Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Acton
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Acton
Rent control: Actonhas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Acton scores for you
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Acton is an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County with a population of about 7,400. Located in the high desert northwest of the county, it offers a quiet, rural-feeling setting with wide open spaces and lower density than typical Southern California suburbs. The area is characterized by its distance from urban centers and a lifestyle built around car travel rather than walkable neighborhoods.
Living in Acton means embracing a remote, car-dependent existence. The community has minimal public transit and few amenities within easy reach. This is a place for renters who prioritize space, quiet, and escape from the bustle of LA proper, not convenience or neighborhood vibrancy.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Acton revolves around driving. There is no nearby rail transit, and bus service is limited and infrequent. A grocery store, a few restaurants, and a local park exist in the community, but you'll depend on a car for most errands and entertainment. The tradeoff is space, a slower pace, and a rural character that feels removed from typical LA sprawl.
Air quality is notably cleaner here than in most of California, ranking 18th out of 318 communities. However, the area sits in a high-traffic corridor, meaning traffic is heavy and unavoidable if you're traveling in or out. This is genuinely car country, not a place to explore on foot or by transit.
Who it's for
Acton suits renters who work remotely or have a job commute they're willing to accept, and who value isolation, affordability, and land over walkability or urban convenience. It appeals to people seeking a desert lifestyle within Los Angeles County, families needing space, or those escaping higher-rent areas. It is not a good fit for renters without a car or those who want shops, restaurants, or services within a short walk.
Environment & livability
Air quality: cleaner air than most of California.
Long-term diesel PM exposure is linked to elevated respiratory and cardiovascular risk. This area is well below the state median.
Traffic exposure: high traffic corridor exposure.
This area is near major traffic corridors, linked to higher noise levels, diesel PM, and reduced street-level comfort.
Walkability: car-dependent area with very limited walkable access.
Designed primarily for driving. Daily errands on foot are difficult. Transit may partially substitute depending on your commute.
Transit: limited transit, infrequent service in this area.
Transit exists but headways are long enough that a car or bike is more practical for most daily trips.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Acton
Population
2,900
Renters
8%
of households rent
Median age
49
Median income
$128k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in Acton
3 public schools sit inside this area · 3 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meadowlark Elementary Elementary | K-4 | 41% | 32% |
| High Desert Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 5-8 | 32% | 19% |
| Vasquez High High School | 9-12 | 29% | 3% |
Source: California Dept. of Education (directory) and CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2025. We publish these figures as the state reports them and show the same table for every neighborhood. Saktoo does not rate schools, and school data is never part of a neighborhood match score. Attendance boundaries change — confirm the assigned school with the district before relying on it.
Around Acton
Acton Market
'49er Saloon · Crazy Otto's Diner · Jack in the Box · McDonald's
Acton Park
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What the census says about Acton
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Acton; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 54 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 72%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1987
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 4%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 6%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 96%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 88%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 1,075
- total housing units
Averaged across 1 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Finding a place in Acton
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Frequently asked questions
Is there public transit in Acton?+
No rail stations serve Acton. Bus service exists but is infrequent and limited. You will need a car to live here practically.
Can I walk to shops and restaurants?+
No. Acton ranks 298th out of 319 communities in walkability. Amenities like grocery stores and restaurants are sparse and scattered, requiring a vehicle to reach reliably.
How is the air quality?+
Acton has cleaner air than most of California, ranking 18th out of 318 communities. It's one of the area's genuine advantages for those sensitive to pollution or seeking healthier outdoor conditions.
What is the traffic situation?+
Traffic is heavy. Acton ranks 317th out of 317 communities for traffic, meaning it sits in one of the worst traffic corridors in the region. If you commute out of the area, expect significant congestion.
Is Acton walkable?+
Acton ranks #326 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, car-dependent area with very limited walkable access.
What is the average rent in Acton?+
Current residents of Acton pay a median rent of about $1,727 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Acton?+
Acton has cleaner air than most of California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 10 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Acton?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Acton are Littlerock, Agua Dulce, Sun Village and Quartz Hill.