CaliforniaPop. 82,447Smaller cities
Is Redwood City a Good Place to Live? Redwood City, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Redwood City ranks #215 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #106 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($157,814, #20 of 524) and low poverty (6.3%, #95 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,801,700, #520 of 524) and high rents ($2,968/mo, #514 of 524).
Redwood City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Redwood City'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 Redwood City?
Redwood City'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 $2,968/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,878,298, 2.5 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Redwood City | 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 | $1,878,298#1180 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 | $4,146/mo#1106 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,801,700#1304 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,968/mo#1290 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 11.4x#1298 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.6%#737 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.
Redwood City 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. Redwood City is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Redwood City safe?
Redwood City recorded 369 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% below the US rate of 373 and 16% below California's 440. That ranks #676 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #300 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Redwood City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,467 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Redwood City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 369#676 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,467#457 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 Redwood City?
The median household in Redwood City earns $157,814, 2.1 times the US figure of $76,827 and 72% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Redwood City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $157,814#33 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.3%#200 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 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 Redwood City?
The median resident of Redwood City is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 54.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #196 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Redwood City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 54.4%#196 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 48.6% | 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 Redwood City's schools and health?
Redwood City's 17 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.1 students per teacher and $20,545 spent per pupil. 24.7% of adults are obese and 8.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Redwood City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 20.1#946 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $20,545#180 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 24.7%#131 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.8%#185 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.7%#229 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9%#519 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. 9,809 students are enrolled in Redwood City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Redwood City?
The average commute in Redwood City is 24.3 minutes (California 25.2); 3.8% of workers take transit and 26.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Redwood City scores 11 of 20 (above average walkable), #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.9°F and winters 50.4°F, with 19 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Redwood City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.3 min#721 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 55.3% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.4% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 26.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11#585 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 | 58.9 | 40.5 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 61.9 | 42.5 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 65.3 | 44.6 | 3 |
| Apr | 68.5 | 46.5 | 1.2 |
| May | 72.9 | 50.4 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 78.8 | 53.6 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 81 | 56.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 80.8 | 56.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 79.3 | 54.3 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.6 | 49.8 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 64.7 | 43.9 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 58.6 | 40.2 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Redwood City.
| Measure | Redwood City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 67.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 19 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 Redwood City.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Redwood City?
San Mateo County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 88% 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 San Mateo 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 | Redwood City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 27#46 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%#1159 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 San Mateo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Mateo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.19% | 99% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0025% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 82% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.005% | 73% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.0041% | 67% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0012% | 60% 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 Redwood City compare with similar-size cities?
Redwood City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #106 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 82,447.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood City, CAPop. 82,447 | #215 | 64.0 | $157,814 | $2,968/mo | 369 | 24.3 min |
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #598 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data | 41.1 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 min |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #1128 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 | 26.8 min |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #500 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 | 29.3 min |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #124 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 | 32.5 min |
| South Jordan, UTPop. 82,686 | #127 | 67.3 | $134,047 | $1,991/mo | 113 | 24.1 min |
| Largo, FLPop. 82,617 | #675 | 55.5 | $62,096 | $1,618/mo | 254 | 24.9 min |
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #85 | 68.8 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | part year | 30.1 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 Redwood City compare with the rest of California?
Redwood City ranks #18 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 72% above the California median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.5 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 |
| Fremont, CAPop. 228,295 | … #14 | 64.2 | $181,506 | $2,933/mo | 106 |
| El Dorado Hills, CAPop. 51,026 | #15 | 64.2 | $165,349 | $2,552/mo | no data |
| San Francisco, CAPop. 830,235 | #16 | 64.1 | $140,970 | $2,476/mo | 486 |
| Laguna Niguel, CAPop. 64,139 | #17 | 64.1 | $140,452 | $2,903/mo | 114 |
| Redwood City, CAPop. 82,447 | #18 | 64.0 | $157,814 | $2,968/mo | 369 |
| Roseville, CAPop. 155,955 | #19 | 63.6 | $119,288 | $2,142/mo | 191 |
| Aliso Viejo, CAPop. 51,113 | #20 | 63.6 | $142,439 | $2,854/mo | 120 |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #21 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 |
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | #22 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Redwood City among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Redwood City's score calculated?
Redwood City scores 64 out of 100, #215 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 Redwood City. Similar-size median 55.5.
86.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Redwood City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
72.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Redwood City. Similar-size median 58.9.
76.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Redwood City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Redwood City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
14.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Redwood City. Similar-size median 56.1.
93.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Redwood City. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Redwood City. Similar-size median 50.0.
68.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Redwood City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
52.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
46.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Redwood City'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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City
Is Redwood City, CA a good place to live?
Redwood City ranks #215 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #106 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($157,814, #20 of 524) and low poverty (6.3%, #95 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,801,700, #520 of 524) and high rents ($2,968/mo, #514 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Redwood City?
Redwood City'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 $2,968/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,878,298, 2.5 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Redwood City?
Redwood City recorded 369 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% below the US rate of 373 and 16% below California's 440. That ranks #676 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #300 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Redwood City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,467 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Redwood City?
The median household in Redwood City earns $157,814, 2.1 times the US figure of $76,827 and 72% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Redwood City?
Median rent in Redwood City is $2,968/mo (Census), #1290 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $4,146/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Redwood City?
Zillow's typical home value in Redwood City is $1,878,298, up 5.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,801,700.
How are the public schools in Redwood City?
Redwood City's 17 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.1 students per teacher and $20,545 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Redwood City?
The average commute is 24.3 minutes, #721 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Redwood City?
Redwood City averages 59.4°F over the year, 67.9°F in summer and 50.4°F in winter, with 19 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Redwood City walkable?
Redwood City scores 11 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #585 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 Redwood City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Mateo 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 Redwood City?
San Mateo County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Redwood City?
Redwood City has 82,447 residents. The median resident of Redwood City is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 54.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #196 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Redwood City compare with the rest of California?
Redwood City ranks #18 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 72% above the California median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.5 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Redwood City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Redwood City's population of 82,447 are Waldorf, MD (#598 overall), Longview, TX (#941 overall), Gastonia, NC (#1128 overall), Cicero, IL (#500 overall), and New Rochelle, NY (#124 overall). Redwood City is #215.