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Is Paramount a Good Place to Live? Paramount, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Paramount ranks #1138 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #471 of 524 smaller cities and #157 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #438 of 468) and high violent crime (641 per 100,000, #409 of 442).
Paramount by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Paramount'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 Paramount?
Paramount'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 $1,875/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $647,068, 15% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Paramount | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $647,068#979 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 | $2,753/mo#976 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $533,700#1012 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,875/mo#1018 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.1x#1158 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 29.9%#1249 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.
Paramount 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. Paramount is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Paramount safe?
Paramount recorded 641 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% above the US rate of 373 and 46% above California's 440. That ranks #935 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #409 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Paramount Police Department. Property crime runs 2,398 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Paramount | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 641#935 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,398#833 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 Paramount?
The median household in Paramount earns $75,250, 2% below the US figure of $76,827 and 18% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.2%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Paramount | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $75,250#695 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.7%#957 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.6%#700 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.8%#1052 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 Paramount?
The median resident of Paramount is 33.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1269 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Paramount | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 14.9%#1269 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 43% | 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 Paramount's schools and health?
Paramount's 14 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20 students per teacher and $21,267 spent per pupil. 31.4% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Paramount | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 20#941 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,267#151 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.4%#493 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 20.4%#1225 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. 10,032 students are enrolled in Paramount's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Paramount?
The average commute in Paramount is 28.4 minutes (California 25.2); 3.4% of workers take transit and 7.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Paramount scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72°F and winters 57.1°F, with 12 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Paramount | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 28.4 min#1022 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.7%#1093 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.3% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.4% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.3% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.1#142 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 | 67.4 | 46.9 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 66.8 | 48.4 | 3 |
| Mar | 68.6 | 51.2 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 71.4 | 53.9 | 0.6 |
| May | 73.1 | 57.9 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 76.1 | 61.3 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 81.4 | 64.9 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 83.2 | 65.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 82.4 | 63.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 77.7 | 59.1 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 72.5 | 51.6 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.7 | 46.6 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Long Beach Daugherty Airport.
| Measure | Paramount | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 12 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 Long Beach Daugherty Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Paramount?
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 | Paramount | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.39%#1172 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 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 Paramount compare with similar-size cities?
Paramount is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #471 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 52,050.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount, CAPop. 52,050 | #1138 | 47.1 | $75,250 | $1,875/mo | 641 | 28.4 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 |
| Westchester, FLPop. 52,032 | #1063 | 48.6 | $72,262 | $1,819/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #498 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 | 34.5 min |
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #13 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data | 33.5 min |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #426 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 | 19.4 min |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #556 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 | 25.8 min |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #132 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 | 24.9 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 Paramount compare with the rest of California?
Paramount ranks #157 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 18% below the California median. Violent crime is 46% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% 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 |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | … #153 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #154 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #155 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Paramount among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Paramount's score calculated?
Paramount scores 47.1 out of 100, #1138 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 Paramount. Similar-size median 55.5.
42.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Paramount's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
48.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Paramount. Similar-size median 58.9.
50.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Paramount's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
65.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Paramount's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
44.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Paramount. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Paramount. Similar-size median 42.4.
27.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Paramount. Similar-size median 50.0.
39.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Paramount's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Paramount'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 Paramount 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 Paramount
Is Paramount, CA a good place to live?
Paramount ranks #1138 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #471 of 524 smaller cities and #157 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #438 of 468) and high violent crime (641 per 100,000, #409 of 442).
What is the cost of living in Paramount?
Paramount'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 $1,875/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $647,068, 15% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Paramount?
Paramount recorded 641 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% above the US rate of 373 and 46% above California's 440. That ranks #935 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #409 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Paramount Police Department. Property crime runs 2,398 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Paramount?
The median household in Paramount earns $75,250, 2% below the US figure of $76,827 and 18% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.2%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Paramount?
Median rent in Paramount is $1,875/mo (Census), #1018 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,753/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Paramount?
Zillow's typical home value in Paramount is $647,068, up 2.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $533,700.
How are the public schools in Paramount?
Paramount's 14 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20 students per teacher and $21,267 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Paramount?
The average commute is 28.4 minutes, #1022 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Paramount?
Paramount averages 64.9°F over the year, 72°F in summer and 57.1°F in winter, with 12 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Paramount walkable?
Paramount scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 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 Paramount 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 Paramount?
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 Paramount?
Paramount has 52,050 residents. The median resident of Paramount is 33.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1269 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Paramount compare with the rest of California?
Paramount ranks #157 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 18% below the California median. Violent crime is 46% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Paramount?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Paramount's population of 52,050 are Mooresville, NC (#373 overall), Battle Creek, MI (#1253 overall), Westchester, FL (#1063 overall), West New York, NJ (#498 overall), and Levittown, NY (#13 overall). Paramount is #1138.