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Is Davis a Good Place to Live? Davis, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Davis ranks #529 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #241 of 524 smaller cities and #51 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #58 of 437), and trails on high poverty (26.5%, #508 of 524) and expensive homes ($866,100, #477 of 524).
Davis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Davis'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 Davis?
Davis's cost of living index is 106.7, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1026 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,187/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $837,982, 10% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Davis | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 106.7#1026 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $837,982#1071 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 | $2,529/mo#919 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $866,100#1221 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,187/mo#1164 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 9.6x#1275 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 29.1%#1235 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.
Davis 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. Davis is in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Davis safe?
Davis recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 373 and 57% below California's 440. That ranks #333 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #152 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Davis Police Department. Property crime runs 2,014 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Davis | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 191#333 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,014#715 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 Davis?
The median household in Davis earns $90,045, 17% above the US figure of $76,827 and 2% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 26.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Davis | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $90,045#461 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $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 10.8% | 26.5%#1262 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.4%#906 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 Davis?
The median resident of Davis is 26.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 76.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #15 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Davis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 26.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 76.8%#15 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 43.5% | 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 Davis's schools and health?
Davis's 13 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22 students per teacher and $16,704 spent per pupil. 23.2% of adults are obese and 7.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Davis | 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#1022 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,704#431 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 23.2%#71 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.8%#88 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.9%#840 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.1%#156 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. 8,110 students are enrolled in Davis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Davis?
The average commute in Davis is 22.3 minutes (California 25.2); 5.9% of workers take transit and 23.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Davis scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74°F and winters 48.3°F, with 19.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Davis | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.3 min#528 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.9%#825 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 49.7% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.8% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 11.2% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 23.1% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.6#72 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 | 55.5 | 38.4 | 4 |
| Feb | 60.7 | 41 | 3.9 |
| Mar | 66.3 | 43.9 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 72.5 | 46.6 | 1.2 |
| May | 81.1 | 51.6 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 88.6 | 55.8 | 0.3 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 57.3 | 0 |
| Aug | 92.8 | 56.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 89.8 | 54.8 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 79.9 | 49.6 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 65.4 | 42.5 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 56 | 37.9 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Davis 2 Wsw Exp Farm.
| Measure | Davis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 61.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 19.2 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 Davis 2 Wsw Exp Farm.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Davis?
Yolo County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 58% 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 Yolo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | Davis | 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 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.18%#837 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 Yolo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Yolo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.068% | 94% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0019% | 66% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 59% 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 Davis compare with similar-size cities?
Davis is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #241 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 66,978.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #529 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 | 22.3 min |
| Maricopa, AZPop. 67,163 | #842 | 52.6 | $96,391 | $1,998/mo | 242 | 36.6 min |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #1014 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 | 15.9 min |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #53 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 | 26.3 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 min |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #962 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 | 19.2 min |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #551 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 | 24.6 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #209 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 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 Davis compare with the rest of California?
Davis ranks #51 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2% below the California median. Violent crime is 57% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% 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 |
| Santa Rosa, CAPop. 177,090 | … #47 | 58.0 | $99,060 | $2,152/mo | 292 |
| San Rafael, CAPop. 60,433 | #48 | 58.0 | $119,435 | $2,377/mo | 365 |
| Rancho Cordova, CAPop. 81,849 | #49 | 57.8 | $89,585 | $1,787/mo | 507 |
| Arcadia, CAPop. 55,170 | #50 | 57.8 | $113,516 | $2,191/mo | 198 |
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #51 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 |
| Union City, CAPop. 67,464 | #52 | 57.5 | $133,715 | $2,713/mo | 453 |
| Tustin, CAPop. 78,981 | #53 | 57.3 | $112,503 | $2,449/mo | 216 |
| Brentwood, CAPop. 65,208 | #54 | 57.3 | $142,494 | $2,758/mo | 202 |
| Berkeley, CAPop. 120,257 | #55 | 57.1 | $108,092 | $2,133/mo | 639 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Davis among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Davis's score calculated?
Davis scores 57.6 out of 100, #529 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 Davis. Similar-size median 55.5.
56.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Davis's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
80.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Davis. Similar-size median 58.9.
74.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Davis's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Davis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
30.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Davis. Similar-size median 56.1.
30.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Davis. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Davis. Similar-size median 50.0.
81.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Davis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
40.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Davis'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 Davis 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 Davis
Is Davis, CA a good place to live?
Davis ranks #529 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #241 of 524 smaller cities and #51 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #58 of 437), and trails on high poverty (26.5%, #508 of 524) and expensive homes ($866,100, #477 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Davis?
Davis's cost of living index is 106.7, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1026 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,187/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $837,982, 10% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Davis?
Davis recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 373 and 57% below California's 440. That ranks #333 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #152 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Davis Police Department. Property crime runs 2,014 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Davis?
The median household in Davis earns $90,045, 17% above the US figure of $76,827 and 2% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 26.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Davis?
Median rent in Davis is $2,187/mo (Census), #1164 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,529/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Davis?
Zillow's typical home value in Davis is $837,982, down 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $866,100.
How are the public schools in Davis?
Davis's 13 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22 students per teacher and $16,704 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Davis?
The average commute is 22.3 minutes, #528 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 6.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Davis?
Davis averages 61.6°F over the year, 74°F in summer and 48.3°F in winter, with 19.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Davis walkable?
Davis scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 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 Davis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yolo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Davis?
Yolo County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Davis?
Davis has 66,978 residents. The median resident of Davis is 26.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 76.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #15 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Davis compare with the rest of California?
Davis ranks #51 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2% below the California median. Violent crime is 57% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Davis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Davis's population of 66,978 are Maricopa, AZ (#842 overall), Waterloo, IA (#1014 overall), Alpharetta, GA (#53 overall), Oshkosh, WI (#377 overall), and Novi, MI (#96 overall). Davis is #529.