CaliforniaPop. 85,522Smaller cities
Is Livermore a Good Place to Live? Livermore, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Livermore ranks #249 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #123 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($160,775, #16 of 524) and high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and high rents ($2,677/mo, #497 of 524).
Livermore by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Livermore'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 Livermore?
Livermore'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 $2,677/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,075,802, 41% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Livermore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,075,802#1127 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 | $3,079/mo#1045 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,105,600#1265 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,677/mo#1267 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.9x#1140 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20%#447 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.
Livermore 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. Livermore is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Livermore safe?
Livermore recorded 175 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 373 and 60% below California's 440. That ranks #295 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #137 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Livermore Police Department. Property crime runs 1,817 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Livermore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 175#295 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,817#631 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 Livermore?
The median household in Livermore earns $160,775, 2.1 times the US figure of $76,827 and 75% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Livermore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $160,775#27 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 4.9%#101 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.6%#988 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 Livermore?
The median resident of Livermore is 40.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #224 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Livermore | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 52.3%#224 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 72% | 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 Livermore's schools and health?
Livermore's 16 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.2 students per teacher and $15,408 spent per pupil. 23.6% of adults are obese and 9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Livermore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.2#1038 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,408#526 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 23.6%#88 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9%#216 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.7%#363 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. 12,810 students are enrolled in Livermore's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Livermore?
The average commute in Livermore is 30.1 minutes (California 25.2); 2.5% of workers take transit and 21.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Livermore scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.8°F and winters 48.6°F, with 15.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Livermore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.1 min#1113 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 16.5%#1248 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 64.1% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.5% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 21.9% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.8#187 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 | 57.4 | 37.8 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 61 | 39.9 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 65.1 | 41.8 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 69.3 | 44.6 | 1.1 |
| May | 75.3 | 49.4 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 82.6 | 53.5 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 87.7 | 56.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 87.5 | 56.7 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 85.4 | 54.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 77.9 | 49.2 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 65.6 | 41.9 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 57.8 | 37.5 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Livermore Muni Airport.
| Measure | Livermore | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 15.2 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 Livermore Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Livermore?
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 | Livermore | 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 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.41%#1223 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 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 Livermore compare with similar-size cities?
Livermore is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #123 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 85,522.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livermore, CAPop. 85,522 | #249 | 63.2 | $160,775 | $2,677/mo | 175 | 30.1 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #67 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #723 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 | 17.5 min |
| Town 'n' Country, FLPop. 85,928 | #1067 | 48.5 | $73,538 | $1,734/mo | no data | 28 min |
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #597 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 | 30.5 min |
| Baytown, TXPop. 85,205 | #1232 | 43.5 | $59,910 | $1,307/mo | 399 | 25.4 min |
| Lehi, UTPop. 85,173 | #296 | 62.1 | $131,299 | $1,964/mo | part year | 23.7 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 Livermore compare with the rest of California?
Livermore ranks #23 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 63.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 75% above the California median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% 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 |
| Roseville, CAPop. 155,955 | … #19 | 63.6 | $119,288 | $2,142/mo | 191 |
| Aliso Viejo, CAPop. 51,113 | #20 | 63.6 | $142,439 | $2,854/mo | 120 |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #21 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 |
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | #22 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 |
| Livermore, CAPop. 85,522 | #23 | 63.2 | $160,775 | $2,677/mo | 175 |
| Yorba Linda, CAPop. 67,170 | #24 | 62.9 | $157,582 | $2,846/mo | 47 |
| South San Francisco, CAPop. 64,305 | #25 | 62.8 | $136,578 | $2,802/mo | 309 |
| Thousand Oaks, CAPop. 125,205 | #26 | 62.3 | $135,603 | $2,664/mo | 127 |
| Mission Viejo, CAPop. 92,151 | #27 | 62.2 | $136,123 | $2,839/mo | 119 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Livermore among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Livermore's score calculated?
Livermore scores 63.2 out of 100, #249 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 Livermore. Similar-size median 55.5.
84.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Livermore's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
82.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Livermore. Similar-size median 58.9.
75.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Livermore's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Livermore's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
18.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Livermore. Similar-size median 56.1.
96.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Livermore. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Livermore. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Livermore's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
67.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
24.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Livermore'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 Livermore 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 Livermore
Is Livermore, CA a good place to live?
Livermore ranks #249 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #123 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($160,775, #16 of 524) and high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and high rents ($2,677/mo, #497 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Livermore?
Livermore'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 $2,677/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,075,802, 41% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Livermore?
Livermore recorded 175 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 373 and 60% below California's 440. That ranks #295 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #137 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Livermore Police Department. Property crime runs 1,817 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Livermore?
The median household in Livermore earns $160,775, 2.1 times the US figure of $76,827 and 75% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Livermore?
Median rent in Livermore is $2,677/mo (Census), #1267 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,079/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Livermore?
Zillow's typical home value in Livermore is $1,075,802, down 3.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,105,600.
How are the public schools in Livermore?
Livermore's 16 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.2 students per teacher and $15,408 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Livermore?
The average commute is 30.1 minutes, #1113 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 16.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Livermore?
Livermore averages 59.9°F over the year, 70.8°F in summer and 48.6°F in winter, with 15.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Livermore walkable?
Livermore scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 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 Livermore 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 Livermore?
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 Livermore?
Livermore has 85,522 residents. The median resident of Livermore is 40.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #224 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Livermore compare with the rest of California?
Livermore ranks #23 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 63.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 75% above the California median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Livermore?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Livermore's population of 85,522 are Franklin, TN (#67 overall), Duluth, MN (#467 overall), Medford, OR (#1021 overall), Sioux City, IA (#723 overall), and Town 'n' Country, FL (#1067 overall). Livermore is #249.