CaliforniaPop. 164,634Mid-size cities
Is Palmdale a Good Place to Live? Palmdale, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Palmdale ranks #1261 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #244 of 256 mid-size cities and #181 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (39.9 min, #252 of 256) and high unemployment (6.8%, #233 of 241).
Palmdale by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Palmdale'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 Palmdale?
Palmdale'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 $1,802/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $499,832, 35% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Palmdale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $499,832#811 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 | $2,751/mo#975 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $471,000#929 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,802/mo#965 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.4%#1117 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.
Palmdale 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. Palmdale is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Palmdale safe?
Palmdale recorded 483 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 373 and 10% above California's 440. That ranks #816 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #163 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palmdale Police Department. Property crime runs 1,721 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Palmdale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 483#816 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,721#583 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 Palmdale?
The median household in Palmdale earns $81,770, 6% above the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.8% (US 4.2%). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Palmdale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $81,770#586 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 6.8%#1021 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15.7%#902 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.4%#906 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 Palmdale?
The median resident of Palmdale is 33 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 17.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Palmdale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 17.1%#1228 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 66.2% | 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 Palmdale's schools and health?
Palmdale's 34 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.7 students per teacher and $16,949 spent per pupil. 30.3% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Palmdale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 79%#900 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 24.7#1161 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,949#415 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30.3%#410 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.8%#918 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 15.7%#1110 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. 31,202 students are enrolled in Palmdale's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Palmdale?
The average commute in Palmdale is 39.9 minutes (California 25.2); 0.9% of workers take transit and 9.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Palmdale scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.9°F and winters 46.5°F, with 5.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Palmdale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 39.9 min#1300 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 29.6%#1308 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.5% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.7% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.1% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.1#1031 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 | 58.9 | 32.8 | 1 |
| Feb | 61.8 | 36.1 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 67.5 | 40.2 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 73.4 | 45.2 | 0.3 |
| May | 82 | 52.8 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 91 | 59.9 | 0 |
| Jul | 97.6 | 67.4 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 97.7 | 66 | 0 |
| Sep | 91.6 | 58.8 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 79.7 | 48.6 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 67.3 | 37.7 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 57.7 | 31.6 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palmdale Airport.
| Measure | Palmdale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 62.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 79.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 5.9 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 Palmdale Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Palmdale?
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 | Palmdale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.39%#1172 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 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 Palmdale compare with similar-size cities?
Palmdale is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #244 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 164,634.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmdale, CAPop. 164,634 | #1261 | 41.3 | $81,770 | $1,802/mo | 483 | 39.9 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 |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #563 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 | 26.7 min |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #1239 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 | 22.6 min |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #1168 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 | 25.5 min |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #82 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 | 28.4 min |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 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 Palmdale compare with the rest of California?
Palmdale ranks #181 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 41.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 11% below the California median. Violent crime is 10% above the statewide rate. Homes are 35% 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 |
| Hemet, CAPop. 91,326 | … #177 | 42.3 | $57,719 | $1,575/mo | 398 |
| Merced, CAPop. 91,953 | #178 | 42.1 | $63,122 | $1,393/mo | 700 |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | #179 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #180 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 |
| Palmdale, CAPop. 164,634 | #181 | 41.3 | $81,770 | $1,802/mo | 483 |
| Inglewood, CAPop. 104,569 | #182 | 41.3 | $72,750 | $1,787/mo | 684 |
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #183 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 |
| East Los Angeles, CAPop. 111,647 | #184 | 40.9 | $68,741 | $1,494/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, CAPop. 169,169 | #185 | 40.6 | $81,511 | $1,764/mo | 767 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Palmdale among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Palmdale's score calculated?
Palmdale scores 41.3 out of 100, #1261 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Palmdale. Similar-size median 52.9.
39.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Palmdale's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
63.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Palmdale. Similar-size median 53.8.
53.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Palmdale's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
35.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Palmdale's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
48.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Palmdale. Similar-size median 51.2.
46.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Palmdale. Similar-size median 42.1.
27.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Palmdale. Similar-size median 50.1.
19.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Palmdale's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Palmdale'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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale
Is Palmdale, CA a good place to live?
Palmdale ranks #1261 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #244 of 256 mid-size cities and #181 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (39.9 min, #252 of 256) and high unemployment (6.8%, #233 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Palmdale?
Palmdale'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 $1,802/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $499,832, 35% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Palmdale?
Palmdale recorded 483 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 373 and 10% above California's 440. That ranks #816 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #163 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palmdale Police Department. Property crime runs 1,721 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Palmdale?
The median household in Palmdale earns $81,770, 6% above the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.8% (US 4.2%). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Palmdale?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,802/mo (Census), #965 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,751/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Palmdale?
Zillow's typical home value in Palmdale is $499,832, up 0.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $471,000.
How are the public schools in Palmdale?
Palmdale's 34 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.7 students per teacher and $16,949 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Palmdale?
The average commute is 39.9 minutes, #1300 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 29.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Palmdale?
Palmdale averages 62.6°F over the year, 79.9°F in summer and 46.5°F in winter, with 5.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Palmdale walkable?
Palmdale scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale?
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 Palmdale?
Palmdale has 164,634 residents. The median resident of Palmdale is 33 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 17.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Palmdale compare with the rest of California?
Palmdale ranks #181 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 41.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 11% below the California median. Violent crime is 10% above the statewide rate. Homes are 35% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Palmdale?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Palmdale's population of 164,634 are Pembroke Pines, FL (#528 overall), Fort Collins, CO (#418 overall), Springfield, MO (#1159 overall), Murfreesboro, TN (#563 overall), and Paterson, NJ (#1239 overall). Palmdale is #1261.