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Is Alameda a Good Place to Live? Alameda, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Alameda ranks #407 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #191 of 524 smaller cities and #39 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($137,697, #45 of 524) and high graduation rates (93%, #81 of 437), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,235,700, #505 of 524).
Alameda by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Alameda's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Alameda?
Alameda's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,474/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,137,620, 49% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Alameda | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,137,620#1137 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,953/mo#1028 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,235,700#1279 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,474/mo#1241 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 9x#1259 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.6%#632 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Alameda housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Alameda is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Alameda safe?
Alameda recorded 348 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% below the US rate of 373 and 21% below California's 440. That ranks #631 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #284 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alameda Police Department. Property crime runs 3,555 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Alameda | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 348#631 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 3,555#1014 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Alameda?
The median household in Alameda earns $137,697, 79% above the US figure of $76,827 and 50% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.2%). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Alameda | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $137,697#78 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.2%#254 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Alameda?
The median resident of Alameda is 41 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 61.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Alameda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 61.5%#113 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 50.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Alameda's schools and health?
Alameda's 16 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.6 students per teacher and $16,765 spent per pupil. 21.4% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Alameda | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.6#1119 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,765#424 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 21.4%#33 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.5%#202 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 4.9%#59 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,279 students are enrolled in Alameda's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Alameda?
The average commute in Alameda is 31.6 minutes (California 25.2); 10% of workers take transit and 32.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Alameda scores 15.5 of 20 (most walkable), #14 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.7°F and winters 50.8°F, with 18.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Alameda | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 31.6 min#1187 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 16.8%#1251 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 44.2% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 10% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.1% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 2.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 32.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.5#14 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.7 | 42 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 60.3 | 44.6 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 63.1 | 47 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 65.6 | 49.1 | 1.4 |
| May | 67.9 | 51.9 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 71.4 | 54.1 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 71.6 | 56.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 72.4 | 56.9 | 0 |
| Sep | 74.1 | 55.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 71.5 | 51.2 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 63.9 | 45.8 | 2 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 42.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oakland International Airport.
| Measure | Alameda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 58.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 63.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 18.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oakland International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Alameda?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Alameda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.41%#1223 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Alameda County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Alameda County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.23% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0012% | 56% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Alameda compare with similar-size cities?
Alameda is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #191 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 77,238.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda, CAPop. 77,238 | #407 | 59.9 | $137,697 | $2,474/mo | 348 | 31.6 min |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #364 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 | 22.1 min |
| Rapid City, SDPop. 77,946 | #875 | 52.1 | $70,870 | $1,109/mo | 767 | 17.5 min |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #810 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 | 22.5 min |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #241 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 | 28.6 min |
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #42 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 | 22.1 min |
| Wyoming, MIPop. 77,353 | #644 | 55.9 | $73,677 | $1,196/mo | 459 | 21.9 min |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #136 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 | 27.8 min |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #1210 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 | 25.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Alameda compare with the rest of California?
Alameda ranks #39 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 50% above the California median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 49% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Eastvale, CAPop. 70,633 | … #35 | 60.5 | $160,069 | $3,252/mo | 52 |
| Placentia, CAPop. 52,826 | #36 | 60.3 | $115,929 | $2,388/mo | 245 |
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | #37 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #38 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 |
| Alameda, CAPop. 77,238 | #39 | 59.9 | $137,697 | $2,474/mo | 348 |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #40 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 |
| Novato, CAPop. 52,546 | #41 | 59.6 | $115,736 | $2,506/mo | 211 |
| Orange, CAPop. 138,266 | #42 | 59.4 | $117,113 | $2,327/mo | 196 |
| Walnut Creek, CAPop. 70,088 | #43 | 59.1 | $130,432 | $2,680/mo | 217 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Alameda among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Alameda's score calculated?
Alameda scores 59.9 out of 100, #407 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Alameda. Similar-size median 55.5.
75.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Alameda's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
58.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Alameda. Similar-size median 58.9.
79.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Alameda's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
52.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Alameda's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
20.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Alameda. Similar-size median 56.1.
86.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Alameda. Similar-size median 42.4.
33.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Alameda. Similar-size median 50.0.
65.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Alameda's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
76.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
24.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Alameda's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Alameda has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Alameda
Is Alameda, CA a good place to live?
Alameda ranks #407 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #191 of 524 smaller cities and #39 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($137,697, #45 of 524) and high graduation rates (93%, #81 of 437), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,235,700, #505 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Alameda?
Alameda's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,474/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,137,620, 49% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Alameda?
Alameda recorded 348 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% below the US rate of 373 and 21% below California's 440. That ranks #631 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #284 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alameda Police Department. Property crime runs 3,555 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Alameda?
The median household in Alameda earns $137,697, 79% above the US figure of $76,827 and 50% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.2%). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Alameda?
Median rent in Alameda is $2,474/mo (Census), #1241 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,953/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Alameda?
Zillow's typical home value in Alameda is $1,137,620, up 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,235,700.
How are the public schools in Alameda?
Alameda's 16 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.6 students per teacher and $16,765 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Alameda?
The average commute is 31.6 minutes, #1187 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 16.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Alameda?
Alameda averages 58.1°F over the year, 63.7°F in summer and 50.8°F in winter, with 18.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Alameda walkable?
Alameda scores 15.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #14 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Alameda at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Alameda?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Alameda?
Alameda has 77,238 residents. The median resident of Alameda is 41 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 61.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Alameda compare with the rest of California?
Alameda ranks #39 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 50% above the California median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 49% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Alameda?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Alameda's population of 77,238 are Bethlehem, PA (#364 overall), Rapid City, SD (#875 overall), Racine, WI (#810 overall), Mansfield, TX (#241 overall), and Redmond, WA (#42 overall). Alameda is #407.