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Is Oakland a Good Place to Live? Oakland, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oakland ranks #1163 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #46 of 53 big cities and #160 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($101,600, #7 of 53), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #53 of 53) and high violent crime (1,475 per 100,000, #50 of 50).
Oakland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oakland'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 Oakland?
Oakland'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 $1,979/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $708,610, 7% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Oakland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $708,610#1016 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,735/mo#971 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $929,900#1241 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,979/mo#1085 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 9.2x#1264 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23.4%#820 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Oakland 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. Oakland is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Oakland safe?
Oakland recorded 1,475 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.4 times California's 433. That ranks #1077 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #50 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oakland Police Department. Property crime runs 5,255 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Oakland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 1,475#1077 of 1,085 | 433 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 5,255#1078 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Oakland?
The median household in Oakland earns $101,600, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 13.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Oakland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $101,600#323 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 13.4%#762 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Oakland?
The median resident of Oakland is 37.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 48.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #284 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oakland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 37.9 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 48.7%#284 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 42.3% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Oakland's schools and health?
Oakland's 109 public schools graduate 72% of students in four years (California 87%), with 20 students per teacher and $21,068 spent per pupil. 27.6% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Oakland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 72%#1013 of 1,063 | 87% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 20#941 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $21,068#161 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 27.6%#251 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.2%#679 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 46,200 students are enrolled in Oakland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oakland?
The average commute in Oakland is 29.8 minutes (California 29.7); 12.5% of workers take transit and 26.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oakland scores 14.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #90 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.7°F and winters 50.8°F, with 18.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Oakland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 29.8 min#1094 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 11.9%#1144 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 46.9% | 67.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 12.5% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2.9% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 1.7% | 0.8% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 26.5% | 14.1% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.5#90 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 57.7 | 42 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 60.3 | 44.6 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 63.1 | 47 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 65.6 | 49.1 | 1.4 |
| May | 67.9 | 51.9 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 71.4 | 54.1 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 71.6 | 56.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 72.4 | 56.9 | 0 |
| Sep | 74.1 | 55.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 71.5 | 51.2 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 63.9 | 45.8 | 2 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 42.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oakland International Airport.
| Measure | Oakland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 58.1°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 63.7°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 50.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 18.7 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oakland International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Oakland?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Oakland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.41%#1223 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Alameda County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Alameda County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.23% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0012% | 56% 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 Oakland compare with similar-size cities?
Oakland is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #46 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 439,418.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland, CAPop. 439,418 | #1163 | 46.3 | $101,600 | $1,979/mo | 1,475 | 29.8 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 min |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #681 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 | 27.3 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 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 Oakland compare with the rest of California?
Oakland ranks #160 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 46.3 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 1% above the California median. Violent crime is 3.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 7% 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 |
| 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 |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #159 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 |
| Oakland, CAPop. 439,418 | #160 | 46.3 | $101,600 | $1,979/mo | 1,475 |
| Tulare, CAPop. 70,945 | #161 | 46.3 | $72,410 | $1,435/mo | 477 |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #162 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #163 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #164 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Oakland among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Oakland's score calculated?
Oakland scores 46.3 out of 100, #1163 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 Oakland. Similar-size median 53.8.
59.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oakland's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
5.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oakland. Similar-size median 54.8.
61.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oakland's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
45.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oakland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
26.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oakland. Similar-size median 47.2.
59.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oakland. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oakland. Similar-size median 53.7.
71.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oakland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
71.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
24.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Oakland's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Oakland 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 Oakland
Is Oakland, CA a good place to live?
Oakland ranks #1163 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #46 of 53 big cities and #160 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($101,600, #7 of 53), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #53 of 53) and high violent crime (1,475 per 100,000, #50 of 50).
What is the cost of living in Oakland?
Oakland'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 $1,979/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $708,610, 7% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Oakland?
Oakland recorded 1,475 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.4 times California's 433. That ranks #1077 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #50 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oakland Police Department. Property crime runs 5,255 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Oakland?
The median household in Oakland earns $101,600, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 13.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Oakland?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,979/mo (Census), #1085 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,735/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oakland?
The typical home value in Oakland is $708,610, down 0.9% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $929,900.
How are the public schools in Oakland?
Oakland's 109 public schools graduate 72% of students in four years (California 87%), with 20 students per teacher and $21,068 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oakland?
The average commute is 29.8 minutes, #1094 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 11.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oakland?
Oakland averages 58.1°F over the year, 63.7°F in summer and 50.8°F in winter, with 18.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Oakland walkable?
Oakland scores 14.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #90 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 Oakland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Oakland?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Oakland?
Oakland has 439,418 residents. The median resident of Oakland is 37.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 48.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #284 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oakland compare with the rest of California?
Oakland ranks #160 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 46.3 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 1% above the California median. Violent crime is 3.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 7% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Oakland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oakland's population of 439,418 are Colorado Springs, CO (#929 overall), Raleigh, NC (#335 overall), Miami, FL (#681 overall), Virginia Beach, VA (#254 overall), and Minneapolis, MN (#759 overall). Oakland is #1163.