California
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
California vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in California
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | A+ | 50.6 | 873,965 | $76,541 | 561 | 162 |
| 2 | Sacramento | A | 50.6 | 524,943 | $95,606 | 446 | 137 |
| 3 | Long Beach | B+ | 49.8 | 466,742 | $91,673 | 527 | 150 |
| 4 | Bakersfield | B | 49.8 | 403,455 | $105,520 | 374 | 133 |
| 5 | San Diego | B | 49.1 | 1,386,932 | $101,697 | 505 | 160 |
| 6 | Oakland | C+ | 49.1 | 433,031 | $98,285 | 503 | 125 |
| 7 | Irvine | C | 48.6 | 307,670 | $102,973 | 365 | 135 |
| 8 | Fresno | C | 46.3 | 542,107 | $85,280 | 314 | 123 |
| 9 | Los Angeles | D | 46.1 | 3,898,747 | $109,758 | 501 | 123 |
| 10 | San Jose | F | 42.4 | 1,013,240 | $107,450 | 326 | 137 |
More West States
California Rankings Overview
California earns an overall grade of C+ with a composite score of 48.5 out of 100, ranking #29 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Health (69/100) while its biggest challenge is Growth (25/100).
Economy & Employment in California
With an unemployment rate of 5.4% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), California performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $91,905, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in California
California's violent crime rate of 440 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in California
California ranks #16 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #27 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is California's overall ranking?
California ranks #29 out of 50 states with a composite score of 48.5/100 and a grade of C+.
Is California a good place to live?
California scores 48.5/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in California?
The violent crime rate in California is 440 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does California's economy compare?
California's median household income is $91,905 with an unemployment rate of 5.4%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in California?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in California are San Francisco, Sacramento, and Long Beach.