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Is Pico Rivera a Good Place to Live? Pico Rivera, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pico Rivera ranks #1100 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #451 of 524 smaller cities and #149 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #429 of 468) and high unemployment (5.7%, #423 of 476).
Pico Rivera by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pico Rivera'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 Pico Rivera?
Pico Rivera'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 $1,786/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $747,422, 2% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Pico Rivera | 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 | $747,422#1030 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 | $2,266/mo#827 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $648,600#1117 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,786/mo#954 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.4x#1183 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.3%#924 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.
Pico Rivera 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. Pico Rivera is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Pico Rivera safe?
Pico Rivera recorded 480 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 373 and 9% above California's 440. That ranks #812 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #359 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pico Rivera Police Department. Property crime runs 2,123 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Pico Rivera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 480#812 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,123#739 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 Pico Rivera?
The median household in Pico Rivera earns $88,201, 15% above the US figure of $76,827 and 4% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.2%). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pico Rivera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $88,201#489 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% | 10.3%#526 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.7%#1029 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 Pico Rivera?
The median resident of Pico Rivera is 40.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1243 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pico Rivera | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 16.3%#1243 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 70.5% | 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 Pico Rivera's schools and health?
Pico Rivera's 13 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.7 students per teacher and $18,318 spent per pupil. 29.1% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Pico Rivera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86.3%#635 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.7#1124 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,318#321 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29.1%#340 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.1%#434 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 18.9%#1193 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. 6,984 students are enrolled in Pico Rivera's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pico Rivera?
The average commute in Pico Rivera is 30.3 minutes (California 25.2); 1.5% of workers take transit and 8.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pico Rivera scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.4°F and winters 57.2°F, with 15.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pico Rivera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.3 min#1123 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% | 76% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.5% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.5#410 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 | 68.6 | 46.1 | 3.6 |
| Feb | 68.2 | 47.1 | 4.2 |
| Mar | 70.9 | 50.5 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 73.8 | 52.7 | 0.6 |
| May | 75.6 | 57.6 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 80.8 | 61.5 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 85.5 | 65.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 87.6 | 65.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 86.7 | 63.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 80.7 | 57.4 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 74 | 50.6 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 67.8 | 45.3 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Gabriel Fire Dept.
| Measure | Pico Rivera | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 66°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 15.7 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 San Gabriel Fire Dept.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pico Rivera?
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 | Pico Rivera | 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 Pico Rivera compare with similar-size cities?
Pico Rivera is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #451 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 60,272.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #1100 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 | 30.3 min |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #599 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 | 23 min |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #1155 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data | 36 min |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #611 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 | 29.3 min |
| North Miami, FLPop. 60,344 | #1156 | 46.5 | $57,188 | $1,702/mo | part year | 31.8 min |
| Wylie, TXPop. 60,334 | #277 | 62.6 | $119,522 | $2,189/mo | 81 | 31.4 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #27 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 | 20.2 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 Pico Rivera compare with the rest of California?
Pico Rivera ranks #149 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 4% below the California median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% 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 |
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | … #145 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 |
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | #146 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 |
| Colton, CAPop. 53,772 | #147 | 48.2 | $71,208 | $1,661/mo | 345 |
| Gardena, CAPop. 59,422 | #148 | 48.0 | $84,803 | $1,809/mo | 616 |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #149 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 |
| Santa Maria, CAPop. 110,462 | #150 | 47.8 | $84,746 | $1,925/mo | 624 |
| Bellflower, CAPop. 76,819 | #151 | 47.8 | $78,722 | $1,830/mo | 579 |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #152 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #153 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Pico Rivera among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Pico Rivera's score calculated?
Pico Rivera scores 47.9 out of 100, #1100 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 Pico Rivera. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pico Rivera's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
61.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pico Rivera. Similar-size median 58.9.
57.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pico Rivera's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
47.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pico Rivera's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
40.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pico Rivera. Similar-size median 56.1.
59.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pico Rivera. Similar-size median 42.4.
28.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pico Rivera. Similar-size median 50.0.
36.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pico Rivera's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
60.5 - 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: Pico Rivera'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 Pico Rivera 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 Pico Rivera
Is Pico Rivera, CA a good place to live?
Pico Rivera ranks #1100 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #451 of 524 smaller cities and #149 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #429 of 468) and high unemployment (5.7%, #423 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Pico Rivera?
Pico Rivera'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 $1,786/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $747,422, 2% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Pico Rivera?
Pico Rivera recorded 480 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 373 and 9% above California's 440. That ranks #812 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #359 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pico Rivera Police Department. Property crime runs 2,123 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Pico Rivera?
The median household in Pico Rivera earns $88,201, 15% above the US figure of $76,827 and 4% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.2%). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pico Rivera?
Median rent in Pico Rivera is $1,786/mo (Census), #954 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,266/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pico Rivera?
Zillow's typical home value in Pico Rivera is $747,422, up 1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $648,600.
How are the public schools in Pico Rivera?
Pico Rivera's 13 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.7 students per teacher and $18,318 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pico Rivera?
The average commute is 30.3 minutes, #1123 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 Pico Rivera?
Pico Rivera averages 66°F over the year, 74.4°F in summer and 57.2°F in winter, with 15.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pico Rivera walkable?
Pico Rivera scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 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 Pico Rivera 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 Pico Rivera?
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 Pico Rivera?
Pico Rivera has 60,272 residents. The median resident of Pico Rivera is 40.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1243 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pico Rivera compare with the rest of California?
Pico Rivera ranks #149 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 4% below the California median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Pico Rivera?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pico Rivera's population of 60,272 are Meriden, CT (#599 overall), Stonecrest, GA (#1155 overall), Taunton, MA (#611 overall), North Miami, FL (#1156 overall), and Wylie, TX (#277 overall). Pico Rivera is #1100.