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Is Palo Alto a Good Place to Live? Palo Alto, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Palo Alto ranks #45 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($231,101, #3 of 524) and high graduation rates (94%, #58 of 437), and trails on high rents ($3,484/mo, #523 of 524) and expensive homes ($2,000,001, #522 of 524).
Palo Alto by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Palo Alto'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 Palo Alto?
Palo Alto's cost of living index is 110.4, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1104 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $3,484/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $3,563,763, 4.7 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Palo Alto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 110.4#1104 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $3,563,763#1186 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 | $4,678/mo#1113 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $2,000,001#1307 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $3,484/mo#1307 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.7x#1244 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.1%#257 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.
Palo Alto 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. Palo Alto is in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Palo Alto safe?
Palo Alto recorded 159 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% below the US rate of 373 and 64% below California's 440. That ranks #252 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #114 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palo Alto Police Department. Property crime runs 2,882 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Palo Alto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 159#252 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,882#932 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 Palo Alto?
The median household in Palo Alto earns $231,101, 3 times the US figure of $76,827 and 2.5 times California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.2%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Palo Alto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $231,101#5 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6%#178 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.6%#343 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 Palo Alto?
The median resident of Palo Alto is 43.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 82.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #7 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Palo Alto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 82.3%#7 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.6% | 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 Palo Alto's schools and health?
Palo Alto's 17 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $28,442 spent per pupil. 20.2% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Palo Alto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.2#763 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $28,442#23 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 20.2%#20 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 11.9%#17 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 3.4%#5 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. 9,440 students are enrolled in Palo Alto's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Palo Alto?
The average commute in Palo Alto is 21.4 minutes (California 25.2); 2% of workers take transit and 35.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Palo Alto scores 15.5 of 20 (most walkable), #14 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 51.4°F, with 13.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Palo Alto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.4 min#459 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 44.2% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.6% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 7.9% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 35.4% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.5#14 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 | 59 | 42.4 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 61.8 | 44.5 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 65 | 46.7 | 2 |
| Apr | 68 | 48.9 | 1 |
| May | 71.7 | 52.5 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 75.9 | 55.7 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 76.9 | 58.5 | 0 |
| Aug | 76.9 | 59 | 0 |
| Sep | 77.7 | 57.3 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.1 | 53.1 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 65.5 | 46.3 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 58.9 | 42.1 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Moffett Fed Airfield.
| Measure | Palo Alto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 67.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 51.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 13.5 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 Moffett Fed Airfield.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Palo Alto?
Santa Clara County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 55% 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 Santa Clara 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 | Palo Alto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.41%#1234 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 Santa Clara County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Santa Clara County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.2% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0023% | 69% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0016% | 60% 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 Palo Alto compare with similar-size cities?
Palo Alto is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #22 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,237.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #45 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 | 21.4 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #39 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 min |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #903 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 | 22.8 min |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #216 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data | 27.2 min |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #1280 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 | 19.7 min |
| Maricopa, AZPop. 67,163 | #842 | 52.6 | $96,391 | $1,998/mo | 242 | 36.6 min |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #1014 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 | 15.9 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 Palo Alto compare with the rest of California?
Palo Alto ranks #1 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2.5 times the California median. Violent crime is 64% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4.7 times 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Palo Alto among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Palo Alto's score calculated?
Palo Alto scores 70.9 out of 100, #45 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Palo Alto. Similar-size median 55.5.
85.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Palo Alto's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
75.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Palo Alto. Similar-size median 58.9.
87.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Palo Alto's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
80.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Palo Alto's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
17.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Palo Alto. Similar-size median 56.1.
94.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Palo Alto. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Palo Alto. Similar-size median 50.0.
78.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Palo Alto's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
76.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
26.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Palo Alto'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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
Is Palo Alto, CA a good place to live?
Palo Alto ranks #45 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($231,101, #3 of 524) and high graduation rates (94%, #58 of 437), and trails on high rents ($3,484/mo, #523 of 524) and expensive homes ($2,000,001, #522 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto's cost of living index is 110.4, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1104 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $3,484/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $3,563,763, 4.7 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto recorded 159 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% below the US rate of 373 and 64% below California's 440. That ranks #252 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #114 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palo Alto Police Department. Property crime runs 2,882 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Palo Alto?
The median household in Palo Alto earns $231,101, 3 times the US figure of $76,827 and 2.5 times California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.2%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Palo Alto?
Median rent in Palo Alto is $3,484/mo (Census), #1307 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $4,678/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Palo Alto?
Zillow's typical home value in Palo Alto is $3,563,763, up 5.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $2,000,001.
How are the public schools in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto's 17 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $28,442 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Palo Alto?
The average commute is 21.4 minutes, #459 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto averages 59.9°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 51.4°F in winter, with 13.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Palo Alto walkable?
Palo Alto scores 15.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #14 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 Palo Alto at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Clara 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 Palo Alto?
Santa Clara County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto has 67,237 residents. The median resident of Palo Alto is 43.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 82.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #7 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Palo Alto compare with the rest of California?
Palo Alto ranks #1 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2.5 times the California median. Violent crime is 64% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4.7 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Palo Alto?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Palo Alto's population of 67,237 are Idaho Falls, ID (#448 overall), Haverhill, MA (#444 overall), Rockville, MD (#39 overall), Conway, AR (#903 overall), and Horizon West, FL (#216 overall). Palo Alto is #45.