Santa Ana and Irvine are two neighboring cities in Orange County, California, each with its own unique appeal. Santa Ana, a vibrant and culturally rich city, contrasts drastically with Irvine, known for its planned communities and highly-rated schools. Prioritizing factors such as safety, cost of living, education, and culture can help determine which city better suits your lifestyle.
Distance between
Santa Ana, CA and
Irvine, CA : 6.4 miles
Santa Ana's population is larger by 0%. Its population has decreased by 28,536 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Irvine has grown by 165,959 people (116.0%) during that time.
Santa Ana has a higher crime rate than Irvine. SafeWise ranks Irvine as one of the safest cities in America, with crime rates significantly below the national average. Santa Ana, however, has been known for higher crime rates, although efforts to improve public safety are ongoing. For tourists, common safeguards like staying alert, secure belongings, and staying in populated areas are suffice in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 414 registered sex offenders living in Santa Ana and 44 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Santa Ana is 807 to 1; the ratio in Irvine is 6,048 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Santa Ana than that in Irvine.
Cost of Living
Irvine's cost of living is generally higher than Santa Ana's. Housing, in particular, is more expensive in Irvine as it's known for its planned communities and high-quality homes. However, both cities have higher costs of living compared to other US cities, primarily due to the high cost of housing in California in general.
Income Tax
Income tax in both cities is determined by the California state tax brackets, with ranges from 1% to 13.3% based on income.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are somewhat similar, slightly above 1% of the assessed property value in both cities. However, due to Irvine's higher real estate prices, homeowners might end up paying more in property taxes.
Sales Tax
Both cities follow the California state sales tax rate of 7.25%. However, with local taxes, the total sales tax rate amounts to 7.75% in Irvine and 8.75% in Santa Ana.
Income
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Estimated median household income
$80,265
$105,774
Estimated per capita income
$26,691
$54,053
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.6
89.8
If you make $50,000 in Santa Ana, you will have to make $50,677 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities are situated in the Southern California coastal region, characterized by flat plains and some rolling hills. Irvine, compared to Santa Ana, has more open space and parks, including a portion of the Orange County Great Park.
Public schools in Irvine are highly rated and are part of the Irvine Unified School District. The city also hosts the University of California, Irvine, a top-ranked public university. Santa Ana has a larger student population, reflected in the Santa Ana Unified School District, and is home to Santa Ana College.
Both cities have strong economies. Irvine is home to many technology, health science, and financial companies, while Santa Ana's economy is diverse, with industries including business services, healthcare, and manufacturing. In terms of unemployment, Irvine tends to have a lower rate than Santa Ana.
Biggest Employers
Irvine's largest employers include Verizon Wireless, Broadcom Corp., and Edwards Lifesciences. In Santa Ana, major employers encompass the County of Orange, Tenet Healthcare, and Ingram Micro.
There were 231 building permits issued in Santa Ana in 2012 (189 more than in 2011) compared to 1,129 building permits issued in Irvine in 2012 (272 more than in 2011).
Weather
Both Santa Ana and Irvine offer similar Mediterranean climates, with warm summers and mild winters. Temperatures in summer can reach the high 80s (Fahrenheit), while winter temperatures usually hover around 60s. However, Santa Ana can be slightly warmer due to the Santa Ana winds which commonly occur during fall and winter months.
Weather and climate
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Temperature - Average
65.4°F
63.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
69.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.2%
25.7%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.3%
77.7%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13.8 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.5%
26.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.9%
21.7%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.8%
84.4%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
62.7%
Wind speed - Average
5.9 mph
5.7 mph
Average climate in Santa Ana, California
Average climate in Irvine, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Santa Ana
Irvine
Santa Ana
Irvine
Santa Ana
Irvine
Santa Ana
Irvine
Santa Ana
Irvine
Santa Ana
Irvine
Santa Ana
Irvine
Santa Ana
Irvine
2018
124
119
0.34
0.25
14.2
13.5
27.0
31.5
N/A
N/A
27.5
27.5
12.3
12.5
0.7
N/A
2017
129
116
0.35
0.27
13.9
13.1
29.1
32.5
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
13.6
13.7
0.5
N/A
2016
107
102
0.35
0.24
12.6
11.6
29.2
31.6
N/A
N/A
24.1
24.1
12.7
12.6
0.2
0.1
2015
128
104
0.32
0.21
13.4
12.6
29.6
31.3
N/A
N/A
25.0
25.0
14.7
14.6
0.2
0.1
2014
127
109
0.29
0.20
13.2
12.3
28.6
30.1
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
15.9
15.8
0.4
0.3
2013
123
107
0.34
0.25
13.9
13.1
27.6
28.8
0.003
0.003
28.8
29.2
14.0
14.1
0.3
0.2
2012
115
103
0.31
0.28
12.9
12.1
26.7
28.1
0.004
0.004
27.5
27.9
14.5
14.4
0.1
0.1
2011
118
109
0.31
0.24
14.8
13.8
27.1
28.6
0.006
0.006
27.5
27.6
15.9
15.9
0.7
0.3
2010
107
102
0.34
0.27
14.4
13.4
26.5
28.4
0.011
0.011
23.5
23.6
14.6
14.3
0.6
0.6
2009
133
118
0.35
0.26
16.0
15.3
27.7
29.3
0.010
0.009
24.4
24.3
14.9
14.7
1.1
1.1
2008
138
124
0.38
0.33
17.1
16.0
28.2
29.8
0.010
0.008
30.1
29.7
21.6
21.6
1.1
1.1
2007
121
100
0.36
0.31
17.0
15.9
27.1
28.6
0.012
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
0.8
2006
120
109
0.40
0.36
17.7
16.7
26.6
28.1
0.007
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2005
119
91
0.40
0.35
18.2
17.0
28.3
28.8
0.013
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2004
128
118
0.50
0.42
19.4
18.3
31.2
31.8
0.014
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
139
116
0.64
0.53
22.3
21.1
28.3
29.9
0.029
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.1
2002
122
103
0.66
0.54
22.3
20.7
25.1
26.5
0.019
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.6
2001
120
109
0.76
0.65
22.6
20.7
25.1
26.5
0.036
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.4
2000
127
116
0.80
0.67
25.7
23.6
23.7
24.1
0.028
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
19.1%
18.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,931.4%
6,900.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
32%
Transportation
Public transit is efficient in both cities, provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). However, the use of cars is predominant due to the spread-out nature of Orange County. Irvine is known for its well-planned roads, while Santa Ana features a more dense urban street layout.
Transport
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
150
173
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Bicycle
0.2%
1.2%
Bus
0.9%
0.2%
Carpooled
12%
9.5%
Car alone
83.6%
84.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Average
30.4 min
30.7 min
Other means
25.5 min
23.7 min
Public transportation
48.1 min
42.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
84.6%
90.2%
In 2 person carpool
11.7%
7.8%
In 3 person carpool
2.7%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
While both cities boast high real estate values, Irvine generally has pricier options due to its master-planned communities. Santa Ana offers more budget-friendly opportunities, including charming historic homes.
Neighborhoods
Irvine is renowned for its master-planned neighborhoods, featuring uniformity and well-maintained public spaces. Santa Ana boasts culturally rich neighborhoods, with vibrant murals, and historic homes.
Houses and residents
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Houses
80,604
122,260
Average household size (people)
4.4
2.6
Median year apartment built
1974
2000
Median year house/condo built
1962
1996
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.9 years
11.4 years
Houses occupied
78,674 (97.6%)
111,648 (91.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
35,317 (44.9%)
49,861 (44.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
43,357 (55.1%)
61,787 (55.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,407
$3,151
Median monthly housing costs
$1,836
$2,500
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$976,981
$948,000
Estimated median house or condo value
$623,000
$970,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.5
4.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$724,856
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$512,474
$860,411
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$351,406
$621,769
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$406,926
$678,675
Median house price - mobile homes
$125,004
$398,841
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$492,339
$825,112
Median house price - All housing units
$648,392
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
53
21
Renting percentage
52.5%
49.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,969.6
2,647.3
House value disparities
21.7%
18.8%
Household income disparities
40.4%
41.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,617
$185,171
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$74,449
$97,123
Housing units without a mortgage
318 (1.2%)
316 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,175 (4.6%)
2,738 (8.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
25,378 (98.8%)
32,261 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
23 (0.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
1,438 (5.6%)
3,066 (9.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
5
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.3%
2.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Santa Ana
Irvine
One, detached
46.4%
37.3%
One, attached
5.8%
20.1%
Two
3.6%
1.1%
3 or 4
7.3%
4.5%
5 to 9
5.7%
5.9%
10 to 19
8.8%
5.1%
20 to 49
6.3%
5.0%
50 or more
11.0%
20.0%
Mobile homes
4.9%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,591
9,200
State government workers
3,716
9,735
Unpaid family workers
355
399
Industries and Occupations
Santa Ana features a diverse industrial sector, including manufacturing, retail and healthcare. Professional, scientific, and technical services dominate Irvine's industry, complemented by educational services, courtesy of UCI.
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations
8.7%
0.2%
Production occupations
7.0%
1.4%
Healthcare support occupations
6.4%
3.8%
Management occupations
6.3%
17.3%
Business and financial operations occupations
4.8%
14.0%
Educational instruction, and library occupations
4.7%
8.7%
Personal care and service occupations
4.6%
3.4%
Material moving occupations
4.3%
0.4%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations
3.0%
8.5%
Computer and mathematical occupations
2.0%
5.3%
Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations
1.7%
0.0%
Transportation occupations
1.6%
0.2%
Health technologists and technicians
1.6%
2.9%
Community and social service occupations
1.5%
2.3%
Legal occupations
1.5%
0.8%
Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
1.3%
2.5%
Life, physical, and social science occupations
0.2%
2.7%
Health Care
Both cities have access to excellent medical facilities. Irvine is home to the Hoag Hospital, and UCI Medical Center. Santa Ana houses the South Coast Global Medical Center and Coastal Communities Hospital. Both cities are also in proximity to renowned medical facilities throughout Orange County.
Infrastructure in Irvine is meticulously planned, including housing, public spaces, and commercial areas. Santa Ana, being older, has a more established infrastructure that reflects its rich history, seen in its downtown area that boasts preserved historic buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
Santa Ana
Irvine
Hospitals
9
4
TV stations
2
2
Bank branches located here
31
98
Bank institutions located here
13
47
Main business address for public companies
15
65
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Santa Ana
Irvine
1999
955
704
2000
834
417
2001
725
271
2002
933
242
2003
1,222
609
2004
1,657
835
2005
2,302
899
2006
2,615
897
2007
1,456
576
2008
694
344
2009
399
210
Culture and Food
Santa Ana is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic downtown, and diverse cuisine with a robust Latino influence. Irvine offers more modern amenities, including high-end dining, shopping centers, and cultural institutions like the Irvine Barclay Theatre and Orange County Great Park.
Sports Teams
Neither Santa Ana nor Irvine hosts a major professional sports team, but both cities are close to Anaheim, which is home to MLB's Los Angeles Angels and NHL's Anaheim Ducks. College sports are popular in Irvine, due to the presence of UCI.
Santa Ana, CA
Irvine, CA
