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Is Novato a Good Place to Live? Novato, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Novato ranks #425 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #196 of 524 smaller cities and #41 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($115,736, #99 of 524) and high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,032,500, #491 of 524).
Novato by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Novato'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 Novato?
Novato's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,506/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,061,654, 39% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Novato | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,061,654#1126 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 | $3,889/mo#1097 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,032,500#1253 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,506/mo#1244 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.9x#1258 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26%#1088 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.
Novato 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. Novato is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Novato safe?
Novato recorded 211 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 373 and 52% below California's 440. That ranks #371 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #168 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Novato Police Department. Property crime runs 1,338 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Novato | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 211#371 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,338#374 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 Novato?
The median household in Novato earns $115,736, 51% above the US figure of $76,827 and 26% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Novato | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $115,736#185 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.6%#468 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.4%#906 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 Novato?
The median resident of Novato is 47.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 48.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #282 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Novato | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 47.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 48.9%#282 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 66.1% | 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 Novato's schools and health?
Novato's 13 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22 students per teacher and $15,829 spent per pupil. 22.4% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Novato | 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#1022 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,829#492 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22.4%#51 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.1%#276 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.3%#289 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. 7,267 students are enrolled in Novato's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Novato?
The average commute in Novato is 28.1 minutes (California 25.2); 3.8% of workers take transit and 19.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Novato scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.3°F and winters 50.6°F, with 34.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Novato | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 28.1 min#1006 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.2%#1005 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 64% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.8% | 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% | 19.5% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.5#410 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 | 42.6 | 7.1 |
| Feb | 61.1 | 44 | 6.9 |
| Mar | 64.8 | 45.5 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 67.8 | 47.5 | 2 |
| May | 72 | 50.6 | 0.9 |
| Jun | 77.9 | 53.5 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 80.9 | 54.9 | 0 |
| Aug | 81.3 | 55.5 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 80.7 | 54.4 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.9 | 51.4 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 64.6 | 46 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 57.1 | 42.1 | 7.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Rafael-Civic Ctr.
| Measure | Novato | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 67.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 34.5 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 Rafael-Civic Ctr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Novato?
Marin County's air had a median air quality index of 21, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marin County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Novato | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 21#29 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.37%#1150 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 Marin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Marin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0011% | 96% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.028% | 95% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0049% | 77% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.009% | 76% 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 Novato compare with similar-size cities?
Novato is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #196 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 52,546.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novato, CAPop. 52,546 | #425 | 59.6 | $115,736 | $2,506/mo | 211 | 28.1 min |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #461 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 | 30.9 min |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #773 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 | 16.9 min |
| Kendale Lakes, FLPop. 52,622 | #1137 | 47.1 | $71,621 | $1,968/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Catalina Foothills, AZPop. 52,593 | #263 | 62.9 | $115,304 | $1,412/mo | no data | 22 min |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #1121 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 | 18 min |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #458 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data | 25.4 min |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #373 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 | 24.7 min |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #1253 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 | 18.6 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 Novato compare with the rest of California?
Novato ranks #41 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 26% above the California median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 39% 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 |
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | … #37 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #38 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 |
| Alameda, CAPop. 77,238 | #39 | 59.9 | $137,697 | $2,474/mo | 348 |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #40 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 |
| Novato, CAPop. 52,546 | #41 | 59.6 | $115,736 | $2,506/mo | 211 |
| Orange, CAPop. 138,266 | #42 | 59.4 | $117,113 | $2,327/mo | 196 |
| Walnut Creek, CAPop. 70,088 | #43 | 59.1 | $130,432 | $2,680/mo | 217 |
| Fountain Valley, CAPop. 56,258 | #44 | 59.0 | $115,237 | $2,631/mo | 176 |
| Milpitas, CAPop. 78,578 | #45 | 58.6 | $178,798 | $3,120/mo | 237 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Novato among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Novato's score calculated?
Novato scores 59.6 out of 100, #425 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 Novato. Similar-size median 55.5.
66.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Novato's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
83.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Novato. Similar-size median 58.9.
75.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Novato's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
52.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Novato's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
20.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Novato. Similar-size median 56.1.
72.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Novato. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Novato. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Novato's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
53.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Novato'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 Novato 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 Novato
Is Novato, CA a good place to live?
Novato ranks #425 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #196 of 524 smaller cities and #41 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($115,736, #99 of 524) and high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,032,500, #491 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Novato?
Novato's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,506/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,061,654, 39% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Novato?
Novato recorded 211 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 373 and 52% below California's 440. That ranks #371 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #168 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Novato Police Department. Property crime runs 1,338 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Novato?
The median household in Novato earns $115,736, 51% above the US figure of $76,827 and 26% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Novato?
Median rent in Novato is $2,506/mo (Census), #1244 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,889/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Novato?
Zillow's typical home value in Novato is $1,061,654, up 1.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,032,500.
How are the public schools in Novato?
Novato's 13 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22 students per teacher and $15,829 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Novato?
The average commute is 28.1 minutes, #1006 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 9.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Novato?
Novato averages 59.5°F over the year, 67.3°F in summer and 50.6°F in winter, with 34.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Novato walkable?
Novato scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 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 Novato at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marin County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Novato?
Marin County's air had a median air quality index of 21, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Novato?
Novato has 52,546 residents. The median resident of Novato is 47.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 48.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #282 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Novato compare with the rest of California?
Novato ranks #41 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 26% above the California median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 39% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Novato?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Novato's population of 52,546 are Burleson, TX (#461 overall), Grand Island, NE (#773 overall), Kendale Lakes, FL (#1137 overall), Catalina Foothills, AZ (#263 overall), and Joplin, MO (#1121 overall). Novato is #425.