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Is Castro Valley a Good Place to Live? Castro Valley, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Castro Valley ranks #297 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #142 of 524 smaller cities and #28 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($142,779, #31 of 524) and high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,104,600, #494 of 524).
Castro Valley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Castro Valley'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 Castro Valley: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Castro Valley safe?
What is the cost of living in Castro Valley?
Castro Valley's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,554/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,089,663, 43% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Castro Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,089,663#1128 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 | $2,889/mo#1010 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,104,600#1263 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,554/mo#1256 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.7x#1202 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.5%#617 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.
Castro Valley 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. Castro Valley is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Castro Valley safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Castro Valley alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Castro Valley 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 Castro Valley?
The median household in Castro Valley earns $142,779, 86% above the US figure of $76,827 and 55% above California ($91,905). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Castro Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $142,779#53 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.7%#223 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 Castro Valley?
The median resident of Castro Valley is 42.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 44.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Castro Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 44.5%#357 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 72.5% | 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 Castro Valley's schools and health?
Castro Valley's 12 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.8 students per teacher and $14,601 spent per pupil. 22.9% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Castro Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.8#1131 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,601#634 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22.9%#60 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.4%#313 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.4%#186 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. 9,286 students are enrolled in Castro Valley's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Castro Valley?
The average commute in Castro Valley is 32.7 minutes (California 25.2); 5.2% of workers take transit and 21.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Castro Valley scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66°F and winters 52°F, with 16 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Castro Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 32.7 min#1218 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 13.9%#1202 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 62.5% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.2% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 21.3% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.7#506 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 | 59.3 | 43.1 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 61.9 | 45.1 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 64.4 | 47.4 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 66.8 | 49.5 | 1.2 |
| May | 69.3 | 52.4 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 74 | 55.1 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 74.7 | 57.4 | 0 |
| Aug | 76.4 | 58.2 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 77 | 57.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 73.5 | 53.5 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 65.1 | 47.2 | 1.5 |
| Dec | 59.4 | 42.9 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hayward Air Terminal.
| Measure | Castro Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 66°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 52°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 16 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 Hayward Air Terminal.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Castro Valley?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Castro Valley | 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 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.41%#1223 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 Alameda County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Alameda County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.23% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0012% | 56% 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 Castro Valley compare with similar-size cities?
Castro Valley is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #142 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 65,001.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castro Valley, CAPop. 65,001 | #297 | 62.1 | $142,779 | $2,554/mo | no data | 32.7 min |
| Rowlett, TXPop. 65,463 | #433 | 59.4 | $112,081 | $1,990/mo | 157 | 31.2 min |
| Lorain, OHPop. 65,395 | #1213 | 44.5 | $48,685 | $887/mo | 565 | 24.9 min |
| Cheyenne, WYPop. 65,239 | #428 | 59.5 | $78,839 | $1,118/mo | 299 | 16 min |
| Four Corners, FLPop. 65,048 | #1166 | 46.2 | $72,879 | $1,847/mo | no data | 30.6 min |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #944 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 | 25.3 min |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #70 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 | 24.7 min |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #1015 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 | 18.1 min |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #1250 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 | 19.8 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 Castro Valley compare with the rest of California?
Castro Valley ranks #28 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 55% above the California median. Homes are 43% 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 |
| Yorba Linda, CAPop. 67,170 | … #24 | 62.9 | $157,582 | $2,846/mo | 47 |
| South San Francisco, CAPop. 64,305 | #25 | 62.8 | $136,578 | $2,802/mo | 309 |
| Thousand Oaks, CAPop. 125,205 | #26 | 62.3 | $135,603 | $2,664/mo | 127 |
| Mission Viejo, CAPop. 92,151 | #27 | 62.2 | $136,123 | $2,839/mo | 119 |
| Castro Valley, CAPop. 65,001 | #28 | 62.1 | $142,779 | $2,554/mo | no data |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Castro Valley among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Castro Valley's score calculated?
Castro Valley scores 62.1 out of 100, #297 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Castro Valley. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
93.7 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Castro Valley. Similar-size median 58.9.
73.5 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Castro Valley's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Castro Valley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
19.6 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Castro Valley. Similar-size median 56.1.
90.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Castro Valley. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Castro Valley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
24.2 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Castro Valley alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Castro Valley.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Castro Valley'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 Castro Valley 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 Castro Valley
Is Castro Valley, CA a good place to live?
Castro Valley ranks #297 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #142 of 524 smaller cities and #28 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($142,779, #31 of 524) and high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,104,600, #494 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Castro Valley?
Castro Valley's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,554/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,089,663, 43% above the typical California home ($764,158).
Is Castro Valley safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Castro Valley alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Castro Valley 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 Castro Valley?
The median household in Castro Valley earns $142,779, 86% above the US figure of $76,827 and 55% above California ($91,905). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Castro Valley?
Median rent in Castro Valley is $2,554/mo (Census), #1256 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,889/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Castro Valley?
Zillow's typical home value in Castro Valley is $1,089,663, up 0.8% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,104,600.
How are the public schools in Castro Valley?
Castro Valley's 12 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.8 students per teacher and $14,601 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Castro Valley?
The average commute is 32.7 minutes, #1218 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 13.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Castro Valley?
Castro Valley averages 59.7°F over the year, 66°F in summer and 52°F in winter, with 16 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Castro Valley walkable?
Castro Valley scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 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 Castro Valley at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Castro Valley?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Castro Valley?
Castro Valley has 65,001 residents. The median resident of Castro Valley is 42.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 44.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Castro Valley compare with the rest of California?
Castro Valley ranks #28 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 55% above the California median. Homes are 43% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Castro Valley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Castro Valley's population of 65,001 are Rowlett, TX (#433 overall), Lorain, OH (#1213 overall), Cheyenne, WY (#428 overall), Four Corners, FL (#1166 overall), and Kenner, LA (#944 overall). Castro Valley is #297.