CaliforniaPop. 455,548Big cities
Is Long Beach a Good Place to Live? Long Beach, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Long Beach ranks #1175 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #47 of 53 big cities and #163 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on expensive homes ($806,600, #49 of 53) and long commutes (29.9 min, #49 of 53).
Long Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Long Beach'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 Long Beach?
Long Beach'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 $1,871/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $850,917, 11% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Long Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $850,917#1075 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,422/mo#888 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $806,600#1192 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,871/mo#1017 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 9.2x#1264 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 25.7%#1065 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Long Beach 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. Long Beach is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Long Beach safe?
Long Beach recorded 621 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 89% above the US rate of 328 and 43% above California's 433. That ranks #923 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #33 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Long Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 2,553 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Long Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 621#923 of 1,085 | 433 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,553#879 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Long Beach?
The median household in Long Beach earns $87,430, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Long Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $87,430#497 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 14.8%#851 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Long Beach?
The median resident of Long Beach is 37.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 35.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #593 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Long Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 37.1 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 35.6%#593 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 41.2% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Long Beach's schools and health?
Long Beach's 74 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (California 87%), with 24 students per teacher and $18,509 spent per pupil. 27.4% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Long Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 81.7%#836 of 1,063 | 87% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 24#1139 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $18,509#303 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 27.4%#242 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.9%#864 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 56,537 students are enrolled in Long Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Long Beach?
The average commute in Long Beach is 29.9 minutes (California 29.7); 3.8% of workers take transit and 16.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Long Beach scores 11.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72°F and winters 57.1°F, with 12 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Long Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 29.9 min#1100 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 11.4%#1128 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 66.8% | 67.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.8% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2.6% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.8% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 16.2% | 14.1% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.5#535 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 67.4 | 46.9 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 66.8 | 48.4 | 3 |
| Mar | 68.6 | 51.2 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 71.4 | 53.9 | 0.6 |
| May | 73.1 | 57.9 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 76.1 | 61.3 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 81.4 | 64.9 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 83.2 | 65.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 82.4 | 63.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 77.7 | 59.1 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 72.5 | 51.6 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.7 | 46.6 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Long Beach Daugherty Airport.
| Measure | Long Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 64.9°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 72°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 57.1°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 12 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Long Beach Daugherty Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Long Beach?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Long Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.39%#1172 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Los Angeles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Angeles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.17% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0098% | 84% 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 Long Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Long Beach is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #47 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 455,548.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #1175 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 | 29.9 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 min |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #681 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 | 27.3 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 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 Long Beach compare with the rest of California?
Long Beach ranks #163 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 45.8 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 13% below the California median. Violent crime is 43% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% 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 |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | … #159 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 |
| Oakland, CAPop. 439,418 | #160 | 46.3 | $101,600 | $1,979/mo | 1,475 |
| Tulare, CAPop. 70,945 | #161 | 46.3 | $72,410 | $1,435/mo | 477 |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #162 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #163 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #164 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 |
| Vallejo, CAPop. 124,268 | #165 | 45.3 | $90,171 | $2,073/mo | 778 |
| Watsonville, CAPop. 51,712 | #166 | 44.9 | $78,393 | $1,889/mo | 415 |
| Salinas, CAPop. 161,761 | #167 | 44.7 | $91,908 | $1,991/mo | 516 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Long Beach among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Long Beach's score calculated?
Long Beach scores 45.8 out of 100, #1175 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Long Beach. Similar-size median 53.8.
49.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Long Beach's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
49.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Long Beach. Similar-size median 54.8.
61.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Long Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
42.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Long Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
32.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Long Beach. Similar-size median 47.2.
50.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Long Beach. Similar-size median 42.4.
33.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Long Beach. Similar-size median 53.7.
49.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Long Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
55.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Long Beach's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Is Long Beach, CA a good place to live?
Long Beach ranks #1175 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #47 of 53 big cities and #163 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on expensive homes ($806,600, #49 of 53) and long commutes (29.9 min, #49 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Long Beach?
Long Beach'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 $1,871/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $850,917, 11% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Long Beach?
Long Beach recorded 621 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 89% above the US rate of 328 and 43% above California's 433. That ranks #923 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #33 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Long Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 2,553 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Long Beach?
The median household in Long Beach earns $87,430, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Long Beach?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,871/mo (Census), #1017 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,422/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Long Beach?
The typical home value in Long Beach is $850,917, up 2.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $806,600.
How are the public schools in Long Beach?
Long Beach's 74 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (California 87%), with 24 students per teacher and $18,509 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Long Beach?
The average commute is 29.9 minutes, #1100 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 11.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Long Beach?
Long Beach averages 64.9°F over the year, 72°F in summer and 57.1°F in winter, with 12 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Long Beach walkable?
Long Beach scores 11.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #535 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 Long Beach at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Long Beach?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Long Beach?
Long Beach has 455,548 residents. The median resident of Long Beach is 37.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 35.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #593 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Long Beach compare with the rest of California?
Long Beach ranks #163 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 45.8 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 13% below the California median. Violent crime is 43% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Long Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Long Beach's population of 455,548 are Atlanta, GA (#481 overall), Omaha, NE (#588 overall), Colorado Springs, CO (#929 overall), Raleigh, NC (#335 overall), and Miami, FL (#681 overall). Long Beach is #1175.