Is Westlake Village Safe, Pros and cons of living in Westlake Village

Westlake Village, a picturesque city nestled in Los Angeles County, California, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and natural beauty. Its prime location, bordering Ventura County and situated near the Santa Monica Mountains, provides residents with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and a peaceful environment. The city is known for its affluent atmosphere, drawing families and professionals seeking a high quality of life.

The community is characterized by its master-planned design, centered around the scenic Westlake Lake, and it straddles the line between two counties. This unique geography contributes to its distinct charm and appeal. Westlake Village is more than just a residential area; it’s a thriving community with a strong sense of local identity and a commitment to maintaining its desirable living standards.

Is it Safe to Live in Westlake Village?

Westlake Village is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates that are often lower than national averages. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be 2% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This translates to a lower chance of becoming a victim of crime in the community.

While the overall crime rate is favorable, it’s important to note the breakdown between violent and property crimes. Violent crimes in Westlake Village are reported to be 59% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, property crime rates can be higher than the national average in some reports, with one source indicating a 9.2% higher rate than the U.S. average for property crimes (according to AreaVibes). Another analysis suggests that Westlake Village has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, based on FBI crime data (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Statistics

The incidence of violent crime in Westlake Village is notably low. The violent crime rate is reported to be 5.7 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 3.6 (according to Kurby AI). This means that the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is relatively small.

Further data indicates that violent crimes are significantly below the national average. For instance, one report states that violent crimes in Westlake Village are 59% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Another source, referencing FBI data, notes that the violent crime rate is 1 per one thousand inhabitants, which is about average for all communities in America across all population sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Property Crime Trends

Property crime presents a more varied picture in Westlake Village. While some reports indicate a decrease in overall crime, property crimes have seen different trends. One analysis found that property crime averages 106.0 per 100k, which is 35.2% below the national average (according to Crime Explorer). However, other data suggests that property crime rates can be higher than the national average.

Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Westlake Village is reported as one in 53 (according to NeighborhoodScout). This figure is higher than the national average and suggests that vigilance regarding property security is advisable. Specific types of property crime, such as motor vehicle theft, have been highlighted as being at a high rate in the nation according to FBI crime data (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Real Estate Market

Westlake Village is characterized by a high cost of living, with housing being a significant factor. The median home value in Westlake Village is approximately $1,208,700 (according to Kurby AI), and the median listing price is around $1.78 million (according to Realtor.com® Research). This indicates a premium real estate market.

The rental market also reflects these high costs. The typical rental price in Westlake Village is around $6,500 per month (according to Realtor.com® Research), and median gross rent can be as high as $3,501 per month (according to Westlake Village, Ventura County, CA demographics data). These figures highlight that securing housing in Westlake Village requires a substantial financial commitment.

Median Home Prices

The median home value in Westlake Village is substantially higher than the national average. One report indicates a median home value of $1,208,700 (according to Kurby AI), while another places the median sales price at $1,608,583 as of February 2026 (according to Zillow). These figures underscore the significant investment required to purchase a home in this area.

Year-over-year, home prices have seen some fluctuations. For example, home prices have declined by -11.25% year-over-year (according to Realtor.com® Research). Despite this, the median price per square foot remains high at $706/ft², reflecting the premium nature of the Westlake Village real estate market (according to Realtor.com® Research).

Rental Market Trends

Renting in Westlake Village is also expensive, with significant increases in rental prices observed over the past year. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Westlake Village is reported as $6,297 as of May 2026 (according to Zumper). This is a substantial increase, being 223% higher than the national average.

Rental prices have shown a notable year-over-year increase. Rental prices have risen 25% year-over-year (according to Realtor.com® Research), signaling strong renter demand. The average rent for an apartment can range from approximately $2,600 for a one-bedroom to $3,117 for a two-bedroom (according to Zumper).

Cost of Living and Affordability

The overall cost of living in Westlake Village is significantly higher than both the U.S. national average and the California state average. Living costs are reported to be 37% higher than the U.S. national average and 11% lower than California’s state average (according to Salary.com). This elevated cost is largely driven by housing, transportation, and food expenses.

A single person might expect monthly expenses of around $3,399, while a family of four could face costs of approximately $7,486 per month (according to Salary.com). These figures highlight that Westlake Village is one of America’s more expensive cities, requiring a high income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, daily expenses in Westlake Village also contribute to the high cost of living. Food expenses are approximately 7.6% above the national average (according to Salary.com). Additionally, utility costs are reported to be 9% higher than the national average, and transportation expenses, such as gas prices, are 38% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).

Healthcare costs in Westlake Village are noted to be 4% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). However, the combined impact of higher costs for groceries, utilities, and transportation, alongside the substantial housing expenses, makes Westlake Village a costly place to live on a day-to-day basis.

Income and Salary Expectations

To afford the cost of living in Westlake Village, a correspondingly high income is necessary. The median household income in Westlake Village is a notable $188,681 (according to Kurby AI), which is more than double the statewide median. This affluence is also reflected in the average salary, which is around $76,162 annually (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).

For a typical family with two adults and two children, the annual income needed to afford the cost of living in Westlake Village is estimated to be around $130,094 per year (according to Movegreen). These figures indicate that while Westlake Village is expensive, the earning potential in the area is also high, catering to professionals and affluent residents.

Job Market and Major Employers

Westlake Village boasts a robust job market, supported by a diverse range of major employers. The city is home to several corporate headquarters and significant regional offices, contributing to its economic vitality. These companies span various sectors, including food production, retail, finance, and security services.

Key employers in Westlake Village include Dole Food Company, K-Swiss, Guitar Center, PennyMac Loan Services, and J.D. Power and Associates (according to Wikipedia). These companies not only provide employment opportunities but also contribute to the city’s reputation as a hub for business and commerce.

Key Industries

The economic landscape of Westlake Village is shaped by several key industries. The food and beverage sector is prominent, with Dole Food Company headquartered in the city (according to Wikipedia). The retail industry is also a significant contributor, with companies like Costco Wholesale and Target having a presence.

The financial services sector is represented by PennyMac Loan Services and Arcutis Biotherapeutics, which is among the most valuable companies in the area (according to FinanceCharts.com). Additionally, the security solutions sector is notable, with G4S being a major employer (according to Zippia).

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities in Westlake Village are varied, catering to a wide range of skills and professions. The presence of large corporations and established businesses ensures a steady demand for talent across different fields. From corporate roles to retail positions, the job market offers diverse prospects for residents.

The unemployment rate in Westlake Village is not readily available in the provided data, but the high median income suggests a strong local economy and a generally low unemployment rate. The city’s economic health is further supported by its status as a bedroom community for Los Angeles, offering access to a broader job market via the Ventura Freeway (according to Wikipedia).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Westlake Village experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The temperatures typically range from 46°F to 78°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 39°F or exceeding 86°F (according to Weather and Climate). This creates a generally pleasant climate year-round.

The city enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine, with an average of 3504.0 hours of sunshine annually (according to myPerfectWeather). The comfortable weather days, with mild temperatures and low humidity, make it an appealing place to live and visit throughout the year.

Temperature Ranges

The annual temperature range in Westlake Village is quite moderate. The average high temperature reaches around 78°F in August, while the average low temperature is about 46°F in December (according to Weather and Climate). The warm season, from July to October, typically sees daily high temperatures above 75°F.

Conversely, the cool season lasts from late November to late March, with average daily high temperatures below 65°F. This consistent temperature range, with distinct warm and cool periods, contributes to the city’s desirable climate.

Rainfall and Precipitation

Westlake Village receives a relatively low amount of annual precipitation, averaging around 17 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). The rainy season typically spans from mid-October to late April, with February being the wettest month, averaging about 3.6 inches of rain (according to Weather and Climate).

The dry season lasts for approximately 5.5 months, from late April to mid-October, with July experiencing minimal to no rainfall. This pattern of distinct wet and dry seasons is characteristic of the Mediterranean climate and influences the region’s natural landscape.

Education and School Ratings

Westlake Village is served by a well-regarded public school system, with schools consistently ranking among the top in California. The average math proficiency score in Westlake Village public schools is 41%, and the reading proficiency score is 53%, both exceeding the California state averages (according to Niche). This indicates a strong academic environment for students.

The schools in Westlake Village have an average ranking of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of California public schools (according to Niche). This high performance is a significant draw for families looking for quality education for their children.

Public School Performance

Public schools in Westlake Village demonstrate strong academic performance. White Oak Elementary School, Westlake Elementary School, and River Oaks Academy are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (according to Niche). These schools are recognized for their high test scores and overall academic quality.

The student-teacher ratio in Westlake Village schools is generally favorable, contributing to a supportive learning environment. For example, Westlake Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1 (according to Niche). This focus on student attention and academic achievement contributes to the community’s appeal for families.

Student Demographics

The student body in Westlake Village’s public schools reflects a diverse composition. Minority enrollment is at 54%, which is less than the California public school average of 80% (according to Niche). The majority of students in Westlake Village public schools are Hispanic, aligning with the broader demographic trends in California.

The percentage of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch assistance at Westlake Elementary School is 12.7%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 62.2% (according to Elementary Schools .org). This suggests a lower level of poverty in the area compared to the state average.

Demographics and Community Profile

Westlake Village is an affluent community with a population of approximately 8,029 residents as of the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The median age is 51.2, with a significant portion of residents, 28%, being over 65 years old (according to Movegreen). This demographic profile suggests a community that is popular among families and retirees.

The city’s population density is around 1,532 residents per square mile (according to Wikipedia). This relatively low density contributes to the spacious, suburban atmosphere that many residents appreciate. The community is known for its high median household income, reflecting its affluent status.

Population and Age Distribution

The population of Westlake Village has seen a slight decline since its peak in 2000, with a decrease of 2.9% between 2010 and 2020 (according to Movegreen). Despite this, the city maintains a stable population, characterized by a mature demographic, with a median age of 51.2 years (according to Movegreen).

The significant presence of residents aged 65 and over, at 28% (according to Movegreen), points to Westlake Village being a desirable location for retirees. This age distribution contributes to the community’s overall character and lifestyle offerings.

Income and Household Statistics

Westlake Village is distinguished by its high median household income, which stands at $188,681 (according to Kurby AI). This figure is more than double the statewide median income, underscoring the affluence of the community. The median income in Westlake Village is reported as $185,741 (according to Livability.com).

The rent-to-income ratio in the area is approximately 24.5% (according to Westlake Village, Ventura County, CA demographics data), indicating that a moderate portion of residents’ earnings is allocated to housing expenses. This high income level supports the city’s expensive real estate market and high cost of living.