CaliforniaPop. 172,242Mid-size cities
Is Oceanside a Good Place to Live? Oceanside, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oceanside ranks #806 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #140 of 256 mid-size cities and #100 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (8.3%, #55 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,303/mo, #235 of 256) and expensive homes ($770,300, #226 of 256).
Oceanside by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oceanside'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 Oceanside?
Oceanside'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 $2,303/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $867,314, 13% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Oceanside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $867,314#1081 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,931/mo#1019 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $770,300#1180 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,303/mo#1208 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.9x#1213 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 28.3%#1201 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Oceanside 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. Oceanside is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Oceanside safe?
Oceanside recorded 385 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% above the US rate of 373 and 13% below California's 440. That ranks #694 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #135 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oceanside Police Department. Property crime runs 1,544 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Oceanside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 385#694 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,544#496 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Oceanside?
The median household in Oceanside earns $97,737, 27% above the US figure of $76,827 and 6% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Oceanside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $97,737#371 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $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 12.6% | 8.3%#352 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Oceanside?
The median resident of Oceanside is 38.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #577 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oceanside | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 36.2%#577 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 58.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Oceanside's schools and health?
Oceanside's 31 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $17,705 spent per pupil. 26.1% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Oceanside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 23.2#1094 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,705#360 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 26.1%#184 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.9%#618 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.7%#622 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 23,202 students are enrolled in Oceanside's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oceanside?
The average commute in Oceanside is 28.7 minutes (California 25.2); 1.8% of workers take transit and 16% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oceanside scores 11.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #497 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.3°F and winters 53.5°F, with 11.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Oceanside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.7 min#1043 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.5%#1025 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.3% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 16% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.8#497 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 66.7 | 40.5 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 66 | 42.1 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 66.3 | 46.2 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 68.9 | 47.6 | 0.9 |
| May | 69.8 | 54.4 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 72.7 | 58.2 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 76.5 | 62.1 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 78.3 | 62.1 | 0 |
| Sep | 77.8 | 59.2 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 75 | 52.6 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 70.9 | 43.8 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.1 | 39.8 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oceanside Muni Airport.
| Measure | Oceanside | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 61°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 53.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oceanside Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Oceanside?
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 | Oceanside | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.24%#1033 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Oceanside compare with similar-size cities?
Oceanside is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #140 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 172,242.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oceanside, CAPop. 172,242 | #806 | 53.2 | $97,737 | $2,303/mo | 385 | 28.7 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #40 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #890 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 | 22 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 min |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #528 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 | 30.4 min |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #418 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 | 19.5 min |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #1159 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 | 17.6 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 Oceanside compare with the rest of California?
Oceanside ranks #100 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 6% above the California median. Violent crime is 13% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 |
| Napa, CAPop. 78,239 | … #96 | 53.5 | $105,963 | $2,282/mo | 219 |
| Hayward, CAPop. 158,801 | #97 | 53.4 | $113,318 | $2,391/mo | 460 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Oceanside among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Oceanside's score calculated?
Oceanside scores 53.2 out of 100, #806 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 Oceanside. Similar-size median 52.9.
59.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oceanside's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
71.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oceanside. Similar-size median 53.8.
67.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oceanside's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
47.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oceanside's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
30.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oceanside. Similar-size median 51.2.
67.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oceanside. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oceanside. Similar-size median 50.1.
47.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oceanside's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
56.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Oceanside's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Oceanside 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 Oceanside
Is Oceanside, CA a good place to live?
Oceanside ranks #806 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #140 of 256 mid-size cities and #100 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (8.3%, #55 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,303/mo, #235 of 256) and expensive homes ($770,300, #226 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Oceanside?
Oceanside'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 $2,303/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $867,314, 13% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Oceanside?
Oceanside recorded 385 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% above the US rate of 373 and 13% below California's 440. That ranks #694 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #135 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oceanside Police Department. Property crime runs 1,544 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Oceanside?
The median household in Oceanside earns $97,737, 27% above the US figure of $76,827 and 6% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Oceanside?
Median rent in Oceanside is $2,303/mo (Census), #1208 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,931/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oceanside?
Zillow's typical home value in Oceanside is $867,314, up 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $770,300.
How are the public schools in Oceanside?
Oceanside's 31 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $17,705 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oceanside?
The average commute is 28.7 minutes, #1043 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 9.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oceanside?
Oceanside averages 61°F over the year, 68.3°F in summer and 53.5°F in winter, with 11.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Oceanside walkable?
Oceanside scores 11.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #497 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 Oceanside 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 Oceanside?
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 Oceanside?
Oceanside has 172,242 residents. The median resident of Oceanside is 38.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #577 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oceanside compare with the rest of California?
Oceanside ranks #100 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 6% above the California median. Violent crime is 13% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Oceanside?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oceanside's population of 172,242 are Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), Aurora, IL (#376 overall), Cary, NC (#40 overall), Salem, OR (#890 overall), and Clarksville, TN (#791 overall). Oceanside is #806.