CaliforniaPop. 147,943Mid-size cities
Is Pomona a Good Place to Live? Pomona, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pomona ranks #1171 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #221 of 256 mid-size cities and #162 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.8%, #216 of 241) and long commutes (31.8 min, #228 of 256).
Pomona by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pomona'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 Pomona?
Pomona'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 $1,810/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $682,283, 11% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Pomona | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $682,283#1002 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,353/mo#858 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $593,800#1071 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,810/mo#971 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.5x#1187 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27.3%#1156 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Pomona 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. Pomona is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Pomona safe?
Pomona recorded 645 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 73% above the US rate of 373 and 47% above California's 440. That ranks #939 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #195 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pomona Police Department. Property crime runs 2,272 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Pomona | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 645#939 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 2,272#784 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Pomona?
The median household in Pomona earns $79,479, 3% above the US figure of $76,827 and 14% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.2%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pomona | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $79,479#628 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.8%#968 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 14.3%#813 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Pomona?
The median resident of Pomona is 36 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 20.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1160 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pomona | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 20.3%#1160 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Pomona's schools and health?
Pomona's 31 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.9 students per teacher and $20,335 spent per pupil. 28.6% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Pomona | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 21.9#1016 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $20,335#186 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 28.6%#302 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 17.4%#1159 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 19,250 students are enrolled in Pomona's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pomona?
The average commute in Pomona is 31.8 minutes (California 25.2); 1.9% of workers take transit and 9.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pomona scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.9°F and winters 55.2°F, with 14.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pomona | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 31.8 min#1196 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 15.9%#1237 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.9% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.3% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 67.9 | 43.1 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 67.3 | 44.5 | 4.2 |
| Mar | 72 | 47 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 75.8 | 49.6 | 1 |
| May | 78.4 | 54 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 84.3 | 57.2 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 90.3 | 62.3 | 0 |
| Aug | 92.4 | 62.7 | 0 |
| Sep | 88.7 | 60.4 | 0 |
| Oct | 80.5 | 53.9 | 1 |
| Nov | 73.5 | 47 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 66.9 | 41.5 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pomona/Fairplex.
| Measure | Pomona | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 14.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pomona/Fairplex.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pomona?
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 | Pomona | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.39%#1172 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Pomona compare with similar-size cities?
Pomona is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #221 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 147,943.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #1171 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 | 31.8 min |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #1039 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 | 32.1 min |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #873 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 | 30.5 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 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 Pomona compare with the rest of California?
Pomona ranks #162 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 46 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 14% below the California median. Violent crime is 47% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% 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 |
| 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 |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #162 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #163 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #164 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 |
| Vallejo, CAPop. 124,268 | #165 | 45.3 | $90,171 | $2,073/mo | 778 |
| Watsonville, CAPop. 51,712 | #166 | 44.9 | $78,393 | $1,889/mo | 415 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Pomona among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Pomona's score calculated?
Pomona scores 46 out of 100, #1171 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 Pomona. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pomona's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
49.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pomona. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pomona's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pomona's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
42.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pomona. Similar-size median 51.2.
48.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pomona. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pomona. Similar-size median 50.1.
35.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pomona's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pomona's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Pomona 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 Pomona
Is Pomona, CA a good place to live?
Pomona ranks #1171 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #221 of 256 mid-size cities and #162 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.8%, #216 of 241) and long commutes (31.8 min, #228 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Pomona?
Pomona'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 $1,810/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $682,283, 11% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Pomona?
Pomona recorded 645 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 73% above the US rate of 373 and 47% above California's 440. That ranks #939 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #195 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pomona Police Department. Property crime runs 2,272 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Pomona?
The median household in Pomona earns $79,479, 3% above the US figure of $76,827 and 14% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.2%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pomona?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,810/mo (Census), #971 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,353/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pomona?
Zillow's typical home value in Pomona is $682,283, down 0.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $593,800.
How are the public schools in Pomona?
Pomona's 31 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.9 students per teacher and $20,335 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pomona?
The average commute is 31.8 minutes, #1196 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 15.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pomona?
Pomona averages 65.1°F over the year, 74.9°F in summer and 55.2°F in winter, with 14.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pomona walkable?
Pomona scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 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 Pomona 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 Pomona?
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 Pomona?
Pomona has 147,943 residents. The median resident of Pomona is 36 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 20.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1160 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pomona compare with the rest of California?
Pomona ranks #162 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 46 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 14% below the California median. Violent crime is 47% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Pomona?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pomona's population of 147,943 are Mesquite, TX (#1039 overall), Bridgeport, CT (#873 overall), Savannah, GA (#891 overall), Rockford, IL (#1248 overall), and Jackson, MS (#1189 overall). Pomona is #1171.