Is Mentone Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mentone

Mentone, California, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to larger urban centers, making it an appealing option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, this community provides a distinct atmosphere shaped by its natural surroundings and a history that hints at its past as a resort destination.

The town’s location provides access to outdoor recreational activities while maintaining connections to the broader Inland Empire region. This accessibility, combined with its historical roots, contributes to Mentone’s identity as a place with a story to tell, drawing in those who appreciate a blend of natural beauty and a sense of community history.

Is it Safe to Live in Mentone?

Mentone, CA, presents a complex safety profile. The crime rate in Mentone is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest. Your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Mentone is one in 50 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Based on FBI crime data, Mentone is not one of the safest communities in America.

When compared to other communities of similar population, Mentone’s crime rate is quite a bit higher than average. Specifically, the violent crime rate is among the highest in the nation across communities of all sizes. Furthermore, Mentone has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with a chance of your car being stolen at one in 281 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

Housing Costs

The housing market in Mentone, CA, is described as somewhat competitive. The average home price in Mentone was $655,000 last month, showing a significant increase of 34.2% since last year (as reported by Redfin). In March 2026, Mentone home prices were up 32.2% compared to the previous year, with a median price of $575,000 (as reported by Redfin).

Homes in Mentone typically sell after about 48 days on the market, a slight increase from the previous year’s 46 days (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price for all home types in Mentone was $575,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market

The rental market in Mentone, CA, has seen a notable increase in prices. The average rent in Mentone is $2,500 as of May 2, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This represents a significant month-over-month increase of $351 and a year-over-year increase of $550 (as reported by Zillow).

The price range for rentals in Mentone varies, typically falling between $1,695 and $3,500. Currently, there are approximately 13 rentals available in Mentone (as reported by Zillow).

Cost of Living

Living in Mentone is more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor. The cost of living in Mentone is 17% higher than the U.S. national average and 60% lower than California’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This reflects a 3% increase from the previous year, driven by soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices.

For a single person, monthly expenses in Mentone are estimated at $2,563, while a family of four can expect to spend around $5,606 per month (as reported by Salary.com). These costs place Mentone among the more expensive cities in the United States.

Job Market and Economy

Employment and Unemployment

Mentone, CA, has a strong employment rate, with 96.9% of its workforce employed, totaling 4,687 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The national unemployment rate was 4.3% in April 2026 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This indicates a robust local job market relative to national trends.

The types of jobs in Mentone are predominantly white-collar, making up 77.8% of the workforce, while blue-collar jobs account for 22.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of employment is within private companies, which employ 65.8% of the workforce, followed by governmental workers at 16.5% (as reported by Point2Homes).

Major Employers

While specific major employers for Mentone, CA, are not detailed in the provided search results, the general economic landscape suggests a mix of private companies and government-related employment. The presence of a Chamber of Commerce in Mentone, CA, indicates a focus on supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth within the community (as reported by Chamber of Commerce Mentone CA).

The broader San Bernardino County area, where Mentone is located, has a diverse economy. This typically includes sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail, which would likely influence the employment opportunities available to Mentone residents.

Average Salary

The average annual salary for employees in Mentone, CA, is estimated at $107,895, translating to an approximate hourly wage of $52 (as reported by Salary.com). Salaries in Mentone typically range from $94,705 to $122,463 annually, reflecting various roles and experience levels (as reported by Salary.com).

It is important to note that this salary range is an estimation derived from an algorithm and does not originate from the company’s factual payroll records or survey data (as reported by Salary.com). The cost of living in Mentone, being higher than the national average, is a factor that influences these salary figures.

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Precipitation

Mentone, California, experiences a climate influenced by its proximity to mountains and its Southern California location. While specific average temperatures and rainfall data for Mentone are not detailed in the provided search results, general climate patterns for the region can be inferred. Southern California typically features warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides climate data and monitoring services, offering resources to understand regional climate patterns. Precipitation data for Mentone, TX, shows varying monthly totals, with some months experiencing no precipitation and others having several inches (as reported by NOAA).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Mentone Elementary School in Mentone, CA, receives an overall Niche grade of C-minus. It is considered an above-average public school with 429 students in grades K-5 and a student-teacher ratio of 25 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 27% of students are proficient in math and 41% in reading (as reported by Niche).

In Indiana, Mentone Elementary School has a higher overall Niche grade of B, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. State test scores there show 49% of students proficient in math and 39% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Mentone, CA, has a population of approximately 9,514 residents, with a median age of 37.7 years (as reported by Point2Homes and World Population Review). The racial composition is diverse, with White individuals making up 55%, followed by those of two or more races (19.3%), and other races (13.4%) (as reported by Point2Homes).

The median household income in Mentone is $74,708, with a poverty rate of 12.53% (as reported by World Population Review). For every 100 females, there are approximately 110.2 males in Mentone (as reported by World Population Review).