Living in El Segundo should be first on your to-do list! The Tongva people lived in the El Segundo area for thousands of years before Spanish settlers arrived in the early 1800s. Spanish settlers used the area for ranching and agriculture, and it remained a small town until 1911, when Standard Oil purchased the land and built an oil refinery. People began moving to El Segundo CA, and the city was incorporated in 1917.
What is El Segundo known for? El Segundo became a major hub for the oil and aerospace industries, especially during World War II. Is El Segundo a good place to live? Yes, it is a great place to live today, with a family-friendly environment and close proximity to LAX Airport and Long Beach. It is best known today for being a center for the aerospace and oil industries, and its motto is the "Aerospace Capital of the World." El Segundo means "the second" in Spanish, and it refers to how it's the second oil refinery on the West Coast.
Living in El Segundo can change your life for the better. But before you start moving to El Segundo CA, you should learn more about this wonderful beach town. Here's what to know about living in El Segundo.
Where Is El Segundo California?
Where is El Segundo California, and what county is El Segundo CA in? El Segundo is in Los Angeles County, inside the Los Angeles metro area and the South Bay area. It is 16.5 miles from El Segundo to Los Angeles, and El Segundo is a suburb of Los Angeles. The city is located on Santa Monica Bay, though its coastline is fairly small.
The city itself is well-developed, but most of the land area in El Segundo is industrial and commercial. Chevron now owns the former Standard Oil refinery, and the refinery takes up over a quarter of the land area. Companies like Raytheon, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman own large facilities in the community as well. Residential areas are small but walkable.
El Segundo borders Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, Lennox, and Del Aire. Residents living in El Segundo have access to public transportation. The K Line of the LA Metro system has three stops in El Segundo. The light rail line provides access to Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, and Inglewood, including Westchester Los Angeles, and Woodland Hills.
State Route 1 (also known as Pacific Coast Highway) runs through the community and provides access to Manhattan Beach and other cities near Los Angeles. Interstate 105 borders the community and connects to South Los Angeles. Los Angeles International Airport is just to the north of El Segundo, making moving to El Segundo CA easy. Many young professionals and frequent travelers are living in El Segundo due to its location next to LAX.
El Segundo Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the El Segundo population in 2024 was 16,544, down by 0.7% since 2010. El Segundo is one of the smallest cities in Los Angeles County, accounting for less than 0.2% of the county's population. The El Segundo population density in 2020 was 3,161.6 people living in El Segundo per square mile, roughly 28.2% higher than the countywide population.
Notable people living in El Segundo include Roseanne Barr, Chris McCandless, and Lars Nootbaar. Notable El Segundo demographics include:
- 50.4% male, 49.6% female
- Median age of people living in El Segundo: 38.2
- Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in El Segundo: 62.8% White (55.5% non-Hispanic), 20.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% two or more races, 11.6% Asian, 2.8% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
- Median household income of people living in El Segundo: $149,149 (roughly 1.5 times higher than the California median income)
- Educational attainment of residents living in El Segundo: 98.4% of residents older than 25 have graduated from high school, 62.5% have a bachelor's degree
- Foreign-born population of people living in El Segundo: 13.8%
El Segundo is one of the wealthiest cities near Los Angeles. Its median household income is 1.5 times higher than the Los Angeles metro median, and 65.4% of households living in El Segundo make over $100,000 a year. Only 4.4% of residents living in El Segundo live below the poverty line, roughly one-third of the state rate. It's also one of the most well-educated communities in California, with many college graduates moving to El Segundo CA. Its rate of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is nearly two times the state rate.
Here are the latest crime rates for El Segundo, according to the FBI in 2022:
- Total crime rate: 6,127 offenses per 100,000 people living in El Segundo (222.8% higher than the Oxnard crime rate, 115.5% higher than the California rate, 163.6% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 707 crimes per 100,000 residents living in El Segundo (41.5% higher than the state rate, 91.2% higher than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 5,420 crimes per 100,000 people living in El Segundo (131.3% higher than the state average, 177.3% higher than the national average)
While the overall crime rates may seem high, your chances of experiencing crime while living in El Segundo are very low. The El Segundo crime map reveals that very few crimes happen in El Segundo on a regular basis, and the crimes that do happen are minor property offenses. They usually occur among businesses, not in the residential areas of the community. The El Segundo Police Department employs 60 police officers in El Segundo.
El Segundo California Cost of Living
El Segundo California cost of living statistics can be tricky to find. You can use Los Angeles cost of living statistics and make a rough estimate of the cost of living in El Segundo CA. The Los Angeles cost of living index is 148.9, meaning items in the Los Angeles area cost 48.9% higher than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Los Angeles County would need to earn $134,902 a year to cover their cost of living. Living in El Segundo can be costly, but El Segundo offers residents upscale homes and access to affordable restaurants and stores in Southern California.
El Segundo real estate is expensive, though you can find options for affordable homes and apartments after moving to El Segundo CA. According to Redfin, the median price of El Segundo homes for sale is $1,910,000, with an average cost per square foot of $965. According to RentCafe, the average cost of El Segundo apartments is $2,445 a month. Rent in El Segundo is over $700 more than the national average.
Typical El Segundo* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of local cheese: $5.73
- 1 pound of apples: $2.74
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.46
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.87
- Average El Segundo* utilities per month: $192.54
- 1 pair of jeans: $60.94
Source: Numbeo
*Expenses actually for Los Angeles
El Segundo Neighborhoods | Where to Live In El Segundo
El Segundo does not have any formal neighborhoods due to its small size. 100 homes for sale were sold in El Segundo in 2024, nearly all of which were single family homes for sale. Despite the high housing costs and relatively small number of homes for sale on the market, you have plenty of options for comfortable and lavish homes and townhomes while living in El Segundo.
Many El Segundo homes for sale have over 2,000 square feet and at least three bedrooms, providing plenty of space for families. These properties have classy features like open-floor concepts, built-in bars in the living room, and double-sided fireplaces. Some properties have private and well-maintained backyards with room for gardens and other exterior designs. These properties cost over $1 million, with very few options for cheap homes and townhomes.
There are no major apartment complexes in El Segundo, but you can rent El Segundo apartments from private owners. Features and prices vary, and most El Segundo landlords ask you to contact them for rates. You can find apartments near El Segundo Beach and El Segundo High School.
El Segundo Weather and Climate
The El Segundo climate type is Mediterranean, meaning it has warm and sunny summers and long but mild winters, similar to the Ventura climate. According to Weather Spark, August is the warmest month of El Segundo weather, with an average temperature of 69 degrees and an average high of 74.
Temperatures stay relatively warm throughout the summer and early fall, only beginning to decline in mid-October. January and December are the coldest months of the year, with an average temperature of 57 degrees and an average low of 51. Freezing temperatures do not occur in El Segundo.
El Segundo receives 13.2 inches of rain on average every year. Summers are dry and sunny, with 90% of days being clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy. Winters are cloudier, but over half of the days in the wintertime are sunny. Despite the lack of rain, a few days in the summer feel muggy, and many days have noticeable humidity. El Segundo Beach can experience high surfs and rip currents, but severe El Segundo weather like thunderstorms isn't common.
August is the best month to visit and start moving to El Segundo CA. 91% of days have sunny weather, and there are zero inches of rainfall on average. The temperatures are warm enough that you can wear a short-sleeved shirt, but not unbearably hot. All things to do in El Segundo are open, including outdoor activities throughout the community.
Things to Do in El Segundo
There are many unique and fun things to do in El Segundo, including top outdoor destinations! Plaza El Segundo is the top El Segundo mall, with a Whole Foods grocery store, a HomeGoods, and a Nordstrom Rack. Ralphs Fresh Fare is another prominent grocery store in El Segundo, and it also sells household goods.
Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane is an annual Christmas attraction. Dozens of homes in El Segundo participate, putting up Christmas decorations and lights between 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. on December nights. You can walk up and down the street, see the decorations, and take photographs.
1225 East Acacia Avenue, El Segundo, CA, 90245
The Lakes at El Segundo is a 10-hole public golf course with services from Topgolf. The course is a frequent home for private tournaments for 20 people living in El Segundo or more, and you can enjoy lessons from trained golf instructors.
398 Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo, CA, 90245, 424-499-1328
El Segundo Beach is one of the most peaceful beaches in Los Angeles County. It offers beautiful ocean views and plenty of space for sunbathing and strolling. It's one of the least popular beaches among tourists, so you'll have peace and quiet to yourself, especially in the spring and fall.
Off Vista Del Mar, El Segundo, CA, 90245, 310-832-1179
Additional Things to Do in El Segundo
The El Segundo Recreation, Parks, and Library Department maintains parks and public spaces and plans public events like block parties, summer camps, and poetry readings. You can use the El Segundo Parks events calendar to see when these recreation, park, and library events are, including events at Old Town Music Hall.
El Segundo Restaurants
The Los Angeles area has a thriving restaurant and culinary scene, with influences from all over the world. El Segundo is no different. El Segundo restaurants provide family-friendly, affordable, and unique culinary experiences.
Rock and Brews is a rock-and-roll-themed beer garden with a menu full of comfort food, including burgers, salads, and tacos. Rock and Brews is home to live music performances and deals on menu items throughout the week.
143 Main Street, El Segundo, CA, 90245, 424-496-5499
Kagura is a family-friendly Japanese restaurant open for lunch and dinner. You can enjoy a range of fresh sushi, soba, and gozen dishes, as well as a rotating menu of specials available for dine-in and take-out.
403 Main Street, El Segundo, CA, 90245, 310-333-0689
Good Stuff is a casual and kid-friendly restaurant that's one of the best restaurants in El Segundo for breakfast. You can enjoy an all-day breakfast, including breakfast burritos and omelets.
131 West Grand Avenue Suite C, El Segundo, CA, 90245, 310-647-9997
El Segundo Jobs
According to DataUSA, 9,831 people have El Segundo jobs, up by 9.0% since 2013. Professional services, manufacturing, and health care and social assistance are the three biggest industries in El Segundo. Each of these industries has median earnings of over $160,000 a year, and most job sectors in El Segundo have median earnings of over $100,000.
El Segundo is home to some of the top aerospace and technology companies in the world. Top employers in El Segundo include Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Chevron. You can use Indeed to find jobs in El Segundo, and you can apply for City of El Segundo jobs on the municipal government's website.
El Segundo Schools
The El Segundo Unified School District serves the residential areas of El Segundo, and nearly all students living in El Segundo attend schools in the district. The El Segundo school district contains six schools:
US News ranks Center Street School in the top 300 elementary schools in California. 80% of Center Street School students test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 37 percentage points higher than the state average. US News ranks El Segundo High School in the top 100 high schools in California, with 56% of students testing at or above the proficiency level in mathematics, 36 percentage points higher than the state rate.
Vistamar School is the only notable private school in El Segundo. Vistamar School focuses on global studies, critical thinking, and the arts, with over 30 student clubs. There are no colleges or universities in El Segundo. The El Segundo Public Library is the main public library in El Segundo.
El Segundo Statistics and Information
- County: Los Angeles County
- El Segundo area: 10.88 square miles
- El Segundo zip code: 90245
- El Segundo area code: 310 and 424
- El Segundo elevation: 115 feet
- El Segundo time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to El Segundo: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); it's 3.3 miles from El Segundo to LAX
El Segundo California Map
You can use this El Segundo California map to find top things to do like the El Segundo Museum, restaurants in El Segundo, farmers markets, and stores from local artists!
Start Living in El Segundo
Living in El Segundo is perfect for families, singles, and professionals alike! People looking for work will have plenty of high-paying, competitive opportunities. If you want a spacious home, you'll also have plenty of upscale houses to buy within walking distance of Main Street stores and attractions.
Moving to El Segundo CA is easy once you hire the right moving company. Movegreen has El Segundo movers with over 30,000 customers served. Call 866-684-7336 for a free estimate now.
