CaliforniaPop. 58,893Smaller cities
Is National City a Good Place to Live? National City, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
National City ranks #1125 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #466 of 524 smaller cities and #154 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (637 per 100,000, #407 of 442) and high unemployment (5.4%, #403 of 476).
National City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with National City'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 National City?
National City's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,692/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $695,171, 9% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | National City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $695,171#1010 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 | $2,457/mo#901 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $612,200#1084 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,692/mo#872 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 9.2x#1264 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 30.4%#1259 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.
National City 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. National City is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is National City safe?
National City recorded 637 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% above the US rate of 373 and 45% above California's 440. That ranks #931 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #407 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by National City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,713 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | National City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 637#931 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,713#578 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 National City?
The median household in National City earns $66,841, 13% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.2%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | National City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $66,841#886 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.6%#836 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.5%#952 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 National City?
The median resident of National City is 36.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 34.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | National City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 18.1%#1206 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 34.7% | 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 National City's schools and health?
National City's 15 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.7 students per teacher and $18,557 spent per pupil. 28% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | National City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 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 | $18,557#300 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 28%#269 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 16.6%#1132 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. 10,905 students are enrolled in National City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in National City?
The average commute in National City is 25.4 minutes (California 25.2); 4% of workers take transit and 6.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index National City scores 15 of 20 (above average walkable), #38 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.1°F and winters 58.4°F, with 9.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | National City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.4 min#808 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 68.5% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.3% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.5% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15#38 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 | 66.4 | 50.3 | 2 |
| Feb | 66.2 | 51.8 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 67 | 54.5 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 68.8 | 57.1 | 0.7 |
| May | 69.5 | 60 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 71.7 | 62.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 75.3 | 66.1 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 77.3 | 67.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 77.2 | 66.2 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.6 | 61.5 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 70.7 | 54.8 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66 | 49.8 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Diego International Airport.
| Measure | National City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 58.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 9.8 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 San Diego International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in National City?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | National City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.24%#1033 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 San Diego County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Diego County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.073% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% 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 National City compare with similar-size cities?
National City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #466 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,893.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #1125 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 | 25.4 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #220 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 min |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #221 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 | 14.8 min |
| Casper, WYPop. 58,839 | #530 | 57.6 | $70,218 | $1,009/mo | 320 | 17 min |
| The Hammocks, FLPop. 58,838 | #1023 | 49.7 | $85,628 | $2,187/mo | no data | 35 min |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #685 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data | 33.3 min |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #312 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data | 25.1 min |
| Taylorsville, UTPop. 58,678 | #731 | 54.5 | $86,413 | $1,482/mo | 187 | 22.2 min |
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #15 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 | 36.8 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 National City compare with the rest of California?
National City ranks #154 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 27% below the California median. Violent crime is 45% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 |
| 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 |
| Paramount, CAPop. 52,050 | #157 | 47.1 | $75,250 | $1,875/mo | 641 |
| South Gate, CAPop. 91,483 | #158 | 46.4 | $74,571 | $1,531/mo | 475 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of National City among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is National City's score calculated?
National City scores 47.4 out of 100, #1125 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 National City. Similar-size median 55.5.
40.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by National City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
54.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in National City. Similar-size median 58.9.
56.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in National City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
National City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
44.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in National City. Similar-size median 56.1.
42.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in National City. Similar-size median 42.4.
31.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in National City. Similar-size median 50.0.
48.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across National City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
73.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: National City'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 National City 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 National City
Is National City, CA a good place to live?
National City ranks #1125 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #466 of 524 smaller cities and #154 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (637 per 100,000, #407 of 442) and high unemployment (5.4%, #403 of 476).
What is the cost of living in National City?
National City's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,692/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $695,171, 9% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in National City?
National City recorded 637 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% above the US rate of 373 and 45% above California's 440. That ranks #931 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #407 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by National City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,713 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in National City?
The median household in National City earns $66,841, 13% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.2%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in National City?
Median rent in National City is $1,692/mo (Census), #872 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,457/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 30.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in National City?
Zillow's typical home value in National City is $695,171, up 2.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $612,200.
How are the public schools in National City?
National City's 15 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.7 students per teacher and $18,557 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in National City?
The average commute is 25.4 minutes, #808 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in National City?
National City averages 64.7°F over the year, 70.1°F in summer and 58.4°F in winter, with 9.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is National City walkable?
National City scores 15 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #38 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 National City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in National City?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in National City?
National City has 58,893 residents. The median resident of National City is 36.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 34.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does National City compare with the rest of California?
National City ranks #154 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 27% below the California median. Violent crime is 45% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to National City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to National City's population of 58,893 are St. Peters, MO (#220 overall), Grand Forks, ND (#221 overall), Casper, WY (#530 overall), The Hammocks, FL (#1023 overall), and Hempstead, NY (#685 overall). National City is #1125.