CaliforniaPop. 101,964Mid-size cities
Is Daly City a Good Place to Live? Daly City, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Daly City ranks #302 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #41 of 256 mid-size cities and #30 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($123,547, #23 of 256) and low poverty (7.7%, #40 of 256), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #249 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,115,000, #248 of 256).
Daly City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Daly 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 Daly City?
Daly City'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 $2,551/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,115,941, 46% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Daly City | 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 | $1,115,941#1133 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 | $2,962/mo#1031 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,115,000#1266 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,551/mo#1254 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 9x#1259 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.8%#980 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.
Daly 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. Daly City is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Daly City safe?
Daly City recorded 254 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 373 and 42% below California's 440. That ranks #464 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #80 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Daly City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,380 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Daly City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 254#464 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,380#409 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 Daly City?
The median household in Daly City earns $123,547, 61% above the US figure of $76,827 and 34% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Daly City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $123,547#136 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.7%#300 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.2%#538 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 Daly City?
The median resident of Daly City is 42.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Daly City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 42.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 38.9%#492 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 60.2% | 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 Daly City's schools and health?
Daly City's 19 public schools graduate 88.4% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.9 students per teacher and $18,612 spent per pupil. 20% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Daly City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 88.4%#505 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.9#974 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,612#294 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 20%#19 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 13.3%#78 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 7.9%#358 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. 8,011 students are enrolled in Daly City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Daly City?
The average commute in Daly City is 28.8 minutes (California 25.2); 11.8% of workers take transit and 15.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Daly City scores 10.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #633 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 60.6°F and winters 53°F, with 22.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Daly City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.8 min#1045 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 10.2%#1065 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 55.5% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 11.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15.2% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.6#633 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 | 57.8 | 46.6 | 4.4 |
| Feb | 60.4 | 47.9 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 62.1 | 48.9 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 63 | 49.7 | 1.6 |
| May | 64.1 | 51.4 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 66.5 | 53 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 66.3 | 54.4 | 0 |
| Aug | 67.9 | 55.5 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 70.2 | 55.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 69.8 | 54.4 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 63.7 | 50.7 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 47 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Francisco Downtown.
| Measure | Daly City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 57.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 60.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 53°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 22.9 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 San Francisco Downtown.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Daly City?
San Mateo County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 88% 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 San Mateo 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 | Daly City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 27#46 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%#1159 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 San Mateo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Mateo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.19% | 99% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0025% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 82% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.005% | 73% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.0041% | 67% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0012% | 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 Daly City compare with similar-size cities?
Daly City is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #41 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 101,964.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daly City, CAPop. 101,964 | #302 | 62.0 | $123,547 | $2,551/mo | 254 | 28.8 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #287 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| Conroe, TXPop. 102,360 | #630 | 56.2 | $76,206 | $1,393/mo | 263 | 28.6 min |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #150 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 | 34.7 min |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #547 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 | 17.2 min |
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #17 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 | 24.6 min |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #1020 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 | 19.4 min |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #700 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 | 20 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 Daly City compare with the rest of California?
Daly City ranks #30 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 34% above the California median. Violent crime is 42% below the statewide rate. Homes are 46% 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 |
| 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 |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #33 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 |
| Redondo Beach, CAPop. 69,291 | #34 | 60.7 | $150,245 | $2,691/mo | 239 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Daly City among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Daly City's score calculated?
Daly City scores 62 out of 100, #302 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Daly City. Similar-size median 52.9.
75.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Daly City's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
80.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Daly City. Similar-size median 53.8.
79.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Daly City's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
56.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Daly City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
19.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Daly City. Similar-size median 51.2.
79.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Daly City. Similar-size median 42.1.
43.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Daly City. Similar-size median 50.1.
60.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Daly City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
50.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
46.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Daly City'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 Daly 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 Daly City
Is Daly City, CA a good place to live?
Daly City ranks #302 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #41 of 256 mid-size cities and #30 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($123,547, #23 of 256) and low poverty (7.7%, #40 of 256), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #249 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,115,000, #248 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Daly City?
Daly City'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 $2,551/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,115,941, 46% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Daly City?
Daly City recorded 254 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 373 and 42% below California's 440. That ranks #464 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #80 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Daly City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,380 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Daly City?
The median household in Daly City earns $123,547, 61% above the US figure of $76,827 and 34% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Daly City?
Median rent in Daly City is $2,551/mo (Census), #1254 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,962/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Daly City?
Zillow's typical home value in Daly City is $1,115,941, up 3.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,115,000.
How are the public schools in Daly City?
Daly City's 19 public schools graduate 88.4% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.9 students per teacher and $18,612 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Daly City?
The average commute is 28.8 minutes, #1045 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Daly City?
Daly City averages 57.7°F over the year, 60.6°F in summer and 53°F in winter, with 22.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Daly City walkable?
Daly City scores 10.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #633 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 Daly City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Mateo 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 Daly City?
San Mateo County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Daly City?
Daly City has 101,964 residents. The median resident of Daly City is 42.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Daly City compare with the rest of California?
Daly City ranks #30 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 34% above the California median. Violent crime is 42% below the statewide rate. Homes are 46% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Daly City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Daly City's population of 101,964 are Bend, OR (#287 overall), Conroe, TX (#630 overall), Highlands Ranch, CO (#109 overall), Quincy, MA (#150 overall), and St. George, UT (#547 overall). Daly City is #302.