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Is Pittsburg a Good Place to Live? Pittsburg, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pittsburg ranks #996 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #419 of 524 smaller cities and #133 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (38 min, #517 of 524) and high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524).
Pittsburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pittsburg'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 Pittsburg?
Pittsburg's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,264/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $558,760, 27% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Pittsburg | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $558,760#899 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 | $2,453/mo#900 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $597,900#1075 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,264/mo#1191 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6x#1040 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 27.2%#1153 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.
Pittsburg 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. Pittsburg is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Pittsburg safe?
Pittsburg recorded 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 373 and in line with California's 440. That ranks #768 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #340 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pittsburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,545 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Pittsburg | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 440#768 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,545#497 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 Pittsburg?
The median household in Pittsburg earns $99,861, 30% above the US figure of $76,827 and 9% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.2%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pittsburg | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $99,861#347 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.2%#878 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.2%#585 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.7%#317 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 Pittsburg?
The median resident of Pittsburg is 36.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pittsburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23.6%#1035 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.3% | 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 Pittsburg's schools and health?
Pittsburg's 13 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.4 students per teacher and $17,862 spent per pupil. 31.4% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Pittsburg | 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 | 22.4#1051 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,862#353 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% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.6%#923 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. 11,083 students are enrolled in Pittsburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pittsburg?
The average commute in Pittsburg is 38 minutes (California 25.2); 5.3% of workers take transit and 9.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pittsburg scores 10 of 20 (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.6°F and winters 49.5°F, with 12.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pittsburg | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 38 min#1295 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 23.7%#1292 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.3% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.3% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.6% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.4% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10#694 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 | 55.7 | 40.3 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 60.8 | 43.9 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 66.5 | 46.6 | 2 |
| Apr | 72.1 | 49.5 | 0.9 |
| May | 79 | 54.3 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 86.3 | 59 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 91.4 | 60.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 90.2 | 60.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 86.7 | 58.7 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 77.5 | 54.2 | 0.4 |
| Nov | 64.6 | 46.2 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 55.8 | 40.4 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Antioch Pumping Plt #3.
| Measure | Pittsburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 49.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 12.6 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 Antioch Pumping Plt #3.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pittsburg?
Contra Costa County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Contra Costa County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Pittsburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 48#788 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% | 0.37%#1152 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 Contra Costa County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Contra Costa County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.15% | 99% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.001% | 96% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0045% | 77% 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 Pittsburg compare with similar-size cities?
Pittsburg is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #419 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 76,257.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #996 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 | 38 min |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #469 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 | 15.8 min |
| Flagstaff, AZPop. 76,445 | #799 | 53.3 | $71,512 | $1,645/mo | 501 | 16.5 min |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #64 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 | 27.5 min |
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #106 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 | 25.5 min |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #933 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 | 23.7 min |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #350 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #800 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 | 19.3 min |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #626 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data | 31.1 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 Pittsburg compare with the rest of California?
Pittsburg ranks #133 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 9% above the California median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 27% 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 |
| Yucaipa, CAPop. 54,421 | … #129 | 50.5 | $90,794 | $1,711/mo | 204 |
| South Whittier, CAPop. 55,650 | #130 | 50.4 | $100,800 | $1,908/mo | no data |
| Lodi, CAPop. 67,607 | #131 | 50.3 | $88,530 | $1,680/mo | 493 |
| Redding, CAPop. 93,409 | #132 | 50.2 | $70,466 | $1,379/mo | 735 |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #133 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 |
| Arden-Arcade, CAPop. 94,994 | #134 | 50.0 | $77,321 | $1,588/mo | no data |
| Rosemead, CAPop. 50,013 | #135 | 49.8 | $73,566 | $1,834/mo | 356 |
| Montebello, CAPop. 61,045 | #136 | 49.5 | $79,971 | $1,827/mo | 421 |
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | #137 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Pittsburg among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Pittsburg's score calculated?
Pittsburg scores 50.1 out of 100, #996 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Pittsburg. Similar-size median 55.5.
56.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pittsburg's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
67.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pittsburg. Similar-size median 58.9.
54.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pittsburg's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pittsburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
36.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pittsburg. Similar-size median 56.1.
63.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pittsburg. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pittsburg. Similar-size median 50.0.
28.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pittsburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
47.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
25.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pittsburg'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 Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg
Is Pittsburg, CA a good place to live?
Pittsburg ranks #996 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #419 of 524 smaller cities and #133 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (38 min, #517 of 524) and high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Pittsburg?
Pittsburg's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,264/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $558,760, 27% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Pittsburg?
Pittsburg recorded 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 373 and in line with California's 440. That ranks #768 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #340 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pittsburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,545 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Pittsburg?
The median household in Pittsburg earns $99,861, 30% above the US figure of $76,827 and 9% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.2%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pittsburg?
Median rent in Pittsburg is $2,264/mo (Census), #1191 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,453/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pittsburg?
Zillow's typical home value in Pittsburg is $558,760, down 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $597,900.
How are the public schools in Pittsburg?
Pittsburg's 13 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.4 students per teacher and $17,862 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pittsburg?
The average commute is 38 minutes, #1295 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 23.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pittsburg?
Pittsburg averages 62.5°F over the year, 74.6°F in summer and 49.5°F in winter, with 12.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pittsburg walkable?
Pittsburg scores 10 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #694 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 Pittsburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Contra Costa County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pittsburg?
Contra Costa County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Pittsburg?
Pittsburg has 76,257 residents. The median resident of Pittsburg is 36.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pittsburg compare with the rest of California?
Pittsburg ranks #133 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 9% above the California median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Pittsburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pittsburg's population of 76,257 are Missoula, MT (#469 overall), Flagstaff, AZ (#799 overall), Evanston, IL (#64 overall), Broomfield, CO (#106 overall), and Southfield, MI (#933 overall). Pittsburg is #996.