CaliforniaPop. 170,964Mid-size cities
Is Garden Grove a Good Place to Live? Garden Grove, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Garden Grove ranks #664 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #111 of 256 mid-size cities and #78 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.6%, #20 of 205), and trails on expensive homes ($814,100, #233 of 256) and high living costs (113.6, #220 of 256).
Garden Grove by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Garden Grove'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 Garden Grove?
Garden Grove's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,012/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,007,401, 32% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Garden Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,007,401#1119 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 | $2,767/mo#983 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $814,100#1196 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,012/mo#1100 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 8.8x#1251 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.2%#1106 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.
Garden Grove 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. Garden Grove is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Garden Grove safe?
Garden Grove recorded 239 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% below the US rate of 373 and 46% below California's 440. That ranks #435 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #71 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Garden Grove Police Department. Property crime runs 1,423 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Garden Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 239#435 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,423#432 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 Garden Grove?
The median household in Garden Grove earns $92,174, 20% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Garden Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $92,174#437 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.3%#673 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 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 Garden Grove?
The median resident of Garden Grove is 40.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 25.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #968 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Garden Grove | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 40.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 25.3%#968 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 53.1% | 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 Garden Grove's schools and health?
Garden Grove's 48 public schools graduate 93.6% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.4 students per teacher and $19,885 spent per pupil. 23.1% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Garden Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93.6%#153 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 23.4#1107 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,885#213 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 23.1%#68 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.4%#907 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. 28,959 students are enrolled in Garden Grove's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Garden Grove?
The average commute in Garden Grove is 28.5 minutes (California 25.2); 1.1% of workers take transit and 11.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Garden Grove scores 14.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.2°F and winters 57.7°F, with 11.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Garden Grove | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.5 min#1030 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.7%#892 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.6% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.3% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.3#113 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 | 46.4 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 69 | 48.3 | 3 |
| Mar | 71 | 51.5 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 74.2 | 53.8 | 0.6 |
| May | 75.7 | 58.1 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 79 | 62.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 84.4 | 66.1 | 0 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 66.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 85.4 | 64.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 80.3 | 58.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 74 | 50.7 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 68.1 | 45.6 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fullerton Muni Airport.
| Measure | Garden Grove | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 57.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.9 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 Fullerton Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Garden Grove?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Garden Grove | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.3%#1079 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 Orange County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Orange County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.009% | 84% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 58% 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 Garden Grove compare with similar-size cities?
Garden Grove is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #111 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 170,964.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Grove, CAPop. 170,964 | #664 | 55.6 | $92,174 | $2,012/mo | 239 | 28.5 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #40 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #890 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 | 22 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 min |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #528 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 | 30.4 min |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #418 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 | 19.5 min |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #1159 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 | 17.6 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 Garden Grove compare with the rest of California?
Garden Grove ranks #78 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn in line with the California median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate. Homes are 32% 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 |
| Santa Ana, CAPop. 312,534 | … #74 | 55.8 | $93,999 | $2,082/mo | 337 |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #75 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CAPop. 175,411 | #76 | 55.8 | $111,895 | $2,357/mo | 233 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Garden Grove among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Garden Grove's score calculated?
Garden Grove scores 55.6 out of 100, #664 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 Garden Grove. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Garden Grove's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
81.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Garden Grove. Similar-size median 53.8.
64.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Garden Grove's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
58.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Garden Grove's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
30.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Garden Grove. Similar-size median 51.2.
57.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Garden Grove. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Garden Grove. Similar-size median 50.1.
42.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Garden Grove's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
70.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
23.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Garden Grove'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 Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove
Is Garden Grove, CA a good place to live?
Garden Grove ranks #664 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #111 of 256 mid-size cities and #78 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.6%, #20 of 205), and trails on expensive homes ($814,100, #233 of 256) and high living costs (113.6, #220 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Garden Grove?
Garden Grove's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,012/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,007,401, 32% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Garden Grove?
Garden Grove recorded 239 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% below the US rate of 373 and 46% below California's 440. That ranks #435 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #71 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Garden Grove Police Department. Property crime runs 1,423 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Garden Grove?
The median household in Garden Grove earns $92,174, 20% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Garden Grove?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $2,012/mo (Census), #1100 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,767/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Garden Grove?
Zillow's typical home value in Garden Grove is $1,007,401, up 4.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $814,100.
How are the public schools in Garden Grove?
Garden Grove's 48 public schools graduate 93.6% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.4 students per teacher and $19,885 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Garden Grove?
The average commute is 28.5 minutes, #1030 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 Garden Grove?
Garden Grove averages 66.2°F over the year, 74.2°F in summer and 57.7°F in winter, with 11.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Garden Grove walkable?
Garden Grove scores 14.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #113 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 Garden Grove at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Garden Grove?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Garden Grove?
Garden Grove has 170,964 residents. The median resident of Garden Grove is 40.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 25.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #968 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Garden Grove compare with the rest of California?
Garden Grove ranks #78 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn in line with the California median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate. Homes are 32% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Garden Grove?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Garden Grove's population of 170,964 are Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), Aurora, IL (#376 overall), Cary, NC (#40 overall), Salem, OR (#890 overall), and Clarksville, TN (#791 overall). Garden Grove is #664.