Is Redland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Redland
Redlands, California, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities, nestled in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire. This city, incorporated in 1888, has a rich past rooted in the citrus industry and has evolved into a vibrant community known for its cultural institutions and educational leadership. Redlands provides a distinct lifestyle with its tree-lined streets, a lively downtown, and proximity to natural landscapes, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a balanced life.
The city’s strategic location, approximately 63 miles east of Los Angeles, offers residents access to the extensive opportunities of a major metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct community feel. Redlands is a place where history is preserved, evident in its well-maintained architecture and dedication to cultural heritage, yet it continuously adapts to the needs of a growing and diverse population.
Is it Safe to Live in Redlands?
Redlands presents a complex safety profile, with crime rates that vary by neighborhood and crime type. Overall, the city’s crime rate is higher than the national average (28.34 crimes per 1,000 residents) (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes). However, this figure is influenced by property crimes, which are more prevalent than violent crimes.
Violent crime rates in Redlands are actually lower than the national average, with a rate of approximately 3 per 1,000 inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates, on the other hand, are higher than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the northeastern part of the city to be the safest, with lower crime incidents compared to the western neighborhoods (as reported by Quora, AreaVibes).
Crime Statistics Breakdown
When examining crime statistics, it’s important to differentiate between violent and property crimes. Redlands records 216 reported violent crimes, translating to about 299 per 100,000 individuals, which is 16.8% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Conversely, property crimes are more concerning, with 1556 incidents reported, equating to 2151 per 100,000 residents, a figure 22.2% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The overall crime rate in Redlands is approximately 16% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to an average of 4.85 crimes per day, with 0.59 being violent crimes and 4.26 being property crimes (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Redlands is about 1 in 41 (as reported by AreaVibes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Redlands
Redlands offers a desirable lifestyle for many, characterized by its strong community feel, educational opportunities, and a pleasant climate. The city boasts a rich history and a vibrant downtown area, contributing to its unique character. However, like any city, it also presents challenges, particularly concerning the cost of living and certain aspects of public safety.
The city’s appeal is enhanced by its numerous cultural attractions, parks, and recreational activities, fostering a high quality of life. The University of Redlands also contributes to the city’s dynamic atmosphere, adding a youthful energy and a hub for cultural events. Redlands is a place that balances its historical roots with a forward-looking perspective.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Redlands is higher than both the national average and the California state average. Redlands is approximately 24% more expensive than the national average and 10% less expensive than the average city in California (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs are a significant factor, being 110.5% higher than the national average for both homeownership and rentals (as reported by AreaVibes).
The median home value in Redlands is $577,673 (as reported by Livability.com), while the median listing price was $662,450 as of April 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com). The average rent for an apartment in Redlands is around $2,086 per month, which is 27% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Specifically, a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,086 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment averages $2,293 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Redlands has a diverse economy with major employers spanning various sectors, including technology, healthcare, education, and retail. Esri, a leading GIS software company, is a significant employer in Redlands, having been founded there in 1969 (as reported by Wikipedia). Other major employers include Optum, the City of Redlands, Amazon Fulfillment Center, and the University of Redlands (as reported by Wikipedia).
The average salary in Redlands is approximately $48,230 per year, which equates to about $23.19 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average annual pay of $67,007 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Redlands was 4.20% as of the latest data (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 4.81% (as reported by YCharts).
Climate and Weather
Redlands enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, partly cloudy winters. The temperature typically varies between 42°F and 96°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 34°F or exceeding 103°F (as reported by Redlands Climate). The hot season lasts for about three months, from June to September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 89°F.
August is the hottest month, with average highs around 95°F and lows of 64°F. The cool season extends from November to March, with average daily high temperatures below 71°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 42°F and highs of 65°F (as reported by Redlands Climate). The city receives about 13 inches of rainfall annually (as reported by Livability.com) and experiences minimal snowfall, with an average of 0 inches per year (as reported by Livability.com).
Education in Redlands
Redlands is served by the Redlands Unified School District, which comprises numerous public schools. The district’s schools have an average testing ranking of 7/10, placing them in the top 50% of California public schools (as reported by Public School Review). Students in Redlands public schools demonstrate proficiency scores that are generally in line with, or slightly above, the state averages for math and reading (as reported by Public School Review).
The district has a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, which is consistent with the California state average (as reported by Public School Review). Prominent schools in the district include Mariposa Elementary School, Redlands Senior High School, and Kimberly Elementary School, which are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (as reported by Public School Review). The University of Redlands is also a significant educational institution within the city, contributing to its academic landscape.
Demographics and Population
As of the 2020 census, Redlands had a population of 73,168, with projections indicating a continued increase (as reported by Wikipedia, Redlands Demographics). The city’s population is diverse, with a significant portion identifying as White and Hispanic or Latino. According to recent data, the racial composition includes approximately 40.6% White, 39.5% Hispanic, and 8.2% Asian residents (as reported by Redlands Demographics).
The median age in Redlands is around 38 years (as reported by Livability.com, Redlands Demographics). The population is fairly balanced between males and females, with slightly more females than males. A notable percentage of residents are foreign-born, contributing to the city’s cultural richness (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers
Redlands boasts a diverse employment landscape with several key industries and major employers. Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute) is a prominent technology company headquartered in Redlands and is a significant contributor to the local economy (as reported by Wikipedia, City of Redlands). Other major employers include Optum (Beaver Medical Group & Epic Mgmt), Amazon Fulfillment Center, the City of Redlands, and the University of Redlands (as reported by Wikipedia).
Healthcare and education are also substantial sectors, with Redlands Community Hospital and the Redlands Unified School District employing a considerable number of residents (as reported by City of Redlands). The presence of these diverse employers provides a range of job opportunities across various skill levels.
Housing Market
The housing market in Redlands is characterized by strong price levels, with a median listing home price of $662,450 as of April 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com). The median home value is reported as $577,673 (as reported by Livability.com). Redlands home prices have seen an increase over the past year, with a median sale price of $693K in March 2026, up 5.0% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
The rental market also reflects higher costs, with the average rent for an apartment being around $2,086 per month, which is 27% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages $2,086 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment averages $2,293 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). The housing market is considered somewhat competitive, with homes selling in approximately 48 days on average (as reported by Redfin).