CaliforniaPop. 83,916Smaller cities
Is Folsom a Good Place to Live? Folsom, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Folsom ranks #110 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #52 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.1%, #16 of 468) and high household income ($139,804, #40 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,352/mo, #468 of 524) and expensive homes ($755,200, #455 of 524).
Folsom by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Folsom'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 Folsom?
Folsom'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 $2,352/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $753,276, 1% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Folsom | 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 | $753,276#1034 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 | $2,627/mo#947 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $755,200#1176 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,352/mo#1220 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.2%#480 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.
Folsom 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. Folsom is in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Folsom safe?
Folsom 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 #117 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Folsom Police Department. Property crime runs 1,246 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Folsom | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 161#256 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,246#330 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 Folsom?
The median household in Folsom earns $139,804, 82% above the US figure of $76,827 and 52% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Folsom | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $139,804#69 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.3%#120 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +4.1%#32 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 Folsom?
The median resident of Folsom is 41 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 54.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Folsom | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 54.9%#191 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 69.7% | 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 Folsom's schools and health?
Folsom's 15 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24 students per teacher and $15,003 spent per pupil. 26.1% of adults are obese and 8.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Folsom | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 24#1139 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,003#586 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.1%#184 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.7%#175 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.1%#276 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.7%#126 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. 13,103 students are enrolled in Folsom's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Folsom?
The average commute in Folsom is 26.6 minutes (California 25.2); 1.6% of workers take transit and 31% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Folsom scores 11.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #485 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 50.1°F, with 19.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Folsom | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.6 min#898 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.7%#892 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 59.7% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 31% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.9#485 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 | 56.5 | 41.1 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 62.2 | 43.7 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 67.8 | 46.7 | 2.8 |
| Apr | 73.5 | 49.3 | 1.4 |
| May | 81.3 | 54 | 0.9 |
| Jun | 89 | 58.7 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 94.4 | 61.4 | 0 |
| Aug | 93.5 | 61 | 0 |
| Sep | 89.3 | 58.8 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 78.9 | 52.9 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 65.3 | 45.3 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 56.4 | 40.7 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sacramento 5 Ese.
| Measure | Folsom | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 76.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.1°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 Sacramento 5 Ese.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Folsom?
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 | Folsom | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#349 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 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 Folsom compare with similar-size cities?
Folsom is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #52 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 83,916.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #110 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 | 26.6 min |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #319 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 | 21.3 min |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #753 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 | 25.4 min |
| The Villages, FLPop. 83,498 | #684 | 55.3 | $77,622 | $1,397/mo | no data | 21.2 min |
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #235 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 | 30 min |
| Layton, UTPop. 83,286 | #303 | 62.0 | $102,480 | $1,538/mo | 141 | 22.9 min |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #208 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 | 24.3 min |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #764 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 | 22.2 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 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 Folsom compare with the rest of California?
Folsom ranks #5 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 68 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 52% above the California median. Violent crime is 63% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Folsom among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Folsom's score calculated?
Folsom scores 68 out of 100, #110 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 Folsom. Similar-size median 55.5.
79.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Folsom's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
87.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Folsom. Similar-size median 58.9.
74.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Folsom's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
46.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Folsom's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
33.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Folsom. Similar-size median 56.1.
91.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Folsom. Similar-size median 42.4.
81.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Folsom. Similar-size median 50.0.
61.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Folsom's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
57.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
59.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Folsom'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 Folsom 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 Folsom
Is Folsom, CA a good place to live?
Folsom ranks #110 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #52 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.1%, #16 of 468) and high household income ($139,804, #40 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,352/mo, #468 of 524) and expensive homes ($755,200, #455 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Folsom?
Folsom'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 $2,352/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $753,276, 1% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Folsom?
Folsom 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 #117 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Folsom Police Department. Property crime runs 1,246 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Folsom?
The median household in Folsom earns $139,804, 82% above the US figure of $76,827 and 52% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Folsom?
Median rent in Folsom is $2,352/mo (Census), #1220 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,627/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Folsom?
Zillow's typical home value in Folsom is $753,276, down 0.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $755,200.
How are the public schools in Folsom?
Folsom's 15 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24 students per teacher and $15,003 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Folsom?
The average commute is 26.6 minutes, #898 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Folsom?
Folsom averages 63.4°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 50.1°F in winter, with 19.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Folsom walkable?
Folsom scores 11.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #485 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 Folsom 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 Folsom?
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 Folsom?
Folsom has 83,916 residents. The median resident of Folsom is 41 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 54.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Folsom compare with the rest of California?
Folsom ranks #5 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 68 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 52% above the California median. Violent crime is 63% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Folsom?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Folsom's population of 83,916 are Brooklyn Park, MN (#319 overall), Westland, MI (#753 overall), The Villages, FL (#684 overall), Frederick, MD (#235 overall), and Layton, UT (#303 overall). Folsom is #110.