CaliforniaPop. 112,064Mid-size cities
Is Murrieta a Good Place to Live? Murrieta, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Murrieta ranks #642 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #107 of 256 mid-size cities and #71 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #2 of 205) and low poverty (5.4%, #10 of 256), and trails on long commutes (37.4 min, #250 of 256) and high rents ($2,388/mo, #240 of 256).
Murrieta by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Murrieta'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 Murrieta?
Murrieta'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 $2,388/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $687,308, 10% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Murrieta | 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 | $687,308#1004 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 | $2,672/mo#954 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $639,800#1108 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,388/mo#1226 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.1%#1012 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.
Murrieta 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. Murrieta is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Murrieta safe?
Murrieta recorded 186 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% below the US rate of 373 and 58% below California's 440. That ranks #323 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #45 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Murrieta Police Department. Property crime runs 860 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Murrieta | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 186#323 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 860#155 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 Murrieta?
The median household in Murrieta earns $114,081, 48% above the US figure of $76,827 and 24% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.2%). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Murrieta | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $114,081#192 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 5.4%#128 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.8%#279 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 Murrieta?
The median resident of Murrieta is 36.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Murrieta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 32.6%#695 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 69.5% | 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 Murrieta's schools and health?
Murrieta's 17 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.6 students per teacher and $14,966 spent per pupil. 33.4% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Murrieta | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 97%#17 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 24.6#1157 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,966#590 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.4%#644 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17%#634 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 7.5%#317 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. 20,274 students are enrolled in Murrieta's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Murrieta?
The average commute in Murrieta is 37.4 minutes (California 25.2); 0.3% of workers take transit and 16.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Murrieta scores 10.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #609 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.5°F and winters 56.9°F, with 15.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Murrieta | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 37.4 min#1291 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 27.5%#1303 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.2% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 16.8% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.8#609 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 | 67.5 | 47.4 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 66.7 | 46.4 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 70.1 | 47.9 | 2 |
| Apr | 72.1 | 50.5 | 1 |
| May | 75.2 | 52.9 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 80.8 | 55.9 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 87.2 | 60 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 89.3 | 61.8 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 87.8 | 61.7 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 83.1 | 58 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 74.3 | 51.9 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 67.1 | 46.1 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fallbrook 5 Ne.
| Measure | Murrieta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 72.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 15.3 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 Fallbrook 5 Ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Murrieta?
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 | Murrieta | 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 Murrieta compare with similar-size cities?
Murrieta is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #107 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 112,064.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murrieta, CAPop. 112,064 | #642 | 55.9 | $114,081 | $2,388/mo | 186 | 37.4 min |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #1291 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 | 20.3 min |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #988 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 | 32.1 min |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #1201 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 | 18.9 min |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #882 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 | 26 min |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #1153 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 | 17.9 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 min |
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #1247 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 | 19.4 min |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #1082 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 | 19.6 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 Murrieta compare with the rest of California?
Murrieta ranks #71 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 24% above the California median. Violent crime is 58% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% 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 |
| 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 |
| Gilroy, CAPop. 59,004 | #70 | 56.0 | $133,107 | $2,301/mo | 406 |
| Murrieta, CAPop. 112,064 | #71 | 55.9 | $114,081 | $2,388/mo | 186 |
| Buena Park, CAPop. 82,871 | #72 | 55.9 | $110,550 | $2,206/mo | 281 |
| Glendora, CAPop. 50,926 | #73 | 55.9 | $113,569 | $2,254/mo | 188 |
| Santa Ana, CAPop. 312,534 | #74 | 55.8 | $93,999 | $2,082/mo | 337 |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #75 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Murrieta among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Murrieta's score calculated?
Murrieta scores 55.9 out of 100, #642 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Murrieta. Similar-size median 52.9.
64.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Murrieta's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
88.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Murrieta. Similar-size median 53.8.
58.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Murrieta's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Murrieta's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
38.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Murrieta. Similar-size median 51.2.
79.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Murrieta. Similar-size median 42.1.
46.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Murrieta. Similar-size median 50.1.
28.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Murrieta's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
51.6 - 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: Murrieta'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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
Is Murrieta, CA a good place to live?
Murrieta ranks #642 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #107 of 256 mid-size cities and #71 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #2 of 205) and low poverty (5.4%, #10 of 256), and trails on long commutes (37.4 min, #250 of 256) and high rents ($2,388/mo, #240 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Murrieta?
Murrieta'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 $2,388/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $687,308, 10% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Murrieta?
Murrieta recorded 186 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% below the US rate of 373 and 58% below California's 440. That ranks #323 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #45 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Murrieta Police Department. Property crime runs 860 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Murrieta?
The median household in Murrieta earns $114,081, 48% above the US figure of $76,827 and 24% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.2%). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Murrieta?
Median rent in Murrieta is $2,388/mo (Census), #1226 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,672/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Murrieta?
Zillow's typical home value in Murrieta is $687,308, up 0.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $639,800.
How are the public schools in Murrieta?
Murrieta's 17 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.6 students per teacher and $14,966 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Murrieta?
The average commute is 37.4 minutes, #1291 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 27.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Murrieta?
Murrieta averages 65.1°F over the year, 72.5°F in summer and 56.9°F in winter, with 15.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Murrieta walkable?
Murrieta scores 10.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #609 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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta?
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 Murrieta?
Murrieta has 112,064 residents. The median resident of Murrieta is 36.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Murrieta compare with the rest of California?
Murrieta ranks #71 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 24% above the California median. Violent crime is 58% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Murrieta?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Murrieta's population of 112,064 are Beaumont, TX (#1291 overall), Miami Gardens, FL (#988 overall), Lansing, MI (#1201 overall), Gresham, OR (#882 overall), and Peoria, IL (#1153 overall). Murrieta is #642.