Is Redlands Safe, Pros and cons of living in Redlands
Redlands, California, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place for many to consider a move. Nestled in Southern California, this city is known for its picturesque landscapes, citrus groves, and a strong sense of community. As you contemplate relocating to Redlands, understanding its various facets, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for making an informed decision.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of life in Redlands, drawing on current data to paint a clear picture of what residents can expect. By examining key aspects such as crime rates, housing market trends, climate, and demographic makeup, prospective residents can gain valuable insights into this California city.
Is it Safe to Live in Redlands?
Redlands experiences a crime rate that is 16% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). While overall crime has seen a decline in recent years, with total offenses dropping to just over 4,100 in 2024, certain categories have seen increases (as reported by Redlands Police Department). Property crimes, which constitute the largest share of cases, have decreased significantly, with robbery, burglary, and theft all trending downward (as reported by Redlands Police Department). However, drug and weapons offenses have surged, a rise police attribute to more proactive enforcement strategies (as reported by Redlands Police Department).
When considering violent crimes, Redlands recorded 216 such incidents, equating to 299 per 100,000 individuals, which is 16.8% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). The chance of experiencing a violent crime in Redlands is 1 in 342, or 3 per thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes, on the other hand, are higher than the national average, with 1556 reported incidents, amounting to 2151 per 100,000 residents, a 22.2% increase over the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Redlands
The cost of living in Redlands is generally higher than the national average. Overall, Redlands is 24% more expensive than the national average and 10% less expensive than the average city in California (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs are a significant factor, with the median home price in Redlands being $693,000 as of March 2026, a slight decrease of 0.37% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median rent for an apartment in Redlands is approximately $2,267 per month as of March 2026, showing a 1.6% increase year-over-year (as reported by Point2Homes).
Food costs in Redlands are less affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, are on par with the national average, though the temperate climate can lead to higher air conditioning expenses in the summer (as reported by Brooks Bailey Group). Transportation costs are also noted as being elevated (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Market
The Redlands housing market is described as somewhat competitive. Homes in Redlands receive about one offer on average and sell in approximately 48 days (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $360, an increase of 2.4% since last year (as reported by Redfin). In March 2026, Redlands home prices saw a slight decrease of 0.37% compared to the previous year, selling for a median price of $693K (as reported by Redfin).
Redlands is considered a seller’s market in March 2026, indicating more buyers than available homes (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price for homes in Redlands is around $704.1K, with a modest inventory of 257 homes for sale (as reported by Redfin). The median rent price has seen a 4.46% year-over-year increase, suggesting sustained demand in the rental market (as reported by Redfin).
Rental Market
For renters, the average apartment rent in Redlands, as of May 2026, is $2,080 per month, which is 27% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Studio apartments average around $1,743 per month, one-bedroom apartments at $2,080, and two-bedroom apartments at approximately $2,293 (as reported by Apartments.com). Three-bedroom rentals can cost $2,663 or more per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
The median household income for renters in Redlands was $66,245 in 2022 (as reported by Point2Homes). The rent-to-income ratio in the area stands at 36.3%, indicating the portion of earnings allocated to housing expenses (as reported by Point2Homes). Renters occupy about 42% of Redlands’ real estate, totaling 10,558 units (as reported by Point2Homes).
Job Market and Economy
Redlands boasts a diverse workforce, with employment sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade being the most prominent for residents (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Redlands grew slightly by 0.229%, reaching approximately 35.1k employees (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Redlands was 4.2% as of January 2026 (as reported by Data Commons), which is lower than the long-term average of 4.81% (as reported by YCharts).
Major employers in Redlands include Esri, a leading geographic information system software company, and the University of Redlands (as reported by Zippia). Other significant employers are Walmart, AT&T, and Kaiser Permanente (as reported by Lensa). The median household income in Redlands was $105,041 in 2024, showing a 5.93% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers
Esri is a prominent employer in Redlands, recognized for its contributions to GIS technology (as reported by Zippia). The University of Redlands also plays a significant role in the local economy, providing educational opportunities and employment (as reported by Zippia). Other key companies providing employment in the area include Walmart, a major retailer, and Kaiser Permanente, a prominent healthcare provider (as reported by Lensa).
Additionally, AT&T and Amazon are listed among the larger companies operating in Redlands (as reported by Lensa). These diverse employers contribute to a robust job market, offering a range of opportunities across various sectors for the local workforce.
Climate and Environment
Redlands experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, arid summers and mild, partly cloudy winters. The average temperature ranges from a low of 39°F in December to a high of 95°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Annual precipitation totals around 17 inches, with minimal snowfall of about 5 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine, with nearly 3,500 hours annually, contributing to its pleasant climate for much of the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). February typically sees the most rainfall, while June is the driest month (as reported by U.S. Climate Data).
Education in Redlands
Redlands is served by the Redlands Unified School District, which has received an overall grade of A (as reported by Niche). The district ranks highly within California for diversity and as a place to teach (as reported by Niche). Redlands Senior High School, a public school within the district, has a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1, with 52% of students proficient in math and 77% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Other highly-rated schools in the area include Redlands East Valley High School and Citrus Valley High School, both public institutions within the Redlands Unified School District (as reported by Niche). For higher education, the University of Redlands offers a variety of programs and is known for its diverse student body and supportive learning environment (as reported by University of Redlands Niche).
Demographics of Redlands
As of 2024, Redlands has a population of approximately 73,375 people, making it the 122nd most populated city in California (as reported by Data USA). The racial and ethnic composition includes White (Non-Hispanic) residents at 29.8k, followed by Hispanic residents at 12.5k (as reported by Data USA). White (Non-Hispanic) individuals constitute 29.8% of the population, while Hispanic residents make up 39.5% (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Redlands is 34.6 years (as reported by Data USA). Citizens make up 92.9% of the population, which is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 16.7% of Redlands residents were born outside of the country (as reported by Data USA).