Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Malibu
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Malibu
Rent control: Malibuhas 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 Malibu scores for you
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Malibu is a beach city strung along 21 miles of Pacific coastline in the Santa Monica Mountains, about 30 miles west of Los Angeles. With a population of around 10,600, it remains one of Southern California's most exclusive and sparsely settled communities, known for its dramatic oceanfront setting, Mediterranean climate, and longtime appeal to entertainment industry figures. The Pacific Coast Highway runs through the entire city, hugging the coast and serving as the primary spine connecting Malibu's scattered neighborhoods.
The city is defined by its geography: narrow, steep terrain between mountains and ocean leaves little buildable land, which has preserved its exclusive character and natural landscape. However, the 2025 Palisades Fire caused devastating damage to beachfront properties in the eastern part of the city, significantly impacting the community. For renters and buyers, Malibu remains one of the region's least dense and most car-dependent places, with limited walkability and no rail transit.
Living here
Life in Malibu revolves around the coast and your car. The Pacific Coast Highway is your main artery, and getting anywhere off the beach corridor requires driving through winding canyon roads. Grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops are sparse and scattered, with only about one grocery store and two restaurants within a typical walk. You will need a car for virtually all errands and daily life; there is no meaningful public transit. Air quality is notably cleaner than most of Southern California, and traffic, while present on PCH during peak hours, is lighter than the regional average.
What Malibu offers in return is natural beauty, privacy, and a genuine escape from urban density. The beaches are your main amenity, along with state parks and coastal trails. Weekend life often centers on the ocean. If you work in Los Angeles or elsewhere, your commute will be substantial and car-dependent. The aftermath of the Palisades Fire has also reshaped the community, with recovery and rebuilding ongoing in affected areas.
Who it's for
Malibu suits renters who prioritize coastal living and natural scenery over walkability and urban convenience, have reliable transportation and a willingness to drive for daily needs, and either work locally, remotely, or are willing to accept a long commute. It appeals to those seeking privacy and space rather than urban amenities. The current housing disruption from the Palisades Fire means availability and market conditions are in flux; renters should verify neighborhood status and access before committing.
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: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: limited tree cover, mostly open streetscape.
Less canopy means more heat exposure and less visual greenery on daily walks. LA County median is around 14% canopy coverage.
Walkability: most errands require a car or transit.
Lower intersection density and fewer destinations within walking distance, typical of suburban LA/OC areas.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Malibu
Population
3,028
Renters
36%
of households rent
Median age
58
Median income
$192k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in Malibu
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 67% | 63% |
| Malibu Middle Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 6-8 | 67% | 53% |
| Malibu High High School | 9-12 | 68% | 45% |
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 Malibu
Ralphs · Whole Foods Market
Blue Bottle Coffee · Broad Street Oyster · Howdy's · Starbucks
Amore Pizza · Beaurivage · Chipotle · Clark's Oyster Bar
Dolphin View · Legacy Park · Vista Point (Courtesy of Caltrans)
The Mindry
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What the census says about Malibu
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Malibu; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 42 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 75%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1972
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 4%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 37%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 95%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 66%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 7,440
- total housing units
Averaged across 10 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Malibu in the regional index
How Malibu places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- Where growing up led to higher adult earnings
Ranks #30 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Tree cover, clean air, little traffic
Ranks #65 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in Malibu
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Malibu?+
Yes. Malibu ranks 312th of 319 places in walkability and has no rail transit. Nearly all errands require driving, and the Pacific Coast Highway is your main connection point. Public transit is minimal and infrequent.
Is Malibu affected by the Palisades Fire?+
Yes. The 2025 Palisades Fire devastated much of the beachfront community, with almost all east-side oceanfront homes destroyed. Recovery is ongoing, and availability, conditions, and neighborhood character remain in flux. Verify specific area status before renting.
What is the air quality like?+
Malibu has notably cleaner air than most of Southern California, ranking 12th of 318 places in the region. The coastal location and limited density contribute to better air quality compared to inland urban areas.
What is there to do in Malibu?+
Malibu's appeal centers on its 21-mile beach and coastal access, state parks, and scenic trails. Dining and shopping options are limited and scattered along PCH. The emphasis is on outdoor recreation and natural beauty rather than urban amenities.
Is Malibu walkable?+
Malibu ranks #318 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, most errands require a car or transit.
What is the average rent in Malibu?+
Current residents of Malibu pay a median rent of about $2,149 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Malibu?+
Malibu has cleaner air than most of California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 8 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Malibu?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Malibu are Agua Dulce, Acton, Elizabeth Lake and Lake Hughes.