CaliforniaPop. 149,668Mid-size cities
Is Escondido a Good Place to Live? Escondido, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Escondido ranks #807 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #140 of 256 mid-size cities and #101 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #239 of 241) and expensive homes ($714,500, #221 of 256).
Escondido by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Escondido'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 Escondido?
Escondido'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 $2,046/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $842,305, 10% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Escondido | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $842,305#1073 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 | $2,547/mo#925 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $714,500#1159 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,046/mo#1117 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.8x#1209 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.7%#1134 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.
Escondido 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. Escondido is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Escondido safe?
Escondido recorded 337 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 373 and 24% below California's 440. That ranks #611 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #111 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Escondido Police Department. Property crime runs 1,443 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Escondido | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 337#611 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,443#444 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 Escondido?
The median household in Escondido earns $91,967, 20% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Escondido | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $91,967#438 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $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 12.6% | 12.2%#666 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -1.2%#1103 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 Escondido?
The median resident of Escondido is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #840 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Escondido | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 28.9%#840 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 53.4% | 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 Escondido's schools and health?
Escondido's 35 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (California 85%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $17,400 spent per pupil. 28.1% of adults are obese and 11.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Escondido | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 19.4#916 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,400#382 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 28.1%#274 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.3%#676 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.1%#1028 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. 27,343 students are enrolled in Escondido's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Escondido?
The average commute in Escondido is 27.5 minutes (California 25.2); 1.3% of workers take transit and 13.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Escondido scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.7°F and winters 56.7°F, with 14.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Escondido | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.5 min#966 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6%#714 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.1% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.9% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.7#374 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 | 68.8 | 44.8 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 68.7 | 45.9 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 71 | 48.9 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 74.2 | 51.8 | 1 |
| May | 76.7 | 56.4 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 81.9 | 60.2 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 87.2 | 64.4 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 89 | 65.3 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 86.9 | 63.1 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 80.8 | 57.3 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 74.6 | 49.1 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 68 | 43.8 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Escondido #2.
| Measure | Escondido | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 14.5 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 Escondido #2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Escondido?
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 | Escondido | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.24%#1033 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 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 Escondido compare with similar-size cities?
Escondido is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #140 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 149,668.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #807 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 | 27.5 min |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #58 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 | 23.6 min |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #604 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 | 28.8 min |
| Pasadena, TXPop. 149,433 | #1141 | 46.9 | $64,927 | $1,213/mo | 436 | 26.6 min |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #873 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 | 30.5 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 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 Escondido compare with the rest of California?
Escondido ranks #101 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn in line with the California median. Violent crime is 24% 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 |
| Hayward, CAPop. 158,801 | … #97 | 53.4 | $113,318 | $2,391/mo | 460 |
| Corona, CAPop. 159,670 | #98 | 53.3 | $109,242 | $2,228/mo | 239 |
| Chino, CAPop. 92,652 | #99 | 53.3 | $104,682 | $2,336/mo | 324 |
| Oceanside, CAPop. 172,242 | #100 | 53.2 | $97,737 | $2,303/mo | 385 |
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #101 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 |
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | #102 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 |
| Turlock, CAPop. 72,502 | #103 | 53.1 | $82,995 | $1,612/mo | 357 |
| San Leandro, CAPop. 87,826 | #104 | 52.8 | $101,420 | $2,186/mo | 506 |
| Monterey Park, CAPop. 59,132 | #105 | 52.8 | $81,855 | $1,888/mo | 265 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Escondido among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Escondido's score calculated?
Escondido scores 53.2 out of 100, #807 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Escondido. Similar-size median 52.9.
58.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Escondido's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
75.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Escondido. Similar-size median 53.8.
60.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Escondido's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
55.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Escondido's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
35.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Escondido. Similar-size median 51.2.
57.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Escondido. Similar-size median 42.1.
28.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Escondido. Similar-size median 50.1.
48.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Escondido's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Escondido'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 Escondido 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 Escondido
Is Escondido, CA a good place to live?
Escondido ranks #807 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #140 of 256 mid-size cities and #101 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #239 of 241) and expensive homes ($714,500, #221 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Escondido?
Escondido'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 $2,046/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $842,305, 10% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Escondido?
Escondido recorded 337 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 373 and 24% below California's 440. That ranks #611 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #111 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Escondido Police Department. Property crime runs 1,443 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Escondido?
The median household in Escondido earns $91,967, 20% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Escondido?
Median rent in Escondido is $2,046/mo (Census), #1117 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,547/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Escondido?
Zillow's typical home value in Escondido is $842,305, up 0.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $714,500.
How are the public schools in Escondido?
Escondido's 35 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (California 85%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $17,400 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Escondido?
The average commute is 27.5 minutes, #966 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Escondido?
Escondido averages 65.8°F over the year, 74.7°F in summer and 56.7°F in winter, with 14.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Escondido walkable?
Escondido scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 Escondido 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 Escondido?
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 Escondido?
Escondido has 149,668 residents. The median resident of Escondido is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #840 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Escondido compare with the rest of California?
Escondido ranks #101 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn in line with the California median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Escondido?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Escondido's population of 149,668 are Bellevue, WA (#58 overall), Joliet, IL (#604 overall), Pasadena, TX (#1141 overall), Bridgeport, CT (#873 overall), and Savannah, GA (#891 overall). Escondido is #807.