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Is Carmichael a Good Place to Live? Carmichael, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Carmichael ranks #883 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #370 of 524 smaller cities and #113 of 188 in California. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
Carmichael by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Carmichael's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Carmichael: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Carmichael safe?
What is the cost of living in Carmichael?
Carmichael's cost of living index is 106.7, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1026 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,702/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $552,774, 28% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Carmichael | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 106.7#1026 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $552,774#892 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 | $1,741/mo#540 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $579,500#1057 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,702/mo#875 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.7x#1124 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.8%#872 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.
Carmichael 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. Carmichael is in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Carmichael safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Carmichael alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Carmichael crime rate or rank it on safety. California as a whole records 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Carmichael?
The median household in Carmichael earns $85,914, 12% above the US figure of $76,827 and 7% below California ($91,905). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Carmichael | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $85,914#523 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.6%#700 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
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 Carmichael?
The median resident of Carmichael is 40.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Carmichael | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 36.7%#556 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52.2% | 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 Carmichael's schools and health?
Carmichael's 14 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.6 students per teacher and $15,632 spent per pupil. 29.3% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Carmichael | 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 | 24.6#1157 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,632#506 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29.3%#355 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.8%#228 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. 8,487 students are enrolled in Carmichael's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Carmichael?
The average commute in Carmichael is 27.1 minutes (California 25.2); 1.3% of workers take transit and 20.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Carmichael scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 50.1°F, with 19.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Carmichael | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.1 min#938 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.8%#903 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.2% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 20.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.8#355 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 | 56.5 | 41.1 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 62.2 | 43.7 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 67.8 | 46.7 | 2.8 |
| Apr | 73.5 | 49.3 | 1.4 |
| May | 81.3 | 54 | 0.9 |
| Jun | 89 | 58.7 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 94.4 | 61.4 | 0 |
| Aug | 93.5 | 61 | 0 |
| Sep | 89.3 | 58.8 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 78.9 | 52.9 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 65.3 | 45.3 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 56.4 | 40.7 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sacramento 5 Ese.
| Measure | Carmichael | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 76.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 19.2 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 Sacramento 5 Ese.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Carmichael?
Sacramento County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sacramento County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Carmichael | 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 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#349 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 Sacramento County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sacramento County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.028% | 88% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0015% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 37% 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 Carmichael compare with similar-size cities?
Carmichael is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #370 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 76,948.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmichael, CAPop. 76,948 | #883 | 52.0 | $85,914 | $1,702/mo | no data | 27.1 min |
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #42 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 | 22.1 min |
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #90 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 | 24.3 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 |
| Missouri City, TXPop. 76,558 | #733 | 54.4 | $94,390 | $1,931/mo | 151 | 30.4 min |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #469 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 | 15.8 min |
| Flagstaff, AZPop. 76,445 | #799 | 53.3 | $71,512 | $1,645/mo | 501 | 16.5 min |
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #106 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 | 25.5 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 Carmichael compare with the rest of California?
Carmichael ranks #113 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 7% below the California median. Homes are 28% 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 |
| Jurupa Valley, CAPop. 107,011 | … #109 | 52.4 | $97,550 | $1,741/mo | 138 |
| Westminster, CAPop. 89,860 | #110 | 52.4 | $85,541 | $2,168/mo | 334 |
| Carson City, CAPop. 92,871 | #111 | 52.3 | $108,703 | $1,956/mo | 436 |
| Anaheim, CAPop. 344,521 | #112 | 52.0 | $95,227 | $2,175/mo | 548 |
| Carmichael, CAPop. 76,948 | #113 | 52.0 | $85,914 | $1,702/mo | no data |
| San Marcos, CAPop. 94,882 | #114 | 51.9 | $109,377 | $2,348/mo | part year |
| Lake Elsinore, CAPop. 72,461 | #115 | 51.9 | $101,888 | $2,078/mo | 116 |
| Menifee, CAPop. 110,305 | #116 | 51.8 | $93,454 | $2,110/mo | 170 |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | #117 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Carmichael among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Carmichael's score calculated?
Carmichael scores 52 out of 100, #883 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are 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, some inputs missing · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Carmichael. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.3 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Carmichael. Similar-size median 58.9.
61.6 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Carmichael's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
43.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Carmichael's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
48.7 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Carmichael. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Carmichael. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Carmichael's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
59.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Carmichael alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Carmichael.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Carmichael'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 Carmichael 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 Carmichael
Is Carmichael, CA a good place to live?
Carmichael ranks #883 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #370 of 524 smaller cities and #113 of 188 in California. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Carmichael?
Carmichael's cost of living index is 106.7, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1026 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,702/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $552,774, 28% below the typical California home ($764,158).
Is Carmichael safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Carmichael alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Carmichael crime rate or rank it on safety. California as a whole records 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Carmichael?
The median household in Carmichael earns $85,914, 12% above the US figure of $76,827 and 7% below California ($91,905). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Carmichael?
Median rent in Carmichael is $1,702/mo (Census), #875 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,741/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Carmichael?
Zillow's typical home value in Carmichael is $552,774, up 0.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $579,500.
How are the public schools in Carmichael?
Carmichael's 14 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.6 students per teacher and $15,632 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Carmichael?
The average commute is 27.1 minutes, #938 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Carmichael?
Carmichael averages 63.4°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 50.1°F in winter, with 19.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Carmichael walkable?
Carmichael scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Carmichael at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sacramento County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 77% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Carmichael?
Sacramento County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Carmichael?
Carmichael has 76,948 residents. The median resident of Carmichael is 40.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Carmichael compare with the rest of California?
Carmichael ranks #113 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 7% below the California median. Homes are 28% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Carmichael?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Carmichael's population of 76,948 are Redmond, WA (#42 overall), Rochester Hills, MI (#90 overall), Schaumburg, IL (#136 overall), Hammond, IN (#1210 overall), and Missouri City, TX (#733 overall). Carmichael is #883.