CaliforniaPop. 211,666Mid-size cities
Is Moreno Valley a Good Place to Live? Moreno Valley, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Moreno Valley ranks #1043 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #198 of 256 mid-size cities and #137 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (91.9%, #47 of 205), and trails on long commutes (35.5 min, #246 of 256) and high unemployment (5.8%, #216 of 241).
Moreno Valley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Moreno Valley'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 Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,135/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $551,273, 28% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Moreno Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 106.4#993 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $551,273#889 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 | $2,382/mo#872 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $503,700#992 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,135/mo#1148 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27.5%#1168 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.
Moreno Valley 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. Moreno Valley is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Moreno Valley safe?
Moreno Valley recorded 300 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% below the US rate of 373 and 32% below California's 440. That ranks #563 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #102 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Moreno Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 1,645 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Moreno Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 300#563 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,645#547 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 Moreno Valley?
The median household in Moreno Valley earns $93,222, 21% above the US figure of $76,827 and 1% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.2%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Moreno Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $93,222#424 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.8%#968 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 11.7%#631 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.1%#597 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 Moreno Valley?
The median resident of Moreno Valley is 32.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 17.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1212 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Moreno Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 17.8%#1212 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 63.3% | 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 Moreno Valley's schools and health?
Moreno Valley's 42 public schools graduate 91.9% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.2 students per teacher and $18,359 spent per pupil. 39.6% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Moreno Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 91.9%#274 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.2#1038 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,359#318 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.6%#1095 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19%#1049 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 15.6%#1107 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. 37,239 students are enrolled in Moreno Valley's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Moreno Valley?
The average commute in Moreno Valley is 35.5 minutes (California 25.2); 0.8% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Moreno Valley scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.9°F and winters 51.5°F, with 10.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Moreno Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 35.5 min#1271 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 18.6%#1271 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.4% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.7#506 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 | 65.8 | 37.4 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 66.3 | 37.6 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 70.8 | 40.2 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 73.9 | 44.2 | 0.8 |
| May | 79.9 | 50.8 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 87.2 | 55.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 94.1 | 61.6 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 94.9 | 61.7 | 0.4 |
| Sep | 91.5 | 58.7 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 81.9 | 49.1 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 72.3 | 40.7 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 64.8 | 37.1 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at March AFB.
| Measure | Moreno Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 63.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 75.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 10.7 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 March AFB.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Moreno Valley?
Riverside County's air had a median air quality index of 80, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 109 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Riverside County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Moreno Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 80#1123 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 109#1108 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.49%#1283 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 Riverside County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Riverside County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.078% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.24% | 98% 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 Moreno Valley compare with similar-size cities?
Moreno Valley is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #198 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 211,666.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | #1043 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 | 35.5 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #967 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year | 29.9 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 min |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #1144 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 | 19.1 min |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #169 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 | 27.8 min |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #261 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 | 35.6 min |
| Salt Lake City, UTPop. 208,007 | #1011 | 49.8 | $75,090 | $1,414/mo | 862 | 19.5 min |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #635 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 | 24.1 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 Moreno Valley compare with the rest of California?
Moreno Valley ranks #137 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 49.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 1% above the California median. Violent crime is 32% below the statewide rate. Homes are 28% 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 |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | … #133 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 |
| Arden-Arcade, CAPop. 94,994 | #134 | 50.0 | $77,321 | $1,588/mo | no data |
| Rosemead, CAPop. 50,013 | #135 | 49.8 | $73,566 | $1,834/mo | 356 |
| Montebello, CAPop. 61,045 | #136 | 49.5 | $79,971 | $1,827/mo | 421 |
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | #137 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 |
| Riverside, CAPop. 319,069 | #138 | 49.0 | $91,045 | $1,914/mo | 535 |
| Indio, CAPop. 91,950 | #139 | 49.0 | $77,167 | $1,437/mo | 266 |
| Perris, CAPop. 80,511 | #140 | 48.8 | $88,911 | $1,876/mo | 271 |
| Santee, CAPop. 59,332 | #141 | 48.8 | $113,394 | $2,250/mo | part year |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Moreno Valley among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Moreno Valley's score calculated?
Moreno Valley scores 49.1 out of 100, #1043 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 Moreno Valley. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Moreno Valley's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
75.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Moreno Valley. Similar-size median 53.8.
40.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Moreno Valley's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
56.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Moreno Valley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
46.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Moreno Valley. Similar-size median 51.2.
59.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Moreno Valley. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Moreno Valley. Similar-size median 50.1.
27.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Moreno Valley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
1.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Moreno Valley'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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
Is Moreno Valley, CA a good place to live?
Moreno Valley ranks #1043 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #198 of 256 mid-size cities and #137 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (91.9%, #47 of 205), and trails on long commutes (35.5 min, #246 of 256) and high unemployment (5.8%, #216 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,135/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $551,273, 28% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley recorded 300 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% below the US rate of 373 and 32% below California's 440. That ranks #563 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #102 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Moreno Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 1,645 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Moreno Valley?
The median household in Moreno Valley earns $93,222, 21% above the US figure of $76,827 and 1% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.2%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,135/mo (Census), #1148 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,382/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Moreno Valley?
Zillow's typical home value in Moreno Valley is $551,273, up 0.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $503,700.
How are the public schools in Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley's 42 public schools graduate 91.9% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.2 students per teacher and $18,359 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Moreno Valley?
The average commute is 35.5 minutes, #1271 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 18.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley averages 63.3°F over the year, 75.9°F in summer and 51.5°F in winter, with 10.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Moreno Valley walkable?
Moreno Valley scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 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 Moreno Valley at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Riverside County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Moreno Valley?
Riverside County's air had a median air quality index of 80, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 109 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley has 211,666 residents. The median resident of Moreno Valley is 32.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 17.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1212 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Moreno Valley compare with the rest of California?
Moreno Valley ranks #137 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 49.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 1% above the California median. Violent crime is 32% below the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Moreno Valley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Moreno Valley's population of 211,666 are Spring Valley, NV (#959 overall), Cape Coral, FL (#967 overall), Des Moines, IA (#879 overall), Fayetteville, NC (#1144 overall), and McKinney, TX (#169 overall). Moreno Valley is #1043.