CaliforniaPop. 92,871Smaller cities
Is Carson City a Good Place to Live? Carson City, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Carson City ranks #860 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #362 of 524 smaller cities and #111 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468) and high unemployment (5.6%, #417 of 476).
Carson City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Carson City'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 Carson City?
Carson City'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 $1,956/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $785,721, 3% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Carson City | 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 | $785,721#1046 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 | $2,989/mo#1034 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $704,400#1152 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,956/mo#1073 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.5x#1108 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.6%#632 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.
Carson City 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. Carson City is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Carson City safe?
Carson City recorded 436 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% above the US rate of 373 and 1% below California's 440. That ranks #766 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #339 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,561 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Carson City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 436#766 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,561#878 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 Carson City?
The median household in Carson City earns $108,703, 41% above the US figure of $76,827 and 18% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.2%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Carson City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $108,703#250 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.6%#945 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.7%#387 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.6%#988 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 Carson City?
The median resident of Carson City is 41.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #820 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Carson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.3%#820 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 74% | 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 Carson City's schools and health?
Carson City's 22 public schools graduate 81.6% of students in four years (California 85%), with 19.8 students per teacher and $22,207 spent per pupil. 25.7% of adults are obese and 14.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Carson City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 81.6%#841 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 19.8#934 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,207#112 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 25.7%#166 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.5%#1126 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.3%#301 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.3%#691 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. 11,369 students are enrolled in Carson City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Carson City?
The average commute in Carson City is 27.5 minutes (California 25.2); 1.6% of workers take transit and 8.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Carson City scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.6°F and winters 56.7°F, with 13.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Carson City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.5 min#966 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.8%#980 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.9% | 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% | 1.1% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13#325 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 | 66.8 | 47 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 66.4 | 47.6 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 67.7 | 49.8 | 2 |
| Apr | 70.2 | 51.6 | 0.6 |
| May | 71.8 | 55.4 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 73.9 | 58.5 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 76.9 | 61.8 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 78.1 | 62.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 78.1 | 60.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 75.7 | 57.1 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 70.7 | 50.7 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.1 | 46.3 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Torrance Airport.
| Measure | Carson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 68.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 56.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 13.6 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 Torrance Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Carson City?
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 | Carson City | 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 Carson City compare with similar-size cities?
Carson City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #362 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 92,871.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City, CAPop. 92,871 | #860 | 52.3 | $108,703 | $1,956/mo | 436 | 27.5 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 min |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #57 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 | 23.9 min |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #73 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 | 26.9 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 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 Carson City compare with the rest of California?
Carson City ranks #111 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 18% above the California median. Violent crime is 1% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% 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 |
| Sacramento, CAPop. 528,706 | … #107 | 52.6 | $87,321 | $1,779/mo | 720 |
| Ontario, CAPop. 180,547 | #108 | 52.4 | $88,941 | $2,030/mo | 244 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Carson City among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Carson City's score calculated?
Carson City scores 52.3 out of 100, #860 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 Carson City. Similar-size median 55.5.
57.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Carson City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
60.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Carson City. Similar-size median 58.9.
62.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Carson City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
57.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Carson City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
36.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Carson City. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Carson City. Similar-size median 42.4.
29.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Carson City. Similar-size median 50.0.
39.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Carson City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.2 - 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: Carson City'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 Carson City 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 Carson City
Is Carson City, CA a good place to live?
Carson City ranks #860 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #362 of 524 smaller cities and #111 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468) and high unemployment (5.6%, #417 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Carson City?
Carson City'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 $1,956/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $785,721, 3% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Carson City?
Carson City recorded 436 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% above the US rate of 373 and 1% below California's 440. That ranks #766 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #339 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,561 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Carson City?
The median household in Carson City earns $108,703, 41% above the US figure of $76,827 and 18% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.2%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Carson City?
Median rent in Carson City is $1,956/mo (Census), #1073 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,989/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Carson City?
Zillow's typical home value in Carson City is $785,721, up 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $704,400.
How are the public schools in Carson City?
Carson City's 22 public schools graduate 81.6% of students in four years (California 85%), with 19.8 students per teacher and $22,207 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Carson City?
The average commute is 27.5 minutes, #966 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 8.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Carson City?
Carson City averages 63°F over the year, 68.6°F in summer and 56.7°F in winter, with 13.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Carson City walkable?
Carson City scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 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 Carson City 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 Carson City?
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 Carson City?
Carson City has 92,871 residents. The median resident of Carson City is 41.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #820 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Carson City compare with the rest of California?
Carson City ranks #111 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 18% above the California median. Violent crime is 1% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Carson City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Carson City's population of 92,871 are O'Fallon, MO (#134 overall), Greenville, NC (#1026 overall), Hoover, AL (#118 overall), Kirkland, WA (#57 overall), and Roswell, GA (#73 overall). Carson City is #860.