CaliforniaPop. 114,373Mid-size cities
Is Carlsbad a Good Place to Live? Carlsbad, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Carlsbad ranks #335 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #44 of 256 mid-size cities and #33 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($142,748, #9 of 256) and high graduation rates (94%, #12 of 205), and trails on high rents ($2,808/mo, #252 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,257,000, #250 of 256).
Carlsbad by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Carlsbad'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 Carlsbad?
Carlsbad's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,808/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,593,241, 2.1 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Carlsbad | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,593,241#1174 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 | $3,556/mo#1087 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,257,000#1282 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,808/mo#1276 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 8.8x#1251 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.6%#845 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.
Carlsbad 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. Carlsbad is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Carlsbad safe?
Carlsbad recorded 212 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 373 and 52% below California's 440. That ranks #373 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #57 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carlsbad Police Department. Property crime runs 1,118 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Carlsbad | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 212#373 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,118#269 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 Carlsbad?
The median household in Carlsbad earns $142,748, 86% above the US figure of $76,827 and 55% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Carlsbad | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $142,748#54 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 6.9%#236 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.9%#1074 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 Carlsbad?
The median resident of Carlsbad is 42.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 62.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #108 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Carlsbad | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 42.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 62.1%#108 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 62.9% | 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 Carlsbad's schools and health?
Carlsbad's 20 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23 students per teacher and $15,269 spent per pupil. 23.3% of adults are obese and 8.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Carlsbad | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 23#1080 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,269#555 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 23.3%#76 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.8%#185 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 4.5%#37 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. 14,108 students are enrolled in Carlsbad's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Carlsbad?
The average commute in Carlsbad is 27.1 minutes (California 25.2); 0.8% of workers take transit and 31.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Carlsbad scores 10.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.3°F and winters 56.2°F, with 11.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Carlsbad | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.1 min#938 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 8.1%#931 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 59.6% | 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% | 1.3% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 31.9% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.9#599 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 | 65 | 47.8 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 64 | 48.5 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 64.5 | 50.8 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 66.3 | 53.3 | 0.9 |
| May | 67.6 | 57.4 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 69.9 | 60.3 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 74.2 | 64.1 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 75.8 | 65.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 75.7 | 63.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 73.3 | 58.9 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 69.5 | 52.1 | 1 |
| Dec | 64.6 | 47.3 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Carlsbad Mcclellan Palomar Airport.
| Measure | Carlsbad | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 62.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.4 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 Carlsbad Mcclellan Palomar Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Carlsbad?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Carlsbad | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.24%#1033 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 San Diego County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Diego County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.073% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% 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 Carlsbad compare with similar-size cities?
Carlsbad is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #44 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 114,373.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #335 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 | 27.1 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #826 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 | 22.4 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 min |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #1047 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 | 18.9 min |
| Pompano Beach, FLPop. 114,147 | #1030 | 49.5 | $67,195 | $1,724/mo | part year | 27.1 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 Carlsbad compare with the rest of California?
Carlsbad ranks #33 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 61.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 55% above the California median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times 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 |
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | … #29 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 |
| Daly City, CAPop. 101,964 | #30 | 62.0 | $123,547 | $2,551/mo | 254 |
| Lake Forest, CAPop. 86,281 | #31 | 61.9 | $135,175 | $2,672/mo | 165 |
| Petaluma, CAPop. 59,247 | #32 | 61.4 | $115,430 | $2,440/mo | 228 |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #33 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 |
| Redondo Beach, CAPop. 69,291 | #34 | 60.7 | $150,245 | $2,691/mo | 239 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Carlsbad among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Carlsbad's score calculated?
Carlsbad scores 61.2 out of 100, #335 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 Carlsbad. Similar-size median 52.9.
80.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Carlsbad's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
85.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 53.8.
78.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Carlsbad's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Carlsbad's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
18.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 51.2.
89.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 42.1.
31.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 50.1.
59.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Carlsbad's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
52.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Carlsbad'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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
Is Carlsbad, CA a good place to live?
Carlsbad ranks #335 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #44 of 256 mid-size cities and #33 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($142,748, #9 of 256) and high graduation rates (94%, #12 of 205), and trails on high rents ($2,808/mo, #252 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,257,000, #250 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,808/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,593,241, 2.1 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad recorded 212 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 373 and 52% below California's 440. That ranks #373 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #57 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carlsbad Police Department. Property crime runs 1,118 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Carlsbad?
The median household in Carlsbad earns $142,748, 86% above the US figure of $76,827 and 55% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Carlsbad?
Median rent in Carlsbad is $2,808/mo (Census), #1276 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,556/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Carlsbad?
Zillow's typical home value in Carlsbad is $1,593,241, down 15.9% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,257,000.
How are the public schools in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad's 20 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23 students per teacher and $15,269 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Carlsbad?
The average commute is 27.1 minutes, #938 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 8.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad averages 62.5°F over the year, 68.3°F in summer and 56.2°F in winter, with 11.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Carlsbad walkable?
Carlsbad scores 10.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #599 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 Carlsbad at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Carlsbad?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has 114,373 residents. The median resident of Carlsbad is 42.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 62.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #108 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Carlsbad compare with the rest of California?
Carlsbad ranks #33 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 61.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 55% above the California median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Carlsbad?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Carlsbad's population of 114,373 are Manchester, NH (#546 overall), Westminster, CO (#474 overall), Odessa, TX (#826 overall), Elgin, IL (#432 overall), and Waterbury, CT (#1059 overall). Carlsbad is #335.