CaliforniaPop. 104,546Mid-size cities
Is Burbank a Good Place to Live? Burbank, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Burbank ranks #960 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #178 of 256 mid-size cities and #126 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #41 of 205), and trails on high unemployment (7%, #235 of 241) and expensive homes ($1,089,100, #243 of 256).
Burbank by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Burbank'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 Burbank?
Burbank'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 $2,192/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,176,932, 54% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Burbank | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,176,932#1139 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,783/mo#988 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,089,100#1258 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,192/mo#1169 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 11.2x#1296 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27.1%#1149 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Burbank 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. Burbank is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Burbank safe?
Burbank recorded 342 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% below the US rate of 373 and 22% below California's 440. That ranks #616 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #112 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Burbank Police Department. Property crime runs 2,455 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Burbank | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 342#616 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 2,455#848 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Burbank?
The median household in Burbank earns $97,082, 26% above the US figure of $76,827 and 6% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 7% (US 4.2%). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Burbank | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $97,082#385 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 7%#1027 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10.7%#553 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Burbank?
The median resident of Burbank is 40.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #321 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Burbank | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 40.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 47.1%#321 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 43.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Burbank's schools and health?
Burbank's 16 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.2 students per teacher and $14,592 spent per pupil. 24.6% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Burbank | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 24.2#1147 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,592#635 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 24.6%#128 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.1%#434 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.6%#206 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,893 students are enrolled in Burbank's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Burbank?
The average commute in Burbank is 26 minutes (California 25.2); 0.8% of workers take transit and 30.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Burbank scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.2°F and winters 55.9°F, with 13.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Burbank | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26 min#859 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.2%#852 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 59.4% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.7% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 30.4% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.1#142 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 67 | 45.3 | 3 |
| Feb | 66.8 | 46.4 | 4 |
| Mar | 69.5 | 49 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 72.7 | 51.9 | 0.7 |
| May | 75.5 | 56.6 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 80.3 | 59.9 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 86.7 | 64.5 | 0 |
| Aug | 88.9 | 64.9 | 0 |
| Sep | 86.6 | 62.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 79.4 | 57.5 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 72.5 | 49 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 66.1 | 44.2 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burbank Glendale Pasadena Airport.
| Measure | Burbank | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 13.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burbank Glendale Pasadena Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Burbank?
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 | Burbank | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.39%#1172 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Burbank compare with similar-size cities?
Burbank is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #178 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 104,546.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burbank, CAPop. 104,546 | #960 | 50.7 | $97,082 | $2,192/mo | 342 | 26 min |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 min |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #442 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 | 29.7 min |
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #478 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 | 33.3 min |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | #1013 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 | 21.8 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #35 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #178 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #287 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #863 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 | 20.2 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 Burbank compare with the rest of California?
Burbank ranks #126 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 6% above the California median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 54% 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 |
| Whittier, CAPop. 86,165 | … #122 | 51.2 | $97,201 | $1,906/mo | 395 |
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #123 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 |
| Cathedral City, CAPop. 52,267 | #124 | 50.9 | $73,572 | $1,601/mo | 334 |
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #125 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 |
| Burbank, CAPop. 104,546 | #126 | 50.7 | $97,082 | $2,192/mo | 342 |
| Baldwin Park, CAPop. 70,138 | #127 | 50.6 | $80,663 | $1,867/mo | 367 |
| Visalia, CAPop. 143,939 | #128 | 50.5 | $81,989 | $1,490/mo | 415 |
| Yucaipa, CAPop. 54,421 | #129 | 50.5 | $90,794 | $1,711/mo | 204 |
| South Whittier, CAPop. 55,650 | #130 | 50.4 | $100,800 | $1,908/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Burbank among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Burbank's score calculated?
Burbank scores 50.7 out of 100, #960 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Burbank. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Burbank's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
67.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Burbank. Similar-size median 53.8.
72.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Burbank's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
46.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Burbank's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
25.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Burbank. Similar-size median 51.2.
62.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Burbank. Similar-size median 42.1.
26.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Burbank. Similar-size median 50.1.
62.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Burbank's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Burbank's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Burbank 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 Burbank
Is Burbank, CA a good place to live?
Burbank ranks #960 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #178 of 256 mid-size cities and #126 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #41 of 205), and trails on high unemployment (7%, #235 of 241) and expensive homes ($1,089,100, #243 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Burbank?
Burbank'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 $2,192/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,176,932, 54% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Burbank?
Burbank recorded 342 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% below the US rate of 373 and 22% below California's 440. That ranks #616 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #112 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Burbank Police Department. Property crime runs 2,455 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Burbank?
The median household in Burbank earns $97,082, 26% above the US figure of $76,827 and 6% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 7% (US 4.2%). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Burbank?
Median rent in Burbank is $2,192/mo (Census), #1169 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,783/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Burbank?
Zillow's typical home value in Burbank is $1,176,932, up 0% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,089,100.
How are the public schools in Burbank?
Burbank's 16 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.2 students per teacher and $14,592 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Burbank?
The average commute is 26 minutes, #859 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Burbank?
Burbank averages 65.2°F over the year, 74.2°F in summer and 55.9°F in winter, with 13.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Burbank walkable?
Burbank scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 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 Burbank 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 Burbank?
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 Burbank?
Burbank has 104,546 residents. The median resident of Burbank is 40.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #321 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Burbank compare with the rest of California?
Burbank ranks #126 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 6% above the California median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 54% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Burbank?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Burbank's population of 104,546 are Brockton, MA (#859 overall), Renton, WA (#442 overall), Buckeye, AZ (#478 overall), Edinburg, TX (#1013 overall), and Columbia, MD (#35 overall). Burbank is #960.