Malibu is a 19.83 square mile coastal city in Los Angeles County, California, zip code 90265, with a 2026 population of about 10,135 residents along 21 miles of Pacific coastline. It is widely considered one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California for its beaches, privacy, and Santa Monica Mountains setting, though buyers should weigh wildfire exposure and a median home price near $5.1 million.
| Metric | 2026 Figure |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | ~$5.1 million1 |
| Average Price Per Sq Ft | ~$2,4521 |
| Avg. Days on Market | ~120 days1 |
| Active Listings | ~300 to 4451 |
| Effective Property Tax Rate | ~0.74%3 |
| Dominant Property Type | Single Family (~84%) |
Sources: 1 MLS aggregated market data, 2026, figures vary by month and segment. 2 World Population Review, 2026. 3 ATTOM property data, 2026. Confirm all figures against current AKG MLS before publishing.
Malibu stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway from the Pacific Palisades border to the Ventura County line, a narrow band of canyon and coastline rather than a traditional grid. Housing splits into three rough tiers: canyon land and smaller homes near $2.2 million, mid-market purchases around $5.1 million, and oceanfront trophy estates on stretches like Carbon Beach and Broad Beach that push past $13 million. The median age is 53.9 years and median household income is $194,421, reflecting an established, largely owner-occupied community.
Buyers should factor in wildfire risk directly. The January 2025 Palisades Fire burned into parts of Malibu and destroyed homes along Carbon Beach, and the city now declares local emergencies when live fuel moisture in the Santa Monica Mountains drops below 65%. Updated California fire safety standards and coastal setback rules are central to any renovation or rebuild decision here.
Malibu is served by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Public schools in the area average roughly 6 out of 10 on GreatSchools, with several private options also available.
| Destination | Distance | Typical Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica | ~13 miles | 25 to 35 min via PCH |
| Downtown Los Angeles | ~30 miles | 50 to 75 min |
| LAX Airport | ~30 miles | 50 to 70 min |
| Beverly Hills | ~22 miles | 40 to 55 min via Malibu Canyon |
Malibu is car-dependent, with the Pacific Coast Highway serving as the single main artery. Note that post-fire reconstruction has at times reduced PCH to slower, construction-affected travel, so current drive times can exceed the figures above.
Aaron Kirman Group
Aaron Kirman Group, with Christie's International Real Estate Southern California, specializes in luxury and oceanfront property across Malibu and the greater Los Angeles coast. [INSERT: license number] [INSERT: 1 verifiable stat, e.g. total Malibu transaction volume or notable Carbon Beach sale]. Contact the team for a private Malibu consultation.
What county is Malibu in and what is its zip code?
Malibu is in Los Angeles County, California, and its primary zip code is 90265. The city covers 19.83 square miles along 21 miles of Pacific coastline northwest of Santa Monica.
What is the median home price in Malibu?
As of 2026 the median sale price in Malibu is roughly $5.1 million, though figures vary widely by month and property type, from canyon land near $2.2 million to oceanfront estates above $13 million. Buyers should confirm current comparable sales before making an offer.
Is Malibu a good place to live?
Malibu is consistently ranked among Southern California's most desirable coastal communities for its beaches, privacy, and strong schools, with a median household income of $194,421. The main tradeoffs are high housing costs, car dependence on the Pacific Coast Highway, and wildfire exposure that requires careful attention to fire safety standards.
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