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Is Newport Beach a Good Place to Live? Newport Beach, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Newport Beach ranks #186 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #92 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($156,867, #23 of 524) and low poverty (6.6%, #102 of 524), and trails on high rents ($3,316/mo, #522 of 524) and expensive homes ($2,000,001, #522 of 524).
Newport Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Newport Beach'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 Newport Beach?
Newport Beach'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 $3,316/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $3,697,219, 4.8 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Newport Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $3,697,219#1187 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 | $4,375/mo#1109 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $2,000,001#1307 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $3,316/mo#1304 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 12.7x#1304 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.4%#1041 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.
Newport Beach 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. Newport Beach is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Newport Beach safe?
Newport Beach recorded 251 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 373 and 43% below California's 440. That ranks #459 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #210 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newport Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,559 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Newport Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 251#459 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,559#505 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 Newport Beach?
The median household in Newport Beach earns $156,867, 2 times the US figure of $76,827 and 71% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Newport Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $156,867#36 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.6%#218 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.8%#1052 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 Newport Beach?
The median resident of Newport Beach is 45.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 69.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #52 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Newport Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 45.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 69.6%#52 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52.1% | 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 Newport Beach's schools and health?
Newport Beach's 9 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.5 students per teacher and $22,948 spent per pupil. 22.1% of adults are obese and 9.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Newport Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.5#995 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,948#93 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22.1%#44 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.2%#252 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 3.9%#12 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. 7,720 students are enrolled in Newport Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Newport Beach?
The average commute in Newport Beach is 22.9 minutes (California 25.2); 0.1% of workers take transit and 28.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Newport Beach scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.5°F and winters 57.9°F, with 11.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Newport Beach | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.9 min#586 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 63% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 28.9% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.3#280 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 | 67 | 48.6 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 66.7 | 50.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 67.7 | 52.3 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 70.2 | 54.9 | 0.5 |
| May | 71.3 | 59.3 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 74.1 | 62.6 | 0 |
| Jul | 78.9 | 66.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 80.4 | 67.1 | 0 |
| Sep | 79.9 | 65 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 76.5 | 59.2 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 71.9 | 53.3 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.5 | 48.3 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Ana John Wayne Airport.
| Measure | Newport Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.2 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 Santa Ana John Wayne Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Newport Beach?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Newport Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.3%#1079 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 Orange County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Orange County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.009% | 84% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 58% 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 Newport Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Newport Beach is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #92 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 83,845.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport Beach, CAPop. 83,845 | #186 | 64.8 | $156,867 | $3,316/mo | 251 | 22.9 min |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #319 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 | 21.3 min |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #753 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 | 25.4 min |
| The Villages, FLPop. 83,498 | #684 | 55.3 | $77,622 | $1,397/mo | no data | 21.2 min |
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #235 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 | 30 min |
| Layton, UTPop. 83,286 | #303 | 62.0 | $102,480 | $1,538/mo | 141 | 22.9 min |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #208 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 | 24.3 min |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #764 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 | 22.2 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 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 Newport Beach compare with the rest of California?
Newport Beach ranks #11 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 71% above the California median. Violent crime is 43% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4.8 times 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 |
| Newport Beach, CAPop. 83,845 | #11 | 64.8 | $156,867 | $3,316/mo | 251 |
| Rocklin, CAPop. 73,327 | #12 | 64.8 | $124,168 | $2,258/mo | 122 |
| San Ramon, CAPop. 85,993 | #13 | 64.5 | $196,161 | $2,968/mo | 92 |
| Fremont, CAPop. 228,295 | #14 | 64.2 | $181,506 | $2,933/mo | 106 |
| El Dorado Hills, CAPop. 51,026 | #15 | 64.2 | $165,349 | $2,552/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Newport Beach among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Newport Beach's score calculated?
Newport Beach scores 64.8 out of 100, #186 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Newport Beach. Similar-size median 55.5.
87.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Newport Beach's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
79.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Newport Beach. Similar-size median 58.9.
80.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Newport Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
62.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Newport Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
15.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Newport Beach. Similar-size median 56.1.
93.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Newport Beach. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Newport Beach. Similar-size median 50.0.
62.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Newport Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
23.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Newport Beach'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 Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach
Is Newport Beach, CA a good place to live?
Newport Beach ranks #186 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #92 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($156,867, #23 of 524) and low poverty (6.6%, #102 of 524), and trails on high rents ($3,316/mo, #522 of 524) and expensive homes ($2,000,001, #522 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Newport Beach?
Newport Beach'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 $3,316/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $3,697,219, 4.8 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Newport Beach?
Newport Beach recorded 251 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 373 and 43% below California's 440. That ranks #459 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #210 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newport Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,559 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Newport Beach?
The median household in Newport Beach earns $156,867, 2 times the US figure of $76,827 and 71% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Newport Beach?
Median rent in Newport Beach is $3,316/mo (Census), #1304 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $4,375/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Newport Beach?
Zillow's typical home value in Newport Beach is $3,697,219, up 10.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $2,000,001.
How are the public schools in Newport Beach?
Newport Beach's 9 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.5 students per teacher and $22,948 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Newport Beach?
The average commute is 22.9 minutes, #586 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Newport Beach?
Newport Beach averages 64.9°F over the year, 71.5°F in summer and 57.9°F in winter, with 11.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Newport Beach walkable?
Newport Beach scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 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 Newport Beach at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Newport Beach?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Newport Beach?
Newport Beach has 83,845 residents. The median resident of Newport Beach is 45.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 69.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #52 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Newport Beach compare with the rest of California?
Newport Beach ranks #11 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 71% above the California median. Violent crime is 43% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4.8 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Newport Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Newport Beach's population of 83,845 are Brooklyn Park, MN (#319 overall), Westland, MI (#753 overall), The Villages, FL (#684 overall), Frederick, MD (#235 overall), and Layton, UT (#303 overall). Newport Beach is #186.