CaliforniaPop. 228,295Mid-size cities
Is Fremont a Good Place to Live? Fremont, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fremont ranks #208 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($181,506, #2 of 256) and low poverty (5.2%, #8 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,933/mo, #253 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,403,800, #252 of 256).
Fremont by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fremont'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 Fremont?
Fremont's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,933/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,447,776, 89% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Fremont | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,447,776#1163 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 | $3,375/mo#1068 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,403,800#1291 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,933/mo#1288 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.7x#1202 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.4%#378 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.
Fremont 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. Fremont is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Fremont safe?
Fremont recorded 106 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% below the US rate of 328 and 76% below California's 433. That ranks #136 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #13 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fremont Police Department. Property crime runs 1,779 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fremont | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 106#136 of 1,085 | 433 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,779#615 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 Fremont?
The median household in Fremont earns $181,506, 2.2 times the US figure of $83,163 and 81% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fremont | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $181,506#15 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 5.2%#112 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Fremont?
The median resident of Fremont is 39.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 63.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fremont | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 39.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 63.9%#100 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 60.8% | 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 Fremont's schools and health?
Fremont's 40 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 87%), with 24.2 students per teacher and $15,152 spent per pupil. 17.3% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fremont | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 24.2#1147 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,152#571 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 17.3%#4 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 12.7%#45 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 4.9%#59 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. 32,736 students are enrolled in Fremont's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fremont?
The average commute in Fremont is 30.3 minutes (California 29.7); 3.8% of workers take transit and 32.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fremont scores 13.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 51.4°F, with 13.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fremont | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.3 min#1123 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 10.9%#1106 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 53.8% | 67.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.8% | 3.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 32.1% | 14.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.4#260 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 | 59 | 42.4 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 61.8 | 44.5 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 65 | 46.7 | 2 |
| Apr | 68 | 48.9 | 1 |
| May | 71.7 | 52.5 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 75.9 | 55.7 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 76.9 | 58.5 | 0 |
| Aug | 76.9 | 59 | 0 |
| Sep | 77.7 | 57.3 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.1 | 53.1 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 65.5 | 46.3 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 58.9 | 42.1 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Moffett Fed Airfield.
| Measure | Fremont | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 59.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 67.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 13.5 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 Moffett Fed Airfield.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fremont?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Fremont | 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 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.41%#1223 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 Alameda County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Alameda County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.23% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0012% | 56% 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 Fremont compare with similar-size cities?
Fremont is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #27 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 228,295.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fremont, CAPop. 228,295 | #208 | 64.2 | $181,506 | $2,933/mo | 106 | 30.3 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #609 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 | 21.7 min |
| Hialeah, FLPop. 226,165 | #790 | 53.4 | $55,594 | $1,689/mo | 173 | 29 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 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 Fremont compare with the rest of California?
Fremont ranks #14 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64.2 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 81% above the California median. Violent crime is 76% below the statewide rate. Homes are 89% 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 |
| 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 |
| El Dorado Hills, CAPop. 51,026 | #15 | 64.2 | $165,349 | $2,552/mo | no data |
| San Francisco, CAPop. 830,235 | #16 | 64.1 | $140,970 | $2,476/mo | 486 |
| Laguna Niguel, CAPop. 64,139 | #17 | 64.1 | $140,452 | $2,903/mo | 114 |
| Redwood City, CAPop. 82,447 | #18 | 64.0 | $157,814 | $2,968/mo | 369 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Fremont among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Fremont's score calculated?
Fremont scores 64.2 out of 100, #208 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 Fremont. Similar-size median 52.9.
82.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fremont's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
87.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fremont. Similar-size median 53.8.
85.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fremont's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
47.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fremont's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
15.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fremont. Similar-size median 51.2.
95.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fremont. Similar-size median 42.1.
38.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fremont. Similar-size median 50.1.
60.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fremont's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
24.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fremont'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 Fremont 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 Fremont
Is Fremont, CA a good place to live?
Fremont ranks #208 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($181,506, #2 of 256) and low poverty (5.2%, #8 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,933/mo, #253 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,403,800, #252 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Fremont?
Fremont's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,933/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,447,776, 89% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Fremont?
Fremont recorded 106 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% below the US rate of 328 and 76% below California's 433. That ranks #136 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #13 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fremont Police Department. Property crime runs 1,779 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fremont?
The median household in Fremont earns $181,506, 2.2 times the US figure of $83,163 and 81% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fremont?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,933/mo (Census), #1288 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,375/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fremont?
The typical home value in Fremont is $1,447,776, down 2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,403,800.
How are the public schools in Fremont?
Fremont's 40 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 87%), with 24.2 students per teacher and $15,152 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fremont?
The average commute is 30.3 minutes, #1123 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 10.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fremont?
Fremont averages 59.9°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 51.4°F in winter, with 13.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fremont walkable?
Fremont scores 13.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #260 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 Fremont at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fremont?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Fremont?
Fremont has 228,295 residents. The median resident of Fremont is 39.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 63.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fremont compare with the rest of California?
Fremont ranks #14 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64.2 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 81% above the California median. Violent crime is 76% below the statewide rate. Homes are 89% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Fremont?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fremont's population of 228,295 are Boise, ID (#200 overall), Spokane, WA (#767 overall), Richmond, VA (#609 overall), Hialeah, FL (#790 overall), and Huntsville, AL (#589 overall). Fremont is #208.