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Is Napa a Good Place to Live? Napa, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Napa ranks #786 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #336 of 524 smaller cities and #96 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on expensive homes ($856,400, #471 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468).
Napa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Napa'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 Napa?
Napa's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,282/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $862,725, 13% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Napa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $862,725#1079 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 | $2,863/mo#1006 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $856,400#1214 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,282/mo#1203 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.1x#1220 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.8%#1077 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.
Napa 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. Napa is in the Napa, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Napa safe?
Napa recorded 219 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% below the US rate of 373 and 50% below California's 440. That ranks #388 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #176 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Napa Police Department. Property crime runs 1,180 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Napa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 219#388 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,180#299 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 Napa?
The median household in Napa earns $105,963, 38% above the US figure of $76,827 and 15% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Napa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $105,963#277 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.5%#366 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 Napa?
The median resident of Napa is 41.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #515 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Napa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 38.2%#515 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58.7% | 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 Napa's schools and health?
Napa's 18 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.7 students per teacher and $14,662 spent per pupil. 29.5% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Napa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.7#1124 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,662#627 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29.5%#367 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.6%#541 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.6%#729 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. 10,800 students are enrolled in Napa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Napa?
The average commute in Napa is 23.9 minutes (California 25.2); 0.7% of workers take transit and 14% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Napa scores 9.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.3°F and winters 48.5°F, with 20.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Napa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.9 min#672 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.2%#937 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 70.9% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.2% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.5#750 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 | 56.9 | 38.2 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 60.9 | 40 | 4 |
| Mar | 64.2 | 41.7 | 3 |
| Apr | 68.1 | 43.5 | 1.3 |
| May | 73.1 | 47.8 | 0.8 |
| Jun | 78.3 | 51.8 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 78.7 | 54.8 | 0 |
| Aug | 80 | 54.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 80.3 | 51 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 75.4 | 45.9 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 65.1 | 40.4 | 2 |
| Dec | 57.3 | 37.6 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Napa Co Airport.
| Measure | Napa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 57.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 66.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 20.2 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 Napa Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Napa?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Napa's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Napa County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.43% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Napa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.43%#1250 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 Napa County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Napa County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.13% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.24% | 97% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0015% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.012% | 86% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0026% | 64% 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 Napa compare with similar-size cities?
Napa is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #336 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 78,239.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napa, CAPop. 78,239 | #786 | 53.5 | $105,963 | $2,282/mo | 219 | 23.9 min |
| Daytona Beach, FLPop. 78,992 | #1114 | 47.6 | $52,058 | $1,328/mo | part year | 21.4 min |
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | #289 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 | 16.8 min |
| Loveland, COPop. 78,410 | #397 | 60.1 | $84,604 | $1,730/mo | 163 | 26.2 min |
| Woodbury, MNPop. 78,305 | #99 | 68.4 | $125,310 | $1,908/mo | 75 | 23.9 min |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #147 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 | 25.5 min |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #364 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 | 22.1 min |
| Rapid City, SDPop. 77,946 | #875 | 52.1 | $70,870 | $1,109/mo | 767 | 17.5 min |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #810 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 | 22.5 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 Napa compare with the rest of California?
Napa ranks #96 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.5 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 15% above the California median. Violent crime is 50% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 |
| Diamond Bar, CAPop. 53,355 | … #92 | 54.1 | $108,281 | $2,521/mo | 124 |
| Fullerton, CAPop. 140,968 | #93 | 53.8 | $104,286 | $2,194/mo | 358 |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #94 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 |
| Manteca, CAPop. 89,043 | #95 | 53.5 | $97,055 | $2,065/mo | 336 |
| Napa, CAPop. 78,239 | #96 | 53.5 | $105,963 | $2,282/mo | 219 |
| Hayward, CAPop. 158,801 | #97 | 53.4 | $113,318 | $2,391/mo | 460 |
| Corona, CAPop. 159,670 | #98 | 53.3 | $109,242 | $2,228/mo | 239 |
| Chino, CAPop. 92,652 | #99 | 53.3 | $104,682 | $2,336/mo | 324 |
| Oceanside, CAPop. 172,242 | #100 | 53.2 | $97,737 | $2,303/mo | 385 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Napa among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Napa's score calculated?
Napa scores 53.5 out of 100, #786 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 Napa. Similar-size median 55.5.
63.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Napa's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
84.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Napa. Similar-size median 58.9.
62.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Napa's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
46.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Napa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
26.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Napa. Similar-size median 56.1.
70.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Napa. Similar-size median 42.4.
33.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Napa. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Napa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.7 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
5.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Napa'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 Napa 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 Napa
Is Napa, CA a good place to live?
Napa ranks #786 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #336 of 524 smaller cities and #96 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on expensive homes ($856,400, #471 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Napa?
Napa's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,282/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $862,725, 13% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Napa?
Napa recorded 219 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% below the US rate of 373 and 50% below California's 440. That ranks #388 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #176 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Napa Police Department. Property crime runs 1,180 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Napa?
The median household in Napa earns $105,963, 38% above the US figure of $76,827 and 15% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Napa?
Median rent in Napa is $2,282/mo (Census), #1203 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,863/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Napa?
Zillow's typical home value in Napa is $862,725, down 2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $856,400.
How are the public schools in Napa?
Napa's 18 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.7 students per teacher and $14,662 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Napa?
The average commute is 23.9 minutes, #672 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 8.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Napa?
Napa averages 57.7°F over the year, 66.3°F in summer and 48.5°F in winter, with 20.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Napa walkable?
Napa scores 9.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #750 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 Napa at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Napa County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.43% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
Who lives in Napa?
Napa has 78,239 residents. The median resident of Napa is 41.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #515 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Napa compare with the rest of California?
Napa ranks #96 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.5 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 15% above the California median. Violent crime is 50% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Napa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Napa's population of 78,239 are Daytona Beach, FL (#1114 overall), Bloomington, IL (#289 overall), Loveland, CO (#397 overall), Woodbury, MN (#99 overall), and Cedar Park, TX (#147 overall). Napa is #786.