CaliforniaPop. 214,169Mid-size cities
Is Fontana a Good Place to Live? Fontana, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fontana ranks #674 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 256 mid-size cities and #81 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92.5%, #37 of 205) and high household income ($102,821, #56 of 256), and trails on long commutes (33.4 min, #239 of 256) and expensive homes ($586,800, #193 of 256).
Fontana by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fontana'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 Fontana?
Fontana's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,839/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $633,683, 17% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Fontana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 106.4#993 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $633,683#967 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,190/mo#1054 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $586,800#1063 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,839/mo#995 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.5%#617 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.
Fontana 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. Fontana is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Fontana safe?
Fontana recorded 244 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 44% below California's 433. That ranks #449 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #74 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fontana Police Department. Property crime runs 1,136 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fontana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 244#449 of 1,085 | 433 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,136#280 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
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 Fontana?
The median household in Fontana earns $102,821, 24% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fontana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $102,821#302 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.9%#488 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
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 Fontana?
The median resident of Fontana is 33.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1128 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fontana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 21.4%#1128 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 66.8% | 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 Fontana's schools and health?
Fontana's 51 public schools graduate 92.5% of students in four years (California 87%), with 21.6 students per teacher and $18,491 spent per pupil. 33.2% of adults are obese and 11.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fontana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92.5%#210 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 21.6#1000 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,491#304 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.2%#627 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.5%#702 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 16.3%#1126 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. 39,317 students are enrolled in Fontana's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fontana?
The average commute in Fontana is 33.4 minutes (California 29.7); 1.3% of workers take transit and 13% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fontana scores 11.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #485 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.5°F and winters 56.1°F, with 11.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fontana | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 33.4 min#1237 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 17%#1252 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.5% | 67.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 3.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13% | 14.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.9#485 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 | 67.7 | 44.6 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 68.1 | 46.2 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 71.7 | 48.7 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 75.7 | 51.1 | 0.8 |
| May | 79.8 | 55.6 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 86.4 | 60 | 0 |
| Jul | 93.8 | 64.7 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 94.9 | 65.2 | 0 |
| Sep | 91.3 | 63.8 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 82.6 | 57.1 | 0.4 |
| Nov | 74.7 | 49 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.9 | 43.6 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ontario International Airport.
| Measure | Fontana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.6 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 Ontario International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fontana?
San Bernardino County's air had a median air quality index of 77, and 13% of measured days were rated good; 110 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Bernardino County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.47% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Fontana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 77#1108 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 110#1124 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.47%#1263 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 Bernardino County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Bernardino County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.16% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.22% | 97% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0018% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.033% | 93% 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 Fontana compare with similar-size cities?
Fontana is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #113 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 214,169.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fontana, CAPop. 214,169 | #674 | 55.5 | $102,821 | $1,839/mo | 244 | 33.4 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #967 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year | 29.9 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 min |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #1144 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 | 19.1 min |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #170 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 | 27.8 min |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #262 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 | 35.6 min |
| Salt Lake City, UTPop. 208,007 | #1011 | 49.8 | $75,090 | $1,414/mo | 862 | 19.5 min |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #635 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 | 24.1 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 Fontana compare with the rest of California?
Fontana ranks #81 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.5 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 3% above the California median. Violent crime is 44% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | … #77 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 |
| Garden Grove, CAPop. 170,964 | #78 | 55.6 | $92,174 | $2,012/mo | 239 |
| La Habra, CAPop. 61,970 | #79 | 55.6 | $100,106 | $2,129/mo | 261 |
| Santa Cruz, CAPop. 61,607 | #80 | 55.6 | $115,475 | $2,452/mo | 533 |
| Fontana, CAPop. 214,169 | #81 | 55.5 | $102,821 | $1,839/mo | 244 |
| Covina, CAPop. 49,888 | #82 | 55.5 | $98,671 | $1,931/mo | 285 |
| Santa Barbara, CAPop. 87,779 | #83 | 55.4 | $106,182 | $2,413/mo | 634 |
| Lakewood, CAPop. 79,850 | #84 | 54.9 | $119,177 | $2,347/mo | 356 |
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #85 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Fontana among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Fontana's score calculated?
Fontana scores 55.5 out of 100, #674 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 Fontana. Similar-size median 52.9.
58.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fontana's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
83.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fontana. Similar-size median 53.8.
54.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fontana's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
58.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fontana's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
46.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fontana. Similar-size median 51.2.
66.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fontana. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fontana. Similar-size median 50.1.
35.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fontana's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
57.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
2.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fontana'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 Fontana 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 Fontana
Is Fontana, CA a good place to live?
Fontana ranks #674 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 256 mid-size cities and #81 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92.5%, #37 of 205) and high household income ($102,821, #56 of 256), and trails on long commutes (33.4 min, #239 of 256) and expensive homes ($586,800, #193 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Fontana?
Fontana's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,839/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $633,683, 17% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Fontana?
Fontana recorded 244 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 44% below California's 433. That ranks #449 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #74 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fontana Police Department. Property crime runs 1,136 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fontana?
The median household in Fontana earns $102,821, 24% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fontana?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,839/mo (Census), #995 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,190/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fontana?
The typical home value in Fontana is $633,683, up 0.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $586,800.
How are the public schools in Fontana?
Fontana's 51 public schools graduate 92.5% of students in four years (California 87%), with 21.6 students per teacher and $18,491 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fontana?
The average commute is 33.4 minutes, #1237 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 17% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fontana?
Fontana averages 66.8°F over the year, 77.5°F in summer and 56.1°F in winter, with 11.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fontana walkable?
Fontana 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 Fontana at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Bernardino County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.47% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fontana?
San Bernardino County's air had a median air quality index of 77, and 13% of measured days were rated good; 110 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fontana?
Fontana has 214,169 residents. The median resident of Fontana is 33.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1128 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fontana compare with the rest of California?
Fontana ranks #81 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.5 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 3% above the California median. Violent crime is 44% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Fontana?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fontana's population of 214,169 are Spring Valley, NV (#959 overall), Cape Coral, FL (#967 overall), Des Moines, IA (#879 overall), Fayetteville, NC (#1144 overall), and McKinney, TX (#170 overall). Fontana is #674.