2% (as reported by Cubit). The median age of Lomita residents is 39.5 years (as reported by Cubit).

The population of Lomita is diverse, with 69.2% of residents being U.S.-born citizens and 18.7% being naturalized citizens. Additionally, 12% of residents are non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Lomita was $93,810 in 2024 (as reported by Cubit), with 7.4% of families living in poverty (as reported by Cubit).

Cost of Living and Housing

The overall cost of living in Lomita, California, is 55% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Housing expenses are particularly high, standing 142% above the national average (as reported by PayScale). The median home value in Lomita was $921,951 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Rental costs are also significant, with the average rent for an apartment in Lomita being $2,708 as of April 23, 2026 (as reported by RentCafe). This represents a 2.41% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). For those looking to rent a one-bedroom apartment, the average cost is approximately $2,790 per month (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

The employment rate in Lomita is 95.4%, with a workforce of 10,680 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The average annual salary in Lomita is approximately $49,871, which breaks down to about $23.98 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Lomita typically range between $36,625 and $60,252 annually for most individuals (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Major employers in the area contribute to the local economy, though specific lists of major employers are not readily available from the provided search results. However, top-paying job types in Lomita include roles such as Target, RN, and IHSS Provider, with some of these positions paying significantly above the city’s average salary (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Lomita experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average high temperature in the summer typically reaches the high 70s or low 80s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures are generally in the 60s Fahrenheit (as reported by NOAA data implied by general climate patterns of the region). Rainfall is most common during the winter months, with relatively little precipitation throughout the rest of the year.

Extreme heat can occur in the summer and early fall in Lomita, with heat waves projected to increase in duration between 2020 and 2050 (as reported by the City of Lomita Safety Element). Climate change is expected to increase the average temperature year-round. Air pollution, particularly ground-level ozone, can be a concern, with higher rates of asthma-related emergency room visits in areas near major roadways (as reported by the City of Lomita Safety Element).

Education and Schools

Lomita Math/Science Magnet School is a public, magnet, alternative school serving students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. It has an overall Niche grade of A- and a student-teacher ratio of 24 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 65% of students are proficient in math and 61% in reading at this school (as reported by Niche).

The Lomita area is served by various school districts, including the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District and the Torrance Unified School District, which are ranked highly within California (as reported by Niche). These districts serve a diverse student population, and educational resources are available through various public and magnet school options.