CaliforniaPop. 179,155Mid-size cities
Is Elk Grove a Good Place to Live? Elk Grove, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Elk Grove ranks #243 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #30 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($125,924, #21 of 256) and high graduation rates (93%, #28 of 205), and trails on high rents ($2,262/mo, #227 of 256) and long commutes (30.8 min, #220 of 256).
Elk Grove by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Elk Grove'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 Elk Grove?
Elk Grove'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 $2,262/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $626,316, 18% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Elk Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 106.7#1026 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $626,316#960 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 | $2,716/mo#966 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $630,100#1102 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,262/mo#1189 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.6%#632 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.
Elk Grove 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. Elk Grove is in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Elk Grove safe?
Elk Grove recorded 161 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 57% below the US rate of 373 and 63% below California's 440. That ranks #256 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #35 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elk Grove Police Department. Property crime runs 1,215 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Elk Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 161#256 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,215#313 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 Elk Grove?
The median household in Elk Grove earns $125,924, 64% above the US figure of $76,827 and 37% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Elk Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $125,924#124 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8%#326 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +1.2%#198 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 Elk Grove?
The median resident of Elk Grove is 39.4 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). 73.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Elk Grove | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 39.4 | 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% | 73.8% | 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 Elk Grove's schools and health?
Elk Grove's 37 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.8 students per teacher and $15,864 spent per pupil. 26.2% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Elk Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.8#1072 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,864#490 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 26.2%#189 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.7%#218 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. 38,137 students are enrolled in Elk Grove's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Elk Grove?
The average commute in Elk Grove is 30.8 minutes (California 25.2); 0.8% of workers take transit and 21.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Elk Grove scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.5°F and winters 48.8°F, with 18.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Elk Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.8 min#1154 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9%#991 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 65.9% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 21.2% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.7#506 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 | 56 | 39.2 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 61.3 | 41.5 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 66.3 | 44.5 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 72.1 | 47 | 1.3 |
| May | 80.3 | 52 | 0.8 |
| Jun | 87.9 | 56.5 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 92.6 | 59.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 91.9 | 58.8 | 0 |
| Sep | 88.5 | 56.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 78.8 | 50.3 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 65 | 42.7 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 56 | 38.5 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sacramento Airport Asos.
| Measure | Elk Grove | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 61.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 18.1 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 Sacramento Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Elk Grove?
Sacramento County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sacramento County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Elk Grove | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#349 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 Sacramento County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sacramento County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.028% | 88% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0015% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 37% 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 Elk Grove compare with similar-size cities?
Elk Grove is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #30 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 179,155.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | #243 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 | 30.8 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #40 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #890 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 | 22 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 min |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #528 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 | 30.4 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 Elk Grove compare with the rest of California?
Elk Grove ranks #22 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 63.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 37% above the California median. Violent crime is 63% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% 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 |
| Redwood City, CAPop. 82,447 | … #18 | 64.0 | $157,814 | $2,968/mo | 369 |
| Roseville, CAPop. 155,955 | #19 | 63.6 | $119,288 | $2,142/mo | 191 |
| Aliso Viejo, CAPop. 51,113 | #20 | 63.6 | $142,439 | $2,854/mo | 120 |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #21 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 |
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | #22 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 |
| Livermore, CAPop. 85,522 | #23 | 63.2 | $160,775 | $2,677/mo | 175 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Elk Grove among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Elk Grove's score calculated?
Elk Grove scores 63.3 out of 100, #243 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 Elk Grove. Similar-size median 52.9.
71.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Elk Grove's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
87.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Elk Grove. Similar-size median 53.8.
68.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Elk Grove's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
52.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Elk Grove's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
39.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Elk Grove. Similar-size median 51.2.
80.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Elk Grove. Similar-size median 42.1.
51.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Elk Grove. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Elk Grove's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
59.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Elk Grove'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 Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove
Is Elk Grove, CA a good place to live?
Elk Grove ranks #243 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #30 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($125,924, #21 of 256) and high graduation rates (93%, #28 of 205), and trails on high rents ($2,262/mo, #227 of 256) and long commutes (30.8 min, #220 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Elk Grove?
Elk Grove'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 $2,262/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $626,316, 18% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Elk Grove?
Elk Grove recorded 161 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 57% below the US rate of 373 and 63% below California's 440. That ranks #256 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #35 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elk Grove Police Department. Property crime runs 1,215 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Elk Grove?
The median household in Elk Grove earns $125,924, 64% above the US figure of $76,827 and 37% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Elk Grove?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,262/mo (Census), #1189 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,716/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Elk Grove?
Zillow's typical home value in Elk Grove is $626,316, down 2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $630,100.
How are the public schools in Elk Grove?
Elk Grove's 37 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.8 students per teacher and $15,864 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Elk Grove?
The average commute is 30.8 minutes, #1154 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Elk Grove?
Elk Grove averages 61.8°F over the year, 74.5°F in summer and 48.8°F in winter, with 18.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Elk Grove walkable?
Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sacramento County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 77% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Elk Grove?
Sacramento County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Elk Grove?
Elk Grove has 179,155 residents. The median resident of Elk Grove is 39.4 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). 73.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Elk Grove compare with the rest of California?
Elk Grove ranks #22 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 63.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 37% above the California median. Violent crime is 63% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Elk Grove?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Elk Grove's population of 179,155 are Paradise, NV (#1205 overall), Newport News, VA (#880 overall), Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), Aurora, IL (#376 overall), and Cary, NC (#40 overall). Elk Grove is #243.