CaliforniaPop. 76,960Smaller cities
Is Pleasanton a Good Place to Live? Pleasanton, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pleasanton ranks #173 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #84 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #4 of 437) and high household income ($190,124, #8 of 524), and trails on high rents ($3,060/mo, #516 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,537,100, #516 of 524).
Pleasanton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pleasanton'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 Pleasanton?
Pleasanton'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 $3,060/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,511,109, 2 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Pleasanton | 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 | $1,511,109#1170 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 | $3,264/mo#1062 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,537,100#1298 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $3,060/mo#1295 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.1x#1220 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.3%#361 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.
Pleasanton 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. Pleasanton is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Pleasanton safe?
Pleasanton recorded 123 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% below the US rate of 373 and 72% below California's 440. That ranks #183 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #77 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pleasanton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,379 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Pleasanton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 123#183 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,379#405 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 Pleasanton?
The median household in Pleasanton earns $190,124, 2.5 times the US figure of $76,827 and 2.1 times California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pleasanton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $190,124#10 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.3%#120 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 Pleasanton?
The median resident of Pleasanton is 43.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 69.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #48 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pleasanton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 69.9%#48 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 67% | 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 Pleasanton's schools and health?
Pleasanton's 14 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.6 students per teacher and $16,170 spent per pupil. 19.6% of adults are obese and 9.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Pleasanton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 97%#17 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.6#1119 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,170#462 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 19.6%#17 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.2%#252 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.2%#75 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 3.9%#12 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. 13,458 students are enrolled in Pleasanton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pleasanton?
The average commute in Pleasanton is 34.3 minutes (California 25.2); 5.8% of workers take transit and 29.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pleasanton scores 15.5 of 20 (most walkable), #14 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.8°F and winters 48.6°F, with 15.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pleasanton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 34.3 min#1255 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 22.3%#1289 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 54.6% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 29.1% | 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 | 57.4 | 37.8 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 61 | 39.9 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 65.1 | 41.8 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 69.3 | 44.6 | 1.1 |
| May | 75.3 | 49.4 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 82.6 | 53.5 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 87.7 | 56.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 87.5 | 56.7 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 85.4 | 54.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 77.9 | 49.2 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 65.6 | 41.9 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 57.8 | 37.5 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Livermore Muni Airport.
| Measure | Pleasanton | 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 | 70.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 15.2 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 Livermore Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pleasanton?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% 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 Alameda 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 | Pleasanton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 49#814 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%#1223 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 Alameda County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Alameda County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.23% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0012% | 56% 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 Pleasanton compare with similar-size cities?
Pleasanton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #84 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 76,960.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #173 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 | 34.3 min |
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #42 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 | 22.1 min |
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #90 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 | 24.3 min |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #136 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 | 27.8 min |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #1210 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 | 25.7 min |
| Missouri City, TXPop. 76,558 | #733 | 54.4 | $94,390 | $1,931/mo | 151 | 30.4 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 |
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #106 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 | 25.5 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 Pleasanton compare with the rest of California?
Pleasanton ranks #8 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 65.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2.1 times the California median. Violent crime is 72% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2 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 |
| Newport Beach, CAPop. 83,845 | #11 | 64.8 | $156,867 | $3,316/mo | 251 |
| Rocklin, CAPop. 73,327 | #12 | 64.8 | $124,168 | $2,258/mo | 122 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Pleasanton among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Pleasanton's score calculated?
Pleasanton scores 65.2 out of 100, #173 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 Pleasanton. Similar-size median 55.5.
82.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pleasanton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
89.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pleasanton. Similar-size median 58.9.
85.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pleasanton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
55.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pleasanton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
14.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pleasanton. Similar-size median 56.1.
95.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pleasanton. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pleasanton. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pleasanton'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.
24.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pleasanton'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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton
Is Pleasanton, CA a good place to live?
Pleasanton ranks #173 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #84 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #4 of 437) and high household income ($190,124, #8 of 524), and trails on high rents ($3,060/mo, #516 of 524) and expensive homes ($1,537,100, #516 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton'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 $3,060/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,511,109, 2 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton recorded 123 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% below the US rate of 373 and 72% below California's 440. That ranks #183 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #77 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pleasanton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,379 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Pleasanton?
The median household in Pleasanton earns $190,124, 2.5 times the US figure of $76,827 and 2.1 times California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pleasanton?
Median rent in Pleasanton is $3,060/mo (Census), #1295 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,264/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pleasanton?
Zillow's typical home value in Pleasanton is $1,511,109, down 3.9% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,537,100.
How are the public schools in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton's 14 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.6 students per teacher and $16,170 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pleasanton?
The average commute is 34.3 minutes, #1255 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 22.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton averages 59.9°F over the year, 70.8°F in summer and 48.6°F in winter, with 15.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pleasanton walkable?
Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda 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 Pleasanton?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton has 76,960 residents. The median resident of Pleasanton is 43.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 69.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #48 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pleasanton compare with the rest of California?
Pleasanton ranks #8 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 65.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2.1 times the California median. Violent crime is 72% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Pleasanton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pleasanton's population of 76,960 are Redmond, WA (#42 overall), Rochester Hills, MI (#90 overall), Schaumburg, IL (#136 overall), Hammond, IN (#1210 overall), and Missouri City, TX (#733 overall). Pleasanton is #173.