North Coast, California, is a largely rural area with a slower pace of life, while Torrance is a vibrant city in the heart of Los Angeles County. The North Coast region offers calm, scenic views and a pastoral lifestyle, whereas Torrance provides a bustling city experience with a touch of coastal charm. An individual's preferences are likely to determine which of these Californian areas is the best fit.
When comparing North Coast and Torrance, North Coast generally has a lower crime rate. It's more rural and spread out, contributing to its lack of crime. On the other hand, Torrance, as a part of the densely populated LA County, tends to have a higher instance of crimes. That being said, compared to some parts of Los Angeles, it's relatively safe, putting it in the mid-range for safety among LA cities.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living tends to be higher in Torrance than in North Coast, due to its proximity to Los Angeles and the coast. However, certain rural areas in North Coast could have a higher cost of living due to its remote location, which can drive up costs for goods and services. Both housing and daily expenses in Torrance tend to be higher than national averages.
Income Tax
Income tax is determined by the State of California and thus is the same in both Torrance and North Coast.
Property Tax
Property taxes can vary significantly between these areas. They're generally higher in Torrance due to more expensive properties and additional local tax levies.
Sales Tax
Both Torrance and North Coast share the same state sales tax rate, as per California law, with slight variances on city taxes. Torrance has a slightly higher sales tax due to additional city-imposed taxes.
Income
Type
North Coast
Torrance
Estimated median household income
$102,807
$100,392
Estimated per capita income
$50,809
$52,528
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
142.7
If you make $50,000 in North Coast, you will have to make $74,246 in Torrance to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographical conditions vary dramatically. North Coast allures with towering redwoods, rugged coastlines, and lush vineyards, whereas Torrance features coastal beauty with maintained city parks and a balance of urban sceneries.
Geographical information
Type
North Coast
Torrance
Land area
59.4 sq. miles
20.5 sq. miles
Population density
6,335.5 people per sq. mile
6,990.9 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
North Coast, CA Torrance, CA
Education
Both regions possess robust education systems. North Coast is home to a diverse array of outstanding public and private schools. However, Torrance has the edge with numerous award-winning schools in the Torrance Unified School District. There is also a wealth of higher education opportunities near Torrance, including the University of Southern California and UCLA.
Torrance has a diverse economy with flourishing healthcare, professional services, and manufacturing sectors. North Coast's economy is a bit more limited, with primary sectors encompassing agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. Both areas have healthy employment rates, but job choices tend to be more abundant in Torrance due to its urban location.
Biggest Employers
In Torrance, some of the biggest employers include Honda, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and Honeywell. North Coast's largest employers are predominantly wineries, local school districts, and healthcare providers, reflecting the key industries of the region.
In North Coast (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Torrance (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
2020
53.6%
71.0%
44.6%
26.9%
1.8%
2.1%
2016
50.9%
72.0%
42.4%
22.5%
6.7%
5.5%
2012
45.8%
69.7%
52.0%
27.8%
2.3%
2.4%
2008
47.8%
69.2%
50.3%
28.8%
1.9%
1.9%
2004
39.3%
63.3%
60.2%
35.7%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
40.4%
63.6%
55.9%
32.4%
3.7%
4.0%
1996
37.9%
59.3%
51.7%
31.0%
10.5%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.5%
36.1%
4.4%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.3%
1.0%
8.8%
9.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.7%
1.3%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.6%
0.2%
2.0%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
2.3%
1.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.3%
2.4%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.5%
1.7%
3.1%
Weather
Weather is a major difference between these two locales. Torrance experiences sunny, warm, and dry climates typical of Southern California. Summers are moderately hot, while winters are mild. North Coast is much cooler and receives a lot more rain, which often results in beautiful, lush landscapes. While Torrance suits those who love consistent sunshine, North Coast appeals to people who appreciate mild temperatures and a bit more rainfall.
Weather and climate
Type
North Coast
Torrance
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
63°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.2%
68.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.7%
24.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.7%
76.4%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13 in
14.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.5%
26%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.9%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.9%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
63%
Wind speed - Average
6 mph
5.3 mph
Average climate in North Coast, California
Average climate in Torrance, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
North Coast
Torrance
2018
119
124
0.35
0.38
14.4
14.5
26.1
25.2
N/A
0.008
27.5
27.5
12.6
13.9
0.7
0.6
2017
116
122
0.34
0.40
13.8
15.6
28.8
25.7
N/A
0.007
26.7
26.7
13.8
14.7
0.5
0.7
2016
102
115
0.33
0.41
12.2
15.2
29.3
25.4
N/A
0.007
24.1
24.1
12.5
12.6
0.2
0.7
2015
106
111
0.32
0.40
13.2
16.2
29.8
26.0
N/A
0.005
25.0
25.0
14.5
14.8
0.2
0.7
2014
110
128
0.29
0.46
12.9
16.3
28.6
25.5
N/A
0.007
26.7
26.5
15.5
15.8
0.4
0.8
2013
107
127
0.34
0.48
13.9
17.3
27.8
25.7
0.003
0.005
29.5
30.4
14.2
15.2
0.3
0.7
2012
103
132
0.30
0.47
12.7
17.0
26.8
25.4
0.004
0.005
28.2
29.7
14.3
15.2
0.1
0.6
2011
109
124
0.31
0.41
14.7
18.3
27.0
24.1
0.006
0.007
27.7
28.6
15.9
16.1
0.7
0.8
2010
102
117
0.33
0.46
14.3
18.5
26.2
22.8
0.011
0.014
23.6
25.5
14.0
13.6
0.6
0.6
2009
118
136
0.35
0.50
15.5
19.8
27.6
23.9
0.009
0.009
24.3
33.3
14.5
15.0
1.1
1.3
2008
124
129
0.39
0.48
16.5
21.7
28.2
23.2
0.010
0.009
29.5
30.8
21.6
21.3
1.1
1.2
2007
100
111
0.36
0.48
16.3
21.4
27.0
23.2
0.012
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
2.2
2006
114
120
0.40
0.52
17.2
22.1
26.4
23.7
0.007
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.8
2005
95
111
0.39
0.53
17.7
22.6
27.9
23.1
0.012
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
4.3
2004
119
128
0.50
0.58
19.2
25.3
30.5
25.5
0.014
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2.4
2003
122
131
0.64
0.80
21.9
26.8
28.9
21.5
0.030
0.025
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
0.8
2002
106
123
0.65
0.83
22.0
27.8
25.5
22.6
0.018
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2.1
2001
116
126
0.73
0.83
22.0
29.1
25.4
21.5
0.033
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
3.7
2000
125
140
0.80
0.87
24.4
30.9
24.0
19.7
0.027
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
2.3
Natural disasters
Type
North Coast
Torrance
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.6%
17%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,843.6%
6,816.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
57%
Transportation
Transportation is another crucial difference. Where Torrance is served by multiple highways and public transit options (including buses and commuter trains), North Coast has fewer public transit options.
Transport
Type
North Coast
Torrance
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
284
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
17
Means of transportation to work
Type
North Coast
Torrance
Bicycle
0.7%
1.1%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
10.7%
8.8%
Car alone
81.4%
85.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.3%
Walked
1.4%
0.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
North Coast
Torrance
Average
28.8 min
29.5 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Torrance tends to be costly, reflecting the city's desirability and its location within the Greater Los Angeles area. There's a variety of property types available, from single-family homes to apartments. North Coast property ranges from affordable homes in small towns to pricier, secluded properties with acreage.
Neighborhoods
Torrance is home to many diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique charm, such as Hollywood Riviera with its beachy appeal. North Coast comprises primarily small towns and rural communities, offering an exceptional quality of life for individuals who appreciate a slower pace and natural beauty.
Houses and residents
Type
North Coast
Torrance
Houses
137,450
60,220
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.6
Houses occupied
133,254 (96.9%)
57,584 (95.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
84,546 (63.4%)
32,109 (55.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
48,708 (36.6%)
25,475 (44.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,340
$1,147
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,099,558
$1,098,324
Estimated median house or condo value
$883,291
$930,500
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.9
Renting percentage
37.7%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,312.7
2,931.7
Household income disparities
41.2%
40.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
13,396 (19.5%)
332 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
282 (0.4%)
1,364 (6.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
55,188 (80.5%)
20,690 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
6,297 (9.2%)
44 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,643 (11.1%)
1,820 (8.7%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
2.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,532
5,274
State government workers
5,751
1,875
Unpaid family workers
744
270
Industries and Occupations
North Coast is renowned for wine production, with many vineyards and wineries operating in the region. Much of the employment stems from these industries, as well as from local services essential to maintaining the rural communities. On the other hand, Torrance has diverse industries, including financial services, technology, healthcare, and more.
Torrance, with its dense population, offers more extensive healthcare services. Hospitals like Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center provide top-class healthcare. In contrast, the North Coast has fewer hospitals spread out across the region. However, it does offer quality healthcare that caters satisfactorily to its population.
Health (county statistics)
Type
North Coast
Torrance
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Torrance's significantly larger population necessitates more developed and extensive infrastructure. It boasts superior road networks, housing developments, and public utilities compared to North Coast. North Coast's infrastructure is not as developed, reflecting its rural composition, and services may be spread out over greater distances.
Infrastructure
Type
North Coast
Torrance
TV stations
2
3
Culture and Food
Culturally, Torrance offers an eclectic food scene, with a rich array of food from different ethnicities. North Coast, with its agriculture and food production roots, is famous for local wines, fresh produce, and farm-to-table dining.
Sports Teams
Torrance has better access to sports teams, situated near Los Angeles, home to the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, and more. In North Coast, sports might be more community-centered and smaller-scale, focusing on local school or community teams.
North Coast, CA
Torrance, CA
