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Is Norwalk a Good Place to Live? Norwalk, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Norwalk ranks #808 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #345 of 524 smaller cities and #102 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on a shrinking population (-1%, #451 of 468) and high unemployment (5.5%, #408 of 476).
Norwalk by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Norwalk'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 Norwalk?
Norwalk'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 $2,090/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $756,744, 1% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Norwalk | 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 | $756,744#1036 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 | $2,697/mo#963 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $644,700#1114 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,090/mo#1133 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.1%#1012 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.
Norwalk 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. Norwalk is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Norwalk safe?
Norwalk recorded 327 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 373 and 26% below California's 440. That ranks #596 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #264 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norwalk Police Department. Property crime runs 1,590 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Norwalk | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 327#596 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,590#517 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 Norwalk?
The median household in Norwalk earns $100,085, 30% above the US figure of $76,827 and 9% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.2%). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Norwalk | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $100,085#344 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.3%#442 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -1%#1087 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 Norwalk?
The median resident of Norwalk is 37.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1134 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Norwalk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 21.3%#1134 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 68.3% | 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 Norwalk's schools and health?
Norwalk's 21 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.6 students per teacher and $19,531 spent per pupil. 26.9% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Norwalk | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.6#1062 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,531#225 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.9%#221 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.1%#434 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.4%#1101 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. 11,422 students are enrolled in Norwalk's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Norwalk?
The average commute in Norwalk is 29.5 minutes (California 25.2); 1.7% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Norwalk scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.2°F and winters 57.7°F, with 11.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Norwalk | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.5 min#1079 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.6%#1088 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.8% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.7% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.9% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.8#187 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 | 68.8 | 46.4 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 69 | 48.3 | 3 |
| Mar | 71 | 51.5 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 74.2 | 53.8 | 0.6 |
| May | 75.7 | 58.1 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 79 | 62.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 84.4 | 66.1 | 0 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 66.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 85.4 | 64.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 80.3 | 58.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 74 | 50.7 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 68.1 | 45.6 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fullerton Muni Airport.
| Measure | Norwalk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 66.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.9 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 Fullerton Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Norwalk?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Norwalk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.39%#1172 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 Los Angeles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Angeles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.17% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0098% | 84% 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 Norwalk compare with similar-size cities?
Norwalk is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #345 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 99,789.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | #808 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 | 29.5 min |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #700 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 | 20 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #346 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| San Angelo, TXPop. 99,674 | #701 | 54.9 | $65,864 | $1,153/mo | 287 | 19.2 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #354 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 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 Norwalk compare with the rest of California?
Norwalk ranks #102 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 9% above the California median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% 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 |
| 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 |
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #101 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 |
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | #102 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 |
| Turlock, CAPop. 72,502 | #103 | 53.1 | $82,995 | $1,612/mo | 357 |
| San Leandro, CAPop. 87,826 | #104 | 52.8 | $101,420 | $2,186/mo | 506 |
| Monterey Park, CAPop. 59,132 | #105 | 52.8 | $81,855 | $1,888/mo | 265 |
| Concord, CAPop. 124,035 | #106 | 52.7 | $108,709 | $2,274/mo | 420 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Norwalk among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Norwalk's score calculated?
Norwalk scores 53.2 out of 100, #808 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 Norwalk. Similar-size median 55.5.
54.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Norwalk's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
74.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Norwalk. Similar-size median 58.9.
63.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Norwalk's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Norwalk's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
37.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Norwalk. Similar-size median 56.1.
66.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Norwalk. Similar-size median 42.4.
25.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Norwalk. Similar-size median 50.0.
37.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Norwalk's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
67.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Norwalk'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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk
Is Norwalk, CA a good place to live?
Norwalk ranks #808 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #345 of 524 smaller cities and #102 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on a shrinking population (-1%, #451 of 468) and high unemployment (5.5%, #408 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Norwalk?
Norwalk'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 $2,090/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $756,744, 1% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Norwalk?
Norwalk recorded 327 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 373 and 26% below California's 440. That ranks #596 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #264 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norwalk Police Department. Property crime runs 1,590 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Norwalk?
The median household in Norwalk earns $100,085, 30% above the US figure of $76,827 and 9% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.2%). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Norwalk?
Median rent in Norwalk is $2,090/mo (Census), #1133 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,697/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Norwalk?
Zillow's typical home value in Norwalk is $756,744, up 1.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $644,700.
How are the public schools in Norwalk?
Norwalk's 21 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.6 students per teacher and $19,531 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Norwalk?
The average commute is 29.5 minutes, #1079 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Norwalk?
Norwalk averages 66.2°F over the year, 74.2°F in summer and 57.7°F in winter, with 11.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Norwalk walkable?
Norwalk scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 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 Norwalk at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Norwalk?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Norwalk?
Norwalk has 99,789 residents. The median resident of Norwalk is 37.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1134 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Norwalk compare with the rest of California?
Norwalk ranks #102 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 9% above the California median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Norwalk?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Norwalk's population of 99,789 are Albany, NY (#700 overall), Boca Raton, FL (#346 overall), Yuma, AZ (#1169 overall), San Angelo, TX (#701 overall), and Federal Way, WA (#770 overall). Norwalk is #808.