Santa Ana CA

In Santa Ana, the rent-to-income burden runs around 25% — refreshingly manageable by national standards. Median income sits at $114,885 and median rent is $2,402/month. 43% of renters spend 30%+ of income on housing — above the national average. Median home value: $1,755,500 — that's 15.3× the median income. Only 28% of households own their home — this is overwhelmingly a renter city, which helps explain the landlord leverage problem. 71% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — a highly educated workforce that drives (and inflates) this local economy. Median age of 43 skews older — established community, quieter streets, but the kind of city that goes to bed early on Saturdays. Employment picture: 6.68% unemployment — a average employment landscape. Poverty rate: 11.2%. Average commute: 25 minutes — acceptable. Violent crime: 35.9/100k avg monthly rate (4096 reported); Property crime: 168.2/100k avg monthly rate (19199 reported). Santa Ana was founded in 1869 — that's 157 years of history baked into the streets. The city covers 27.4 sq miles at 3,329 people/sq mile — spread out. Elevation: 115 ft — essentially flat — floods are a real conversation. RoastMyCity overall score: 52/100 — Needs Work.