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Is Apple Valley a Good Place to Live? Apple Valley, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Apple Valley ranks #1260 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #510 of 524 smaller cities and #180 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (41.1 min, #520 of 524) and high unemployment (6.8%, #455 of 476).
Apple Valley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Apple Valley'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 Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,444/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $433,365, 43% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Apple Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 106.4#993 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $433,365#697 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 | $1,783/mo#570 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $407,400#801 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,444/mo#679 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.8%#980 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.
Apple Valley 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. Apple Valley is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Apple Valley safe?
Apple Valley recorded 485 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% above the US rate of 373 and 10% above California's 440. That ranks #819 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #363 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Apple Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 1,375 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Apple Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 485#819 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,375#400 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 Apple Valley?
The median household in Apple Valley earns $69,882, 9% below the US figure of $76,827 and 24% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.8% (US 4.2%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Apple Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $69,882#817 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 6.8%#1021 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.6%#954 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.2%#794 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 Apple Valley?
The median resident of Apple Valley is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1193 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Apple Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 18.9%#1193 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 69.9% | 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 Apple Valley's schools and health?
Apple Valley's 13 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.8 students per teacher and $12,531 spent per pupil. 34.6% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Apple Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.8#1131 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,531#869 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.6%#744 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.4%#907 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. 14,721 students are enrolled in Apple Valley's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Apple Valley?
The average commute in Apple Valley is 41.1 minutes (California 25.2); 0.5% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Apple Valley scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.6°F and winters 46.3°F, with 5.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Apple Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 41.1 min#1305 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 27.3%#1302 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.1% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.6#729 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 | 58.4 | 33.2 | 1 |
| Feb | 61 | 35.9 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 66.8 | 40.1 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 73.1 | 44.2 | 0.3 |
| May | 81.4 | 50.9 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 91.4 | 58 | 0 |
| Jul | 97.5 | 64.2 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 97 | 63.3 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 91.2 | 57.6 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 79.3 | 47.3 | 0.3 |
| Nov | 66.9 | 37.6 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 56.9 | 32.5 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Victorville.
| Measure | Apple Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 61.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 46.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 5.6 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 Victorville.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Apple Valley?
San Bernardino County's air had a median air quality index of 77, and 13% of measured days were rated good; 110 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Bernardino County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.47% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Apple Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 77#1108 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 110#1124 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.47%#1263 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 San Bernardino County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Bernardino County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.16% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.22% | 97% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0018% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.033% | 93% 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 Apple Valley compare with similar-size cities?
Apple Valley is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #510 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 75,473.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #1260 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 | 41.1 min |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #549 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 | 25.6 min |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #437 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 | 17.3 min |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #310 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 | 15.6 min |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #954 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 | 17.8 min |
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #989 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 | 25 min |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #14 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data | 28.2 min |
| Poinciana, FLPop. 75,068 | #1281 | 39.4 | $68,015 | $1,965/mo | no data | 46.8 min |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #256 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 | 19.3 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 Apple Valley compare with the rest of California?
Apple Valley ranks #180 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 41.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 24% below the California median. Violent crime is 10% above the statewide rate. Homes are 43% below 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 |
| Stockton, CAPop. 322,326 | … #176 | 42.6 | $79,907 | $1,577/mo | 1,029 |
| Hemet, CAPop. 91,326 | #177 | 42.3 | $57,719 | $1,575/mo | 398 |
| Merced, CAPop. 91,953 | #178 | 42.1 | $63,122 | $1,393/mo | 700 |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | #179 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #180 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 |
| Palmdale, CAPop. 164,634 | #181 | 41.3 | $81,770 | $1,802/mo | 483 |
| Inglewood, CAPop. 104,569 | #182 | 41.3 | $72,750 | $1,787/mo | 684 |
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #183 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 |
| East Los Angeles, CAPop. 111,647 | #184 | 40.9 | $68,741 | $1,494/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Apple Valley among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Apple Valley's score calculated?
Apple Valley scores 41.4 out of 100, #1260 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Apple Valley. Similar-size median 55.5.
34.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Apple Valley's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
66.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 58.9.
45.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Apple Valley's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
39.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Apple Valley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
59.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 42.4.
29.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 50.0.
18.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Apple Valley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
2.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Apple Valley'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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley
Is Apple Valley, CA a good place to live?
Apple Valley ranks #1260 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #510 of 524 smaller cities and #180 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (41.1 min, #520 of 524) and high unemployment (6.8%, #455 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,444/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $433,365, 43% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley recorded 485 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% above the US rate of 373 and 10% above California's 440. That ranks #819 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #363 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Apple Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 1,375 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Apple Valley?
The median household in Apple Valley earns $69,882, 9% below the US figure of $76,827 and 24% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.8% (US 4.2%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Apple Valley?
Median rent in Apple Valley is $1,444/mo (Census), #679 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,783/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Apple Valley?
Zillow's typical home value in Apple Valley is $433,365, up 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $407,400.
How are the public schools in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's 13 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.8 students per teacher and $12,531 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Apple Valley?
The average commute is 41.1 minutes, #1305 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 27.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley averages 61.9°F over the year, 78.6°F in summer and 46.3°F in winter, with 5.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Apple Valley walkable?
Apple Valley scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 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 Apple Valley at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Bernardino County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.47% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Apple Valley?
San Bernardino County's air had a median air quality index of 77, and 13% of measured days were rated good; 110 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley has 75,473 residents. The median resident of Apple Valley is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1193 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Apple Valley compare with the rest of California?
Apple Valley ranks #180 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 41.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 24% below the California median. Violent crime is 10% above the statewide rate. Homes are 43% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Apple Valley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Apple Valley's population of 75,473 are Pawtucket, RI (#549 overall), Iowa City, IA (#437 overall), Bismarck, ND (#310 overall), Bowling Green, KY (#954 overall), and Rock Hill, SC (#989 overall). Apple Valley is #1260.