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Is Redding a Good Place to Live? Redding, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Redding ranks #994 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #418 of 524 smaller cities and #132 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.7 min, #26 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (735 per 100,000, #418 of 442) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
Redding by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Redding'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 Redding?
Redding's cost of living index is 100.7, 1% above the US level of 100 and #708 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,379/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $387,376, 49% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Redding | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100.7#708 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $387,376#596 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 | $1,704/mo#508 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $382,300#744 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,379/mo#615 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.5%#831 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.
Redding 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. Redding is in the Redding, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Redding safe?
Redding recorded 735 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 373 and 67% above California's 440. That ranks #979 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #418 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Redding Police Department. Property crime runs 1,663 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Redding | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 735#979 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,663#556 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 Redding?
The median household in Redding earns $70,466, 8% below the US figure of $76,827 and 23% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Redding | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $70,466#806 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.1%#804 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.5%#391 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 Redding?
The median resident of Redding is 38.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #909 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Redding | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 26.9%#909 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.8% | 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 Redding's schools and health?
Redding's 31 public schools graduate 87.1% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.1 students per teacher and $17,945 spent per pupil. 28.9% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Redding | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87.1%#575 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.1#979 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,945#345 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 28.9%#323 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.1%#264 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. 13,579 students are enrolled in Redding's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Redding?
The average commute in Redding is 16.7 minutes (California 25.2); 0.7% of workers take transit and 9.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Redding scores 11.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #557 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.5°F and winters 48.2°F, with 33.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Redding | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.7 min#123 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.8% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.1% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 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 | 11.3#557 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 | 57.2 | 37.7 | 6 |
| Feb | 61 | 40.1 | 5.5 |
| Mar | 65.7 | 43.2 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 71.8 | 47 | 2.4 |
| May | 82 | 54.3 | 1.8 |
| Jun | 91.9 | 62.4 | 0.8 |
| Jul | 99.9 | 67 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 98.1 | 63.9 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 92.3 | 58.2 | 0.5 |
| Oct | 79.4 | 50.2 | 1.9 |
| Nov | 64.4 | 41.5 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 56 | 37.2 | 6.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Redding Airport.
| Measure | Redding | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 80.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 33.5 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 Redding Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Redding?
Shasta County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Shasta County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | Redding | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 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% | 0.34%#1135 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 Shasta County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Shasta County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.08% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.048% | 91% 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 Redding compare with similar-size cities?
Redding is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #418 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 93,409.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redding, CAPop. 93,409 | #994 | 50.2 | $70,466 | $1,379/mo | 735 | 16.7 min |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #1084 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 | 25.8 min |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #224 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 | 24.9 min |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #200 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 | 24.3 min |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #850 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 | 18.3 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #771 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 | 18.1 min |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 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 Redding compare with the rest of California?
Redding ranks #132 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 23% below the California median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 49% 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 |
| Visalia, CAPop. 143,939 | … #128 | 50.5 | $81,989 | $1,490/mo | 415 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Redding among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Redding's score calculated?
Redding scores 50.2 out of 100, #994 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 Redding. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Redding's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
48.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Redding. Similar-size median 58.9.
57.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Redding's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Redding's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
64.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Redding. Similar-size median 56.1.
44.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Redding. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Redding. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Redding's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
54.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
30.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Redding'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 Redding 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 Redding
Is Redding, CA a good place to live?
Redding ranks #994 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #418 of 524 smaller cities and #132 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.7 min, #26 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (735 per 100,000, #418 of 442) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Redding?
Redding's cost of living index is 100.7, 1% above the US level of 100 and #708 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,379/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $387,376, 49% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Redding?
Redding recorded 735 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 373 and 67% above California's 440. That ranks #979 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #418 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Redding Police Department. Property crime runs 1,663 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Redding?
The median household in Redding earns $70,466, 8% below the US figure of $76,827 and 23% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Redding?
Median rent in Redding is $1,379/mo (Census), #615 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,704/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Redding?
Zillow's typical home value in Redding is $387,376, down 0.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $382,300.
How are the public schools in Redding?
Redding's 31 public schools graduate 87.1% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.1 students per teacher and $17,945 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Redding?
The average commute is 16.7 minutes, #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Redding?
Redding averages 63.4°F over the year, 80.5°F in summer and 48.2°F in winter, with 33.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Redding walkable?
Redding scores 11.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #557 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 Redding at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Shasta County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Redding?
Shasta County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Redding?
Redding has 93,409 residents. The median resident of Redding is 38.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #909 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Redding compare with the rest of California?
Redding ranks #132 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 23% below the California median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 49% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Redding?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Redding's population of 93,409 are Fall River, MA (#1084 overall), Mount Pleasant, SC (#224 overall), Livonia, MI (#200 overall), Erie, PA (#850 overall), and O'Fallon, MO (#134 overall). Redding is #994.