Dana Point 65 Good
Dana Point Livability #391 ranked city in California#13,272 ranked city in the USARanks better than 54% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Dana Point

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Dana Point?

Located in the state of California, Dana Point is a moderately-sized city with a population of 34,877 inhabitants. Dana Point has a population density of 5,378 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Dana Point residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. The Dana Point population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 49, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Dana Point is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 28 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Dana Point, California could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Dana Point and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Dana Point to California and the national average.

Using data and statistics Dana Point has received a livability score of 65/100. This score is ranked in the 57th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Dana Point ranks well for crime (A-) Dana Point does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 185 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Dana Point boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Dana Point, the unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Dana Point is real estate affordability. The median home price for Dana Point homes is $1,645,736, which is 124.9% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Dana Point, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 10.6, which is 37.7% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dana Point

See all the best places to live around Dana Point

How Do You Rate The Livability In Dana Point?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Dana Point, CA Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Dana Point transportation information

      Statistic Dana Point California National
      Average one way commute28min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.8%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.3%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.9%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home18.6%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Dana Point, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.