CaliforniaPop. 59,247Smaller cities
Is Petaluma a Good Place to Live? Petaluma, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Petaluma ranks #328 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #162 of 524 smaller cities and #32 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6.5%, #101 of 524) and high household income ($115,430, #102 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($878,600, #480 of 524) and high rents ($2,440/mo, #478 of 524).
Petaluma by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Petaluma'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 Petaluma?
Petaluma's cost of living index is 107.8, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1044 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,440/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $899,398, 18% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Petaluma | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 107.8#1044 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $899,398#1094 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 | $2,986/mo#1033 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $878,600#1226 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,440/mo#1234 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.6x#1193 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.4%#1041 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.
Petaluma 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. Petaluma is in the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Petaluma safe?
Petaluma recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% below the US rate of 373 and 48% below California's 440. That ranks #404 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #185 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Petaluma Police Department. Property crime runs 1,202 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Petaluma | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 228#404 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,202#307 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 Petaluma?
The median household in Petaluma earns $115,430, 50% above the US figure of $76,827 and 26% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Petaluma | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $115,430#188 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.5%#212 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.4%#435 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 Petaluma?
The median resident of Petaluma is 45.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Petaluma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 45.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 43.8%#369 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.5% | 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 Petaluma's schools and health?
Petaluma's 21 public schools graduate 87.9% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $15,875 spent per pupil. 25.2% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Petaluma | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87.9%#559 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.1#1030 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,875#487 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 25.2%#146 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.6%#351 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.7%#218 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. 9,187 students are enrolled in Petaluma's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Petaluma?
The average commute in Petaluma is 30.7 minutes (California 25.2); 1.8% of workers take transit and 20.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Petaluma scores 15.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #28 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66°F and winters 49.1°F, with 25.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Petaluma | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.7 min#1149 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 14.1%#1206 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.7% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.3% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 20.5% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.2#28 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 | 57.6 | 39 | 4.8 |
| Feb | 61.3 | 40.4 | 5.2 |
| Mar | 64.5 | 41.9 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 67.8 | 43.8 | 1.7 |
| May | 71.9 | 47.4 | 0.9 |
| Jun | 78.1 | 50.4 | 0.3 |
| Jul | 80.8 | 52.4 | 0 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 52.8 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 81.6 | 51.4 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 76.4 | 47.6 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 65.5 | 42.3 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 38.4 | 5.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Petaluma Airport.
| Measure | Petaluma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 58°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 66°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 49.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 25.6 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 Petaluma Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Petaluma?
Sonoma County's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from pm10. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sonoma County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.48% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Petaluma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 9#3 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.48%#1281 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 Sonoma County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sonoma County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.18% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.24% | 97% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0017% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.014% | 87% 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 Petaluma compare with similar-size cities?
Petaluma is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #162 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,247.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petaluma, CAPop. 59,247 | #328 | 61.4 | $115,430 | $2,440/mo | 228 | 30.7 min |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #31 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 | 30.2 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #367 | 60.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | part year | 27.1 min |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #470 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 | 14.6 min |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #68 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 | 28.2 min |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #1055 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 | 19.1 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #220 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 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 Petaluma compare with the rest of California?
Petaluma ranks #32 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 61.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 26% above the California median. Violent crime is 48% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% 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 |
| Castro Valley, CAPop. 65,001 | … #28 | 62.1 | $142,779 | $2,554/mo | no data |
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | #29 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 |
| Daly City, CAPop. 101,964 | #30 | 62.0 | $123,547 | $2,551/mo | 254 |
| Lake Forest, CAPop. 86,281 | #31 | 61.9 | $135,175 | $2,672/mo | 165 |
| Petaluma, CAPop. 59,247 | #32 | 61.4 | $115,430 | $2,440/mo | 228 |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #33 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 |
| Redondo Beach, CAPop. 69,291 | #34 | 60.7 | $150,245 | $2,691/mo | 239 |
| Eastvale, CAPop. 70,633 | #35 | 60.5 | $160,069 | $3,252/mo | 52 |
| Placentia, CAPop. 52,826 | #36 | 60.3 | $115,929 | $2,388/mo | 245 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Petaluma among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Petaluma's score calculated?
Petaluma scores 61.4 out of 100, #328 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Petaluma. Similar-size median 55.5.
69.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Petaluma's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
83.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Petaluma. Similar-size median 58.9.
72.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Petaluma's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
48.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Petaluma's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
26.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Petaluma. Similar-size median 56.1.
78.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Petaluma. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Petaluma. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Petaluma's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
74.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
51.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Petaluma'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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
Is Petaluma, CA a good place to live?
Petaluma ranks #328 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #162 of 524 smaller cities and #32 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6.5%, #101 of 524) and high household income ($115,430, #102 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($878,600, #480 of 524) and high rents ($2,440/mo, #478 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Petaluma?
Petaluma's cost of living index is 107.8, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1044 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,440/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $899,398, 18% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Petaluma?
Petaluma recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% below the US rate of 373 and 48% below California's 440. That ranks #404 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #185 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Petaluma Police Department. Property crime runs 1,202 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Petaluma?
The median household in Petaluma earns $115,430, 50% above the US figure of $76,827 and 26% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Petaluma?
Median rent in Petaluma is $2,440/mo (Census), #1234 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,986/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Petaluma?
Zillow's typical home value in Petaluma is $899,398, up 0.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $878,600.
How are the public schools in Petaluma?
Petaluma's 21 public schools graduate 87.9% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $15,875 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Petaluma?
The average commute is 30.7 minutes, #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 14.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Petaluma?
Petaluma averages 58°F over the year, 66°F in summer and 49.1°F in winter, with 25.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Petaluma walkable?
Petaluma scores 15.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #28 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 Petaluma at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sonoma County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.48% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Petaluma?
Sonoma County's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from pm10.
Who lives in Petaluma?
Petaluma has 59,247 residents. The median resident of Petaluma is 45.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Petaluma compare with the rest of California?
Petaluma ranks #32 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 61.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 26% above the California median. Violent crime is 48% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Petaluma?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Petaluma's population of 59,247 are Medford, MA (#31 overall), Herriman, UT (#367 overall), Youngstown, OH (#1277 overall), Margate, FL (#1036 overall), and Dubuque, IA (#470 overall). Petaluma is #328.