CaliforniaPop. 3,857,263Large cities
Is Los Angeles a Good Place to Live? Los Angeles, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Los Angeles ranks #1123 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #31 of 37 large cities and #152 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (113.6, #36 of 37) and high unemployment (5.8%, #35 of 37).
Los Angeles by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Los Angeles'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 Los Angeles?
Los Angeles'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 $1,933/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $929,572, 22% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Los Angeles | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $929,572#1103 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,778/mo#986 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $921,200#1239 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,933/mo#1060 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 11.2x#1296 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 28.3%#1201 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Los Angeles 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. Los Angeles is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Los Angeles safe?
Los Angeles recorded 670 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 55% above California's 433. That ranks #949 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #17 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Los Angeles Police Department. Property crime runs 2,253 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Los Angeles | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 670#949 of 1,085 | 433 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,253#777 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Los Angeles?
The median household in Los Angeles earns $81,939, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.3%). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Los Angeles | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $81,939#581 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 5.8%#968 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 16.5%#949 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Los Angeles?
The median resident of Los Angeles is 37.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 38.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #508 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Los Angeles | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 37.2 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 38.5%#508 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 36% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Los Angeles's schools and health?
Los Angeles's 448 public schools graduate 80.2% of students in four years (California 87%), with 19.6 students per teacher and $21,778 spent per pupil. 27.3% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Los Angeles | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 80.2%#877 of 1,063 | 87% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 19.6#929 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $21,778#131 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 27.3%#237 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13.2%#973 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 208,718 students are enrolled in Los Angeles's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Los Angeles?
The average commute in Los Angeles is 30.7 minutes (California 29.7); 6.1% of workers take transit and 19.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Los Angeles scores 14.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #90 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.1°F and winters 57.2°F, with 13.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Los Angeles | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 30.7 min#1149 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 11.9%#1144 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 59.8% | 67.3% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 6.1% | 3.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 3.2% | 2.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 19.5% | 14.1% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.5#90 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 66 | 48.7 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 65.6 | 49 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 66.4 | 51 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 68.1 | 52.8 | 0.6 |
| May | 68.9 | 56.6 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 71.4 | 59.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 75.1 | 62.9 | 0 |
| Aug | 76.5 | 63.2 | 0 |
| Sep | 76.1 | 62.3 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74 | 58.1 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 70.1 | 52 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.2 | 47.7 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Monica Muni Airport.
| Measure | Los Angeles | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 62.8°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 68.1°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 57.2°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 13.5 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Monica Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Los Angeles?
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 | Los Angeles | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Los Angeles compare with similar-size cities?
Los Angeles is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #31 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 3,857,263.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #1123 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 | 30.7 min |
| New York, NYPop. 8,483,844 | #705 | 54.8 | $80,483 | $1,821/mo | 660 | 40.3 min |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #460 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 | 33.1 min |
| Houston, TXPop. 2,328,253 | #1218 | 44.3 | $64,813 | $1,361/mo | 884 | 27.2 min |
| Phoenix, AZPop. 1,642,323 | #924 | 51.3 | $81,332 | $1,582/mo | 696 | 25.6 min |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #1102 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 | 31.7 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 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 Los Angeles compare with the rest of California?
Los Angeles ranks #152 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.4 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 18% below the California median. Violent crime is 55% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 |
| Gardena, CAPop. 59,422 | … #148 | 48.0 | $84,803 | $1,809/mo | 616 |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #149 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 |
| Santa Maria, CAPop. 110,462 | #150 | 47.8 | $84,746 | $1,925/mo | 624 |
| Bellflower, CAPop. 76,819 | #151 | 47.8 | $78,722 | $1,830/mo | 579 |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #152 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #153 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #154 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #155 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 |
| Modesto, CAPop. 219,215 | #156 | 47.1 | $79,891 | $1,690/mo | 587 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Los Angeles among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Los Angeles's score calculated?
Los Angeles scores 47.4 out of 100, #1123 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 Los Angeles. Similar-size median 50.4.
45.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Los Angeles's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
48.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Los Angeles. Similar-size median 52.4.
61.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Los Angeles's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
55.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Los Angeles's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
28.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Los Angeles. Similar-size median 43.4.
45.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Los Angeles. Similar-size median 40.4.
33.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Los Angeles. Similar-size median 56.6.
56.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Los Angeles's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
71.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Los Angeles's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Is Los Angeles, CA a good place to live?
Los Angeles ranks #1123 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #31 of 37 large cities and #152 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (113.6, #36 of 37) and high unemployment (5.8%, #35 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles'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 $1,933/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $929,572, 22% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles recorded 670 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 55% above California's 433. That ranks #949 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #17 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Los Angeles Police Department. Property crime runs 2,253 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Los Angeles?
The median household in Los Angeles earns $81,939, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.3%). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Los Angeles?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,933/mo (Census), #1060 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,778/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Los Angeles?
The typical home value in Los Angeles is $929,572, down 0.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $921,200.
How are the public schools in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles's 448 public schools graduate 80.2% of students in four years (California 87%), with 19.6 students per teacher and $21,778 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Los Angeles?
The average commute is 30.7 minutes, #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 11.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles averages 62.8°F over the year, 68.1°F in summer and 57.2°F in winter, with 13.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Los Angeles walkable?
Los Angeles scores 14.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #90 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has 3,857,263 residents. The median resident of Los Angeles is 37.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 38.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #508 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Los Angeles compare with the rest of California?
Los Angeles ranks #152 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.4 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 18% below the California median. Violent crime is 55% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Los Angeles?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Los Angeles's population of 3,857,263 are New York, NY (#705 overall), Chicago, IL (#460 overall), Houston, TX (#1218 overall), Phoenix, AZ (#924 overall), and Philadelphia, PA (#1102 overall). Los Angeles is #1123.