CaliforniaPop. 58,566Smaller cities
Is Cupertino a Good Place to Live? Cupertino, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cupertino ranks #100 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #47 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($234,707, #2 of 524) and low poverty (4.1%, #15 of 524), and trails on high rents ($3,501/mo, #524 of 524) and expensive homes ($2,000,001, #522 of 524).
Cupertino by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cupertino'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 Cupertino?
Cupertino's cost of living index is 110.4, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1104 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $3,501/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $2,965,725, 3.9 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Cupertino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 110.4#1104 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $2,965,725#1185 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 | $4,375/mo#1109 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $2,000,001#1307 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $3,501/mo#1308 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.5x#1238 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.9%#231 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.
Cupertino 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. Cupertino is in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Cupertino safe?
Cupertino recorded 70 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 373 and 84% below California's 440. That ranks #67 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cupertino Police Department. Property crime runs 1,452 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Cupertino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 70#67 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,452#449 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 Cupertino?
The median household in Cupertino earns $234,707, 3.1 times the US figure of $76,827 and 2.6 times California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Cupertino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $234,707#4 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $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 10.8% | 4.1%#54 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.2%#538 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 Cupertino?
The median resident of Cupertino is 41.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 82.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #8 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cupertino | 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% | 82.2%#8 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.6% | 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 Cupertino's schools and health?
Cupertino's 13 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.7 students per teacher and $19,001 spent per pupil. 16.3% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Cupertino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.7#1065 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,001#263 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 16.3%#1 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 10.4%#4 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 3%#2 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. 11,756 students are enrolled in Cupertino's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cupertino?
The average commute in Cupertino is 23.6 minutes (California 25.2); 0.9% of workers take transit and 31.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cupertino scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 51.4°F, with 13.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cupertino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.6 min#644 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 58.3% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.5% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 31.8% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.5#243 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 | 42.4 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 61.8 | 44.5 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 65 | 46.7 | 2 |
| Apr | 68 | 48.9 | 1 |
| May | 71.7 | 52.5 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 75.9 | 55.7 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 76.9 | 58.5 | 0 |
| Aug | 76.9 | 59 | 0 |
| Sep | 77.7 | 57.3 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.1 | 53.1 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 65.5 | 46.3 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 58.9 | 42.1 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Moffett Fed Airfield.
| Measure | Cupertino | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 67.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 51.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 13.5 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 Moffett Fed Airfield.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cupertino?
Santa Clara County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 55% 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 Santa Clara 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 | Cupertino | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 47#731 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%#1234 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 Santa Clara County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Santa Clara County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.2% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0023% | 69% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0016% | 60% 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 Cupertino compare with similar-size cities?
Cupertino is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #47 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,566.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #100 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 | 23.6 min |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #312 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data | 25.1 min |
| Taylorsville, UTPop. 58,678 | #731 | 54.5 | $86,413 | $1,482/mo | 187 | 22.2 min |
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #15 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 | 36.8 min |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #290 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 | 34.7 min |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #1116 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 | 18.5 min |
| Carson City, NVPop. 58,384 | #686 | 55.3 | $72,355 | $1,248/mo | 358 | 20.5 min |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #101 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 | 19.4 min |
| Lake Havasu City, AZPop. 58,359 | #819 | 53.0 | $70,148 | $1,320/mo | 299 | 15.9 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 Cupertino compare with the rest of California?
Cupertino ranks #3 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 68.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2.6 times the California median. Violent crime is 84% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3.9 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Cupertino among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Cupertino's score calculated?
Cupertino scores 68.3 out of 100, #100 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Cupertino. Similar-size median 55.5.
83.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cupertino's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
91.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cupertino. Similar-size median 58.9.
89.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cupertino's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cupertino's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
17.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cupertino. Similar-size median 56.1.
98.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cupertino. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cupertino. Similar-size median 50.0.
66.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cupertino's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
65.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
26.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cupertino'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 Cupertino 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 Cupertino
Is Cupertino, CA a good place to live?
Cupertino ranks #100 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #47 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($234,707, #2 of 524) and low poverty (4.1%, #15 of 524), and trails on high rents ($3,501/mo, #524 of 524) and expensive homes ($2,000,001, #522 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Cupertino?
Cupertino's cost of living index is 110.4, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1104 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $3,501/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $2,965,725, 3.9 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Cupertino?
Cupertino recorded 70 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 373 and 84% below California's 440. That ranks #67 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cupertino Police Department. Property crime runs 1,452 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Cupertino?
The median household in Cupertino earns $234,707, 3.1 times the US figure of $76,827 and 2.6 times California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Cupertino?
Median rent in Cupertino is $3,501/mo (Census), #1308 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $4,375/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cupertino?
Zillow's typical home value in Cupertino is $2,965,725, up 3.3% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $2,000,001.
How are the public schools in Cupertino?
Cupertino's 13 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.7 students per teacher and $19,001 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cupertino?
The average commute is 23.6 minutes, #644 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cupertino?
Cupertino averages 59.9°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 51.4°F in winter, with 13.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cupertino walkable?
Cupertino scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 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 Cupertino at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Clara 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 Cupertino?
Santa Clara County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Cupertino?
Cupertino has 58,566 residents. The median resident of Cupertino is 41.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 82.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #8 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cupertino compare with the rest of California?
Cupertino ranks #3 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 68.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2.6 times the California median. Violent crime is 84% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3.9 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Cupertino?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cupertino's population of 58,566 are Towson, MD (#312 overall), Taylorsville, UT (#731 overall), Hoboken, NJ (#15 overall), Weymouth Town, MA (#290 overall), and Terre Haute, IN (#1116 overall). Cupertino is #100.