CaliforniaPop. 124,035Mid-size cities
Is Concord a Good Place to Live? Concord, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Concord ranks #834 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #145 of 256 mid-size cities and #106 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($108,709, #44 of 256) and low poverty (8.2%, #52 of 256), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #249 of 256) and long commutes (32.6 min, #235 of 256).
Concord by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Concord'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 Concord?
Concord'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 $2,274/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $722,165, 5% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Concord | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $722,165#1021 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 | $2,572/mo#932 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $797,600#1190 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,274/mo#1197 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.3x#1173 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.1%#1012 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.
Concord 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. Concord is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Concord safe?
Concord recorded 420 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 373 and 4% below California's 440. That ranks #745 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #148 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Concord Police Department. Property crime runs 2,784 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Concord | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 420#745 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 2,784#906 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 Concord?
The median household in Concord earns $108,709, 41% above the US figure of $76,827 and 18% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Concord | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $108,709#249 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.2%#346 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 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 Concord?
The median resident of Concord is 39.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 37.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Concord | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 39.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 37.5%#535 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 61.6% | 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 Concord's schools and health?
Concord's 22 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.4 students per teacher and $15,103 spent per pupil. 29.1% of adults are obese and 10.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Concord | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 23.4#1107 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,103#577 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 29.1%#340 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.8%#578 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.6%#541 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.3%#557 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. 14,756 students are enrolled in Concord's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Concord?
The average commute in Concord is 32.6 minutes (California 25.2); 6.1% of workers take transit and 17.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Concord scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.5°F and winters 50.6°F, with 16.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Concord | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 32.6 min#1215 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 16.6%#1250 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 61.3% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 6.1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 17.6% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.7#374 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 | 57.6 | 41.2 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 62.1 | 43.8 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 66.7 | 46.6 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 71.2 | 49.1 | 1.1 |
| May | 77.5 | 53 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 84.2 | 57.1 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 88 | 58.7 | 0 |
| Aug | 87.9 | 59.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 85.3 | 57.8 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 78.1 | 52.6 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 66.1 | 45.2 | 1.6 |
| Dec | 58.2 | 40.7 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Concord Buchanan Fld.
| Measure | Concord | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 62°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 72.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 50.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 16.1 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 Concord Buchanan Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Concord?
Contra Costa County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Contra Costa County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Concord | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.37%#1152 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 Contra Costa County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Contra Costa County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.15% | 99% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.001% | 96% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0045% | 77% 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 Concord compare with similar-size cities?
Concord is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #145 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 124,035.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concord, CAPop. 124,035 | #834 | 52.7 | $108,709 | $2,274/mo | 420 | 32.6 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | #728 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 | 17.4 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #295 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #282 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #193 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 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 Concord compare with the rest of California?
Concord ranks #106 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 18% above the California median. Violent crime is 4% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% 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 |
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | … #102 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 |
| Turlock, CAPop. 72,502 | #103 | 53.1 | $82,995 | $1,612/mo | 357 |
| San Leandro, CAPop. 87,826 | #104 | 52.8 | $101,420 | $2,186/mo | 506 |
| Monterey Park, CAPop. 59,132 | #105 | 52.8 | $81,855 | $1,888/mo | 265 |
| Concord, CAPop. 124,035 | #106 | 52.7 | $108,709 | $2,274/mo | 420 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Concord among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Concord's score calculated?
Concord scores 52.7 out of 100, #834 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 Concord. Similar-size median 52.9.
65.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Concord's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
60.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Concord. Similar-size median 53.8.
63.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Concord's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
42.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Concord's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
27.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Concord. Similar-size median 51.2.
72.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Concord. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Concord. Similar-size median 50.1.
49.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Concord's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
25.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Concord'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 Concord 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 Concord
Is Concord, CA a good place to live?
Concord ranks #834 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #145 of 256 mid-size cities and #106 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($108,709, #44 of 256) and low poverty (8.2%, #52 of 256), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #249 of 256) and long commutes (32.6 min, #235 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Concord?
Concord'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 $2,274/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $722,165, 5% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Concord?
Concord recorded 420 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 373 and 4% below California's 440. That ranks #745 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #148 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Concord Police Department. Property crime runs 2,784 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Concord?
The median household in Concord earns $108,709, 41% above the US figure of $76,827 and 18% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Concord?
Median rent in Concord is $2,274/mo (Census), #1197 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,572/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Concord?
Zillow's typical home value in Concord is $722,165, down 0.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $797,600.
How are the public schools in Concord?
Concord's 22 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.4 students per teacher and $15,103 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Concord?
The average commute is 32.6 minutes, #1215 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 16.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Concord?
Concord averages 62°F over the year, 72.5°F in summer and 50.6°F in winter, with 16.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Concord walkable?
Concord scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 Concord at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Contra Costa County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Concord?
Contra Costa County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Concord?
Concord has 124,035 residents. The median resident of Concord is 39.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 37.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Concord compare with the rest of California?
Concord ranks #106 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 18% above the California median. Violent crime is 4% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Concord?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Concord's population of 124,035 are Allentown, PA (#762 overall), Topeka, KS (#973 overall), College Station, TX (#728 overall), Arvada, CO (#295 overall), and Rochester, MN (#282 overall). Concord is #834.