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Is Encinitas a Good Place to Live? Encinitas, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Encinitas ranks #177 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and high household income ($162,229, #14 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,646,800, #518 of 524) and high rents ($2,886/mo, #510 of 524).
Encinitas by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Encinitas'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 Encinitas?
Encinitas's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,886/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,919,733, 2.5 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Encinitas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,919,733#1181 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 | $4,324/mo#1108 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,646,800#1302 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,886/mo#1284 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 10.2x#1287 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.3%#594 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.
Encinitas 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. Encinitas is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Encinitas safe?
Encinitas recorded 108 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% below the US rate of 373 and 75% below California's 440. That ranks #142 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #61 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Encinitas Police Department. Property crime runs 542 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Encinitas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 108#142 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 542#33 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 Encinitas?
The median household in Encinitas earns $162,229, 2.1 times the US figure of $76,827 and 77% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Encinitas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $162,229#24 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.4%#274 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 Encinitas?
The median resident of Encinitas is 43.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 67.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #65 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Encinitas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 67.7%#65 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 66.5% | 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 Encinitas's schools and health?
Encinitas's 11 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.1 students per teacher and $15,248 spent per pupil. 23.4% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Encinitas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.1#1087 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,248#558 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 23.4%#78 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.4%#187 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 4.4%#30 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. 8,135 students are enrolled in Encinitas's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Encinitas?
The average commute in Encinitas is 24.7 minutes (California 25.2); 0.7% of workers take transit and 32.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Encinitas scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.3°F and winters 56.2°F, with 11.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Encinitas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.8%#687 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 57.8% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 32.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.4#545 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 | 65 | 47.8 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 64 | 48.5 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 64.5 | 50.8 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 66.3 | 53.3 | 0.9 |
| May | 67.6 | 57.4 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 69.9 | 60.3 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 74.2 | 64.1 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 75.8 | 65.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 75.7 | 63.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 73.3 | 58.9 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 69.5 | 52.1 | 1 |
| Dec | 64.6 | 47.3 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Carlsbad Mcclellan Palomar Airport.
| Measure | Encinitas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 68.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 56.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.4 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 Carlsbad Mcclellan Palomar Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Encinitas?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Encinitas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.24%#1033 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 San Diego County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Diego County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.073% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% 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 Encinitas compare with similar-size cities?
Encinitas is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #86 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 61,480.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #177 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 | 24.7 min |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #245 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 | 26.1 min |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #955 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 | 23.9 min |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #176 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 | 19.5 min |
| Palm Harbor, FLPop. 61,512 | #843 | 52.6 | $78,935 | $1,806/mo | no data | 26.7 min |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #964 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 | 19.4 min |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #271 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 | 23.7 min |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #181 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 | 27.2 min |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #965 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 | 23.7 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 Encinitas compare with the rest of California?
Encinitas ranks #10 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 65.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 77% above the California median. Violent crime is 75% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.5 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 |
| Newport Beach, CAPop. 83,845 | #11 | 64.8 | $156,867 | $3,316/mo | 251 |
| Rocklin, CAPop. 73,327 | #12 | 64.8 | $124,168 | $2,258/mo | 122 |
| San Ramon, CAPop. 85,993 | #13 | 64.5 | $196,161 | $2,968/mo | 92 |
| Fremont, CAPop. 228,295 | #14 | 64.2 | $181,506 | $2,933/mo | 106 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Encinitas among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Encinitas's score calculated?
Encinitas scores 65.1 out of 100, #177 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 Encinitas. Similar-size median 55.5.
87.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Encinitas's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
96.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Encinitas. Similar-size median 58.9.
79.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Encinitas's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Encinitas's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
17.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Encinitas. Similar-size median 56.1.
91.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Encinitas. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Encinitas. Similar-size median 50.0.
64.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Encinitas's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Encinitas'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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas
Is Encinitas, CA a good place to live?
Encinitas ranks #177 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and high household income ($162,229, #14 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,646,800, #518 of 524) and high rents ($2,886/mo, #510 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Encinitas?
Encinitas's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,886/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,919,733, 2.5 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Encinitas?
Encinitas recorded 108 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% below the US rate of 373 and 75% below California's 440. That ranks #142 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #61 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Encinitas Police Department. Property crime runs 542 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Encinitas?
The median household in Encinitas earns $162,229, 2.1 times the US figure of $76,827 and 77% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Encinitas?
Median rent in Encinitas is $2,886/mo (Census), #1284 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $4,324/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Encinitas?
Zillow's typical home value in Encinitas is $1,919,733, up 5.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,646,800.
How are the public schools in Encinitas?
Encinitas's 11 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.1 students per teacher and $15,248 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Encinitas?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 5.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Encinitas?
Encinitas averages 62.5°F over the year, 68.3°F in summer and 56.2°F in winter, with 11.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Encinitas walkable?
Encinitas scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 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 Encinitas at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Encinitas?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Encinitas?
Encinitas has 61,480 residents. The median resident of Encinitas is 43.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 67.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #65 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Encinitas compare with the rest of California?
Encinitas ranks #10 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 65.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 77% above the California median. Violent crime is 75% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.5 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Encinitas?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Encinitas's population of 61,480 are Parker, CO (#245 overall), Dearborn Heights, MI (#955 overall), Chapel Hill, NC (#176 overall), Palm Harbor, FL (#843 overall), and Springfield, OR (#964 overall). Encinitas is #177.