CaliforniaPop. 52,956Smaller cities
Is Lincoln a Good Place to Live? Lincoln, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lincoln ranks #593 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #267 of 524 smaller cities and #65 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #37 of 468) and high graduation rates (93%, #81 of 437), and trails on expensive homes ($651,000, #430 of 524) and high rents ($2,090/mo, #427 of 524).
Lincoln by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lincoln's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Lincoln: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Lincoln safe?
What is the cost of living in Lincoln?
Lincoln'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 $2,090/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $640,640, 16% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Lincoln | 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 | $640,640#974 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 | $2,922/mo#1018 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $651,000#1120 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,090/mo#1133 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.4%#718 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.
Lincoln 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. Lincoln is in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Lincoln safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Lincoln are far below California's rates for a city of 52,956, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Lincoln on safety. California as a whole records 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Lincoln?
The median household in Lincoln earns $111,990, 46% above the US figure of $76,827 and 22% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.2%). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Lincoln | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $111,990#218 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.9%#236 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +2.2%#85 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 Lincoln?
The median resident of Lincoln is 43.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #460 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lincoln | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 40.1%#460 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 83.9% | 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 Lincoln's schools and health?
Lincoln's 13 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.3 students per teacher and $13,728 spent per pupil. 27.6% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lincoln | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.3#1100 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,728#739 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27.6%#251 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15%#262 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.2%#280 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. 10,615 students are enrolled in Lincoln's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lincoln?
The average commute in Lincoln is 29.8 minutes (California 25.2); 0.6% of workers take transit and 22.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lincoln scores 9.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #723 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.7°F and winters 47.8°F, with 36.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lincoln | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.8 min#1094 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.2%#1065 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.9% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.5% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.7#723 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 | 56.3 | 37.8 | 7 |
| Feb | 59.4 | 40 | 6.5 |
| Mar | 63.1 | 42.3 | 6.1 |
| Apr | 68.1 | 44.8 | 2.8 |
| May | 76.9 | 51.5 | 1.7 |
| Jun | 85.7 | 57.5 | 0.4 |
| Jul | 92.7 | 63.4 | 0 |
| Aug | 92 | 62.8 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 86.8 | 59.5 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 76.9 | 51.6 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 63.8 | 43.1 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 55.8 | 37.2 | 6.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Auburn.
| Measure | Lincoln | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 61.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 47.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 36.1 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 Auburn.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lincoln?
Placer County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 46% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Placer County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Lincoln | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.16%#719 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 Placer County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Placer County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.023% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.016% | 84% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 70% 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 Lincoln compare with similar-size cities?
Lincoln is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #267 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 52,956.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, CAPop. 52,956 | #593 | 56.8 | $111,990 | $2,090/mo | part year | 29.8 min |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #76 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 | 31.6 min |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #451 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data | 32.3 min |
| Minnetonka, MNPop. 53,064 | #32 | 71.8 | $119,517 | $1,779/mo | 101 | 19.3 min |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #894 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 | 22.6 min |
| Wheaton, MDPop. 52,926 | #258 | 63.0 | $111,478 | $2,163/mo | no data | 31.6 min |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #461 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 | 30.9 min |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #773 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 | 16.9 min |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #77 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 | 30.9 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 Lincoln compare with the rest of California?
Lincoln ranks #65 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 22% above the California median. Homes are 16% 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 |
| West Sacramento, CAPop. 54,927 | … #61 | 57.0 | $93,188 | $1,665/mo | 327 |
| Vacaville, CAPop. 102,596 | #62 | 56.9 | $111,126 | $2,299/mo | 264 |
| Beaumont, CAPop. 56,266 | #63 | 56.9 | $107,118 | $1,681/mo | 216 |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura), CAPop. 109,857 | #64 | 56.8 | $103,069 | $2,198/mo | 351 |
| Lincoln, CAPop. 52,956 | #65 | 56.8 | $111,990 | $2,090/mo | part year |
| Temecula, CAPop. 111,167 | #66 | 56.6 | $121,063 | $2,347/mo | 152 |
| Redlands, CAPop. 73,375 | #67 | 56.4 | $105,041 | $2,005/mo | 272 |
| Torrance, CAPop. 142,130 | #68 | 56.3 | $116,217 | $2,280/mo | 306 |
| Camarillo, CAPop. 70,186 | #69 | 56.2 | $113,428 | $2,734/mo | 144 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Lincoln among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Lincoln's score calculated?
Lincoln scores 56.8 out of 100, #593 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lincoln. Similar-size median 55.5.
65.8 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lincoln. Similar-size median 58.9.
67.7 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lincoln's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
47.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Lincoln's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
41.0 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lincoln. Similar-size median 56.1.
76.3 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lincoln. Similar-size median 42.4.
61.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lincoln. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lincoln's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
45.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
41.0 - SafetyNot scored
Lincoln's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lincoln'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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Is Lincoln, CA a good place to live?
Lincoln ranks #593 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #267 of 524 smaller cities and #65 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #37 of 468) and high graduation rates (93%, #81 of 437), and trails on expensive homes ($651,000, #430 of 524) and high rents ($2,090/mo, #427 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Lincoln?
Lincoln'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 $2,090/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $640,640, 16% below the typical California home ($764,158).
Is Lincoln safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Lincoln are far below California's rates for a city of 52,956, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Lincoln on safety. California as a whole records 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Lincoln?
The median household in Lincoln earns $111,990, 46% above the US figure of $76,827 and 22% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.2%). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Lincoln?
Median rent in Lincoln is $2,090/mo (Census), #1133 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,922/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lincoln?
Zillow's typical home value in Lincoln is $640,640, up 0.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $651,000.
How are the public schools in Lincoln?
Lincoln's 13 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.3 students per teacher and $13,728 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lincoln?
The average commute is 29.8 minutes, #1094 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lincoln?
Lincoln averages 61.2°F over the year, 75.7°F in summer and 47.8°F in winter, with 36.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lincoln walkable?
Lincoln scores 9.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #723 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 Lincoln at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Placer County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lincoln?
Placer County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 46% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lincoln?
Lincoln has 52,956 residents. The median resident of Lincoln is 43.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #460 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lincoln compare with the rest of California?
Lincoln ranks #65 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 22% above the California median. Homes are 16% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Lincoln?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lincoln's population of 52,956 are Oak Park, IL (#76 overall), Eagle Mountain, UT (#451 overall), Minnetonka, MN (#32 overall), Elyria, OH (#894 overall), and Wheaton, MD (#258 overall). Lincoln is #593.