CaliforniaPop. 55,170Smaller cities
Is Arcadia a Good Place to Live? Arcadia, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Arcadia ranks #518 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #237 of 524 smaller cities and #50 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #4 of 437) and high household income ($113,516, #108 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,441,800, #514 of 524) and high living costs (113.6, #448 of 524).
Arcadia by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Arcadia'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 Arcadia?
Arcadia's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,191/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,381,933, 81% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Arcadia | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,381,933#1154 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 | $3,414/mo#1072 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,441,800#1295 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,191/mo#1167 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 12.7x#1304 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.2%#799 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.
Arcadia 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. Arcadia is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Arcadia safe?
Arcadia recorded 198 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 373 and 55% below California's 440. That ranks #352 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #159 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Arcadia Police Department. Property crime runs 2,440 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Arcadia | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 198#352 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,440#846 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 Arcadia?
The median household in Arcadia earns $113,516, 48% above the US figure of $76,827 and 24% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.2%). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Arcadia | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $113,516#198 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.6%#376 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 Arcadia?
The median resident of Arcadia is 43.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 57.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #165 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Arcadia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 57.4%#165 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58.1% | 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 Arcadia's schools and health?
Arcadia's 11 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (California 85%), with 25.1 students per teacher and $17,164 spent per pupil. 16.5% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Arcadia | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 97%#17 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 25.1#1169 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,164#399 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 16.5%#2 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 11.5%#13 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 4.6%#42 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. 9,541 students are enrolled in Arcadia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Arcadia?
The average commute in Arcadia is 29.3 minutes (California 25.2); 1.6% of workers take transit and 22.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Arcadia scores 13.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.4°F and winters 57.2°F, with 15.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Arcadia | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.3 min#1065 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.6%#1036 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 62.6% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.2#298 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 | 68.6 | 46.1 | 3.6 |
| Feb | 68.2 | 47.1 | 4.2 |
| Mar | 70.9 | 50.5 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 73.8 | 52.7 | 0.6 |
| May | 75.6 | 57.6 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 80.8 | 61.5 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 85.5 | 65.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 87.6 | 65.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 86.7 | 63.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 80.7 | 57.4 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 74 | 50.6 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 67.8 | 45.3 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Gabriel Fire Dept.
| Measure | Arcadia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 66°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 15.7 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 San Gabriel Fire Dept.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Arcadia?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Arcadia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.39%#1172 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 Los Angeles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Angeles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.17% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0098% | 84% 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 Arcadia compare with similar-size cities?
Arcadia is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #237 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,170.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia, CAPop. 55,170 | #518 | 57.8 | $113,516 | $2,191/mo | 198 | 29.3 min |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #861 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 | 25.7 min |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #435 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 | 22.9 min |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #690 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 | 21.3 min |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #1150 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 | 16.1 min |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #966 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 | 29.5 min |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #934 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 | 28.4 min |
| Logan, UTPop. 54,907 | #742 | 54.3 | $60,687 | $1,149/mo | 178 | 15.2 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 Arcadia compare with the rest of California?
Arcadia ranks #50 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 24% above the California median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 81% 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 |
| Costa Mesa, CAPop. 110,330 | … #46 | 58.2 | $111,505 | $2,446/mo | 543 |
| Santa Rosa, CAPop. 177,090 | #47 | 58.0 | $99,060 | $2,152/mo | 292 |
| San Rafael, CAPop. 60,433 | #48 | 58.0 | $119,435 | $2,377/mo | 365 |
| Rancho Cordova, CAPop. 81,849 | #49 | 57.8 | $89,585 | $1,787/mo | 507 |
| Arcadia, CAPop. 55,170 | #50 | 57.8 | $113,516 | $2,191/mo | 198 |
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #51 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 |
| Union City, CAPop. 67,464 | #52 | 57.5 | $133,715 | $2,713/mo | 453 |
| Tustin, CAPop. 78,981 | #53 | 57.3 | $112,503 | $2,449/mo | 216 |
| Brentwood, CAPop. 65,208 | #54 | 57.3 | $142,494 | $2,758/mo | 202 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Arcadia among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Arcadia's score calculated?
Arcadia scores 57.8 out of 100, #518 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 Arcadia. Similar-size median 55.5.
63.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Arcadia's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
76.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Arcadia. Similar-size median 58.9.
83.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Arcadia's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Arcadia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
25.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Arcadia. Similar-size median 56.1.
73.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Arcadia. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Arcadia. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Arcadia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
64.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Arcadia'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 Arcadia 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 Arcadia
Is Arcadia, CA a good place to live?
Arcadia ranks #518 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #237 of 524 smaller cities and #50 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #4 of 437) and high household income ($113,516, #108 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,441,800, #514 of 524) and high living costs (113.6, #448 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Arcadia?
Arcadia's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,191/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,381,933, 81% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Arcadia?
Arcadia recorded 198 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 373 and 55% below California's 440. That ranks #352 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #159 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Arcadia Police Department. Property crime runs 2,440 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Arcadia?
The median household in Arcadia earns $113,516, 48% above the US figure of $76,827 and 24% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.2%). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Arcadia?
Median rent in Arcadia is $2,191/mo (Census), #1167 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,414/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Arcadia?
Zillow's typical home value in Arcadia is $1,381,933, up 1.8% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,441,800.
How are the public schools in Arcadia?
Arcadia's 11 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (California 85%), with 25.1 students per teacher and $17,164 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Arcadia?
The average commute is 29.3 minutes, #1065 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 9.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Arcadia?
Arcadia averages 66°F over the year, 74.4°F in summer and 57.2°F in winter, with 15.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Arcadia walkable?
Arcadia scores 13.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #298 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 Arcadia at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Arcadia?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Arcadia?
Arcadia has 55,170 residents. The median resident of Arcadia is 43.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 57.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #165 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Arcadia compare with the rest of California?
Arcadia ranks #50 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 24% above the California median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 81% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Arcadia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Arcadia's population of 55,170 are Anderson, IN (#980 overall), Texas City, TX (#861 overall), West Haven, CT (#435 overall), Chicopee, MA (#690 overall), and Valdosta, GA (#1150 overall). Arcadia is #518.