Two southern cities in California, Santa Ana, and Westminster, both offer a unique blend of beauty, culture, and convenience. Despite being in the same state, these cities possess notable differences and individual characteristics that make them distinguishable. Their climate, cost of living, education systems, workplace environment, infrastructural setup, occupational opportunities, real estate landscape, neighborhood atmospheres, transportation facilities, tax structure, range of cultural experiences, sports attractions, geographical layouts, and healthcare services - all have their unique arrangements. The following comprehensive comparison between these two cities will provide insights on their distinct characteristics, shining a light on which city stands as a better option for relocation or even a simple visit.
Distance between
Santa Ana, CA and
Westminster, CA : 6.5 miles
Santa Ana's population is larger by 243%. Its population has decreased by 28,536 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Westminster has grown by 1,988 people (2.3%) during that time.
Santa Ana has a higher crime rate overall than Westminster. However, it's crucial to note that certain areas of Santa Ana are known for their safety, while others are not. Similarly, Westminster has areas of varying safety levels. Safety can then be a subjective factor depending on the neighborhood one chooses to stay 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 415 registered sex offenders living in Santa Ana and 83 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Santa Ana is 805 to 1; the ratio in Westminster is 1,118 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Santa Ana than in Westminster.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Santa Ana is generally higher than in Westminster. This is mainly due to higher housing costs. The price of groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation are more or less the same in both cities.
Income Tax
California’s state income tax applies to both cities and ranges from 1% to 13.3%. No city-specific income tax is imposed by either Santa Ana or Westminster.
Property Tax
In both cities, property tax is determined by Orange County and not the individual cities themselves. The average property tax rate in the county is usually around 1.16%.
Sales Tax
Both cities levy the standard 7.25% California state sales tax. Additionally, Santa Ana imposes a 1.5% city sales tax, making it slightly more expensive in terms of sales tax compared to Westminster.
Income
Type
Santa Ana
Westminster
Estimated median household income
$80,265
$66,862
Estimated per capita income
$26,691
$34,044
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.6
90.5
If you make $50,000 in Santa Ana, you will have to make $51,072 in Westminster to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities are located in Orange County and have flat terrains. They are both relatively close to the beach and have convenient access to hiking and other outdoor activities.
Santa Ana has a larger selection of schools, offering a multitude of options to their community. Several universities and colleges also call Santa Ana home. Comparatively, Westminster has fewer educational institutions, but don't lack in providing quality education.
Santa Ana has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from finance to healthcare. Westminster also boasts a healthy job market, predominantly in the public sector. Both cities are expected to see job growth over the next decade.
Biggest Employers
Santa Ana's biggest employers are County of Orange, Tenet Healthcare and Ingram Micro. In Westminster, the largest employment comes from Westminster School District, Ito Farms, and Kindred Hospital-Westminster.
There were 231 building permits issued in Santa Ana in 2012 (189 more than in 2011) compared to 119 building permits issued in Westminster in 2012 (110 more than in 2011).
Weather
Both Santa Ana and Westminster have similar weather, as they are located very close to each other. They enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sun throughout the year. The average temperatures range from 77°F (25°C) in the summer to 55°F (13°C) in the winter season, making it comfortable for residents and tourists all year round.
Weather and climate
Type
Santa Ana
Westminster
Temperature - Average
65.4°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
70.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.2%
26.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.3%
78.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13.8 in
13 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.5%
26.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.9%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.8%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
63%
Wind speed - Average
5.9 mph
6 mph
Average climate in Santa Ana, California
Average climate in Westminster, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Santa Ana
Westminster
Santa Ana
Westminster
Santa Ana
Westminster
Santa Ana
Westminster
Santa Ana
Westminster
Santa Ana
Westminster
Santa Ana
Westminster
Santa Ana
Westminster
2018
124
119
0.34
0.35
14.2
14.2
27.0
26.2
N/A
N/A
27.5
27.5
12.3
12.5
0.7
0.7
2017
129
116
0.35
0.39
13.9
14.3
29.1
27.8
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
13.6
13.7
0.5
0.5
2016
107
102
0.35
0.40
12.6
13.4
29.2
27.9
N/A
N/A
24.1
24.1
12.7
12.6
0.2
0.3
2015
128
106
0.32
0.36
13.4
14.2
29.6
28.2
N/A
N/A
25.0
25.0
14.7
14.6
0.2
0.3
2014
127
110
0.29
0.33
13.2
14.0
28.6
27.5
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
15.9
15.7
0.4
0.5
2013
123
107
0.34
0.39
13.9
14.8
27.6
26.7
0.003
0.003
28.8
29.1
14.0
14.1
0.3
0.4
2012
115
103
0.31
0.37
12.9
14.0
26.7
26.0
0.004
0.004
27.5
27.8
14.5
14.4
0.1
0.2
2011
118
109
0.31
0.36
14.8
15.7
27.1
26.4
0.006
0.006
27.5
27.6
15.9
15.9
0.7
0.7
2010
107
102
0.34
0.38
14.4
15.7
26.5
25.5
0.011
0.011
23.5
23.6
14.6
14.3
0.6
0.6
2009
133
118
0.35
0.39
16.0
17.0
27.7
26.6
0.010
0.010
24.4
24.4
14.9
14.7
1.1
1.1
2008
138
124
0.38
0.41
17.1
18.4
28.2
27.0
0.010
0.010
30.1
29.8
21.6
21.6
1.1
1.1
2007
121
100
0.36
0.39
17.0
18.0
27.1
26.1
0.012
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
0.8
2006
120
114
0.40
0.44
17.7
18.7
26.6
26.0
0.007
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2005
119
95
0.40
0.44
18.2
19.7
28.3
27.5
0.013
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2004
128
119
0.50
0.52
19.4
20.8
31.2
30.8
0.014
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
139
122
0.64
0.68
22.3
23.5
28.3
26.2
0.029
0.029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.0
2002
122
107
0.66
0.71
22.3
23.8
25.1
23.8
0.019
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.9
2001
120
118
0.76
0.80
22.6
24.7
25.1
23.9
0.036
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.8
2000
127
125
0.80
0.81
25.7
27.0
23.7
22.9
0.028
0.028
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Santa Ana
Westminster
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
19.1%
18.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,931.4%
6,892.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
32%
Transportation
Santa Ana offers extensive transportation options: bus routes, train stations, and a well-connected road network. Westminster also offers good transportation links but has a less dense public transportation infrastructure.
Transport
Type
Santa Ana
Westminster
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
150
21
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Santa Ana
Westminster
Bicycle
0.2%
0.6%
Bus
0.9%
1.2%
Carpooled
12%
12.3%
Car alone
83.6%
82.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Santa Ana
Westminster
Average
30.4 min
25.9 min
Other means
25.5 min
28.8 min
Public transportation
48.1 min
40.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Santa Ana
Westminster
Average
1.2
1.3
Drove alone
84.6%
79.2%
In 2 person carpool
11.7%
14.3%
In 3 person carpool
2.7%
4.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
1.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Santa Ana's real estate is comparatively more expensive than Westminster due to a higher population density. Westminster offers more affordable housing options with comfort and style, suitable for medium-income families.
Neighborhoods
Santa Ana offers an assortment of neighborhoods from the artsy and hip downtown to the peaceful and family-friendly Floral Park. Westminster is known for its quiet, suburban neighborhoods making it comforting for families.
Houses and residents
Type
Santa Ana
Westminster
Houses
80,604
29,012
Average household size (people)
4.4
3.4
Median year apartment built
1974
1974
Median year house/condo built
1962
1966
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.9 years
16.8 years
Houses occupied
78,674 (97.6%)
27,935 (96.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
35,317 (44.9%)
13,512 (48.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
43,357 (55.1%)
14,423 (51.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,407
$2,156
Median monthly housing costs
$1,836
$1,726
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$976,981
$595,517
Estimated median house or condo value
$623,000
$762,300
Median numbers of rooms
4.5
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$724,856
$820,163
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$512,474
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$351,406
$642,459
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$406,926
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - mobile homes
$125,004
$107,825
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$492,339
$622,167
Median house price - All housing units
$648,392
$727,246
Median house age
53
51
Renting percentage
52.5%
42.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,969.6
2,869.5
House value disparities
21.7%
21.9%
Household income disparities
40.4%
50%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,617
$124,029
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$74,449
$79,699
Housing units without a mortgage
318 (1.2%)
158 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,175 (4.6%)
559 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
25,378 (98.8%)
7,902 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
23 (0.1%)
91 (1.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
1,438 (5.6%)
747 (9.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
18
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
5
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.3%
3.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Santa Ana
Westminster
One, detached
46.4%
55.0%
One, attached
5.8%
6.3%
Two
3.6%
1.7%
3 or 4
7.3%
6.5%
5 to 9
5.7%
4.1%
10 to 19
8.8%
3.0%
20 to 49
6.3%
3.9%
50 or more
11.0%
7.6%
Mobile homes
4.9%
11.9%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,591
2,842
State government workers
3,716
1,165
Unpaid family workers
355
0
Industries and Occupations
Santa Ana houses many corporate headquarters and small businesses, leading in sectors like technology, finance, and health care. Westminster has a good mix of employment opportunities in public administration, manufacturing, retail trade, and educational services.
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations
8.7%
1.4%
Production occupations
7.0%
3.7%
Healthcare support occupations
6.4%
9.8%
Management occupations
6.3%
6.0%
Business and financial operations occupations
4.8%
9.3%
Educational instruction, and library occupations
4.7%
6.3%
Personal care and service occupations
4.6%
8.9%
Material moving occupations
4.3%
0.4%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations
3.0%
6.4%
Computer and mathematical occupations
2.0%
1.6%
Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations
1.7%
0.0%
Transportation occupations
1.6%
0.7%
Health technologists and technicians
1.6%
1.3%
Community and social service occupations
1.5%
1.6%
Legal occupations
1.5%
1.0%
Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
1.3%
2.7%
Life, physical, and social science occupations
0.2%
3.4%
Health Care
Santa Ana and Westminster offer ample healthcare facilities. Santa Ana is home to renowned health centers like Santa Ana Hospital, while Westminster houses the Kindred Hospital Westminster.
Santa Ana has numerous high rise buildings and highways, contributing to a significant city vibe. Westminster, on the other hand, is more suburban in infrastructure with lots of parks and open spaces.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Santa Ana
Westminster
1999
955
303
2000
834
304
2001
725
240
2002
933
274
2003
1,222
270
2004
1,657
350
2005
2,302
429
2006
2,615
459
2007
1,456
292
2008
694
134
2009
399
91
Culture and Food
Santa Ana is diverse and multicultural, reflected in its diverse food scene. Westminster,-home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the USA, is known for its excellent Vietnamese cuisine and cultural events.
Sports Teams
Neither Santa Ana nor Westminster has major professional sports teams. However, they are within a short drive of Anaheim, home to professional sports teams like the MLB's Angels and the NHL's Ducks.
Santa Ana, CA
Westminster, CA
