Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Santa Monica

Affordability

Santa Monica has a median gross rent of $2,402 per month and a median household income of $114,885, with 72% of residents renting their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). Lease Lantern tracks 12 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties totaling 1,019 units in the city, which can offer rents well below the local market rate for eligible households.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Santa Monica Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 754 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Santa Monica

The assisted properties in Santa Monica score well for walkability and transit access, according to Walk Score. Key scores for the area around these properties are shown below.

• Walk Score: 87 - Very Walkable -- most errands can be accomplished on foot.
• Transit Score: 78 - Excellent Transit -- transit is convenient for most trips.
• Bike Score: 93 -- biking is a top-tier option in this area.

Scores reflect the area around the assisted properties in Santa Monica, per Walk Score.

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 14 public schools across 2 districts serve Santa Monica, including 9 elementary, 2 middle, 2 high schools, and 1 other. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Living

Santa Monica is one of the more expensive rental markets in the Los Angeles area. According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent citywide is $2,402, and the median household income is $114,885 per year.

HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC housing can make a significant difference here -- rents at income-restricted properties are set based on area median income limits rather than the open market, which means eligible renters may pay well below the citywide median.

• Median monthly rent: $2,402 (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Median household income: $114,885 annually (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Renter households: 72% of occupied units (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 12 assisted properties in Santa Monica have been mapped for flood risk, and none are located in a high-risk flood zone. Renters at these properties face minimal flood exposure based on available flood data.