CaliforniaPop. 115,505Mid-size cities
Is Richmond a Good Place to Live? Richmond, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Richmond ranks #1132 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #209 of 256 mid-size cities and #155 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (115.6, #249 of 256) and long commutes (34.2 min, #241 of 256).
Richmond by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Richmond'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 Richmond?
Richmond'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 $1,960/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $601,802, 21% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Richmond | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $601,802#942 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 | $2,575/mo#933 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $668,200#1132 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,960/mo#1076 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7x#1148 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.7%#971 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.
Richmond 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. Richmond is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Richmond safe?
Richmond recorded 814 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 373 and 85% above California's 440. That ranks #1008 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #211 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Richmond Police Department. Property crime runs 2,090 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Richmond | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 814#1008 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 2,090#732 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 Richmond?
The median household in Richmond earns $95,391, 24% above the US figure of $76,827 and 4% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.2%). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Richmond | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $95,391#403 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.5%#765 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.2%#794 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 Richmond?
The median resident of Richmond is 37.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #688 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Richmond | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 33%#688 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54.7% | 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 Richmond's schools and health?
Richmond's 31 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $18,697 spent per pupil. 32.9% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Richmond | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 79%#900 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.1#1030 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,697#286 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.9%#604 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 13.9%#1019 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. 15,103 students are enrolled in Richmond's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Richmond?
The average commute in Richmond is 34.2 minutes (California 25.2); 8.2% of workers take transit and 14% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Richmond scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.3°F and winters 52°F, with 24.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Richmond | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 34.2 min#1252 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 18.3%#1268 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 60.3% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 8.2% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.1#142 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 | 58.2 | 44.1 | 4.8 |
| Feb | 61.3 | 45.9 | 4.8 |
| Mar | 64.1 | 47.4 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 67.2 | 49.3 | 1.6 |
| May | 69 | 52 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 71.9 | 54.1 | 0.3 |
| Jul | 70.8 | 55.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 72.2 | 55.9 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 74.7 | 56.2 | 0 |
| Oct | 72.8 | 53.7 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 64.8 | 48.7 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 58.2 | 44.4 | 4.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Richmond.
| Measure | Richmond | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 63.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 24.4 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 Richmond.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Richmond?
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 | Richmond | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.37%#1152 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 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 Richmond compare with similar-size cities?
Richmond is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #209 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 115,505.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #1132 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 | 34.2 min |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #796 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 | 20.7 min |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #1196 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 | 18.3 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #826 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 | 22.4 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 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 Richmond compare with the rest of California?
Richmond ranks #155 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 4% above the California median. Violent crime is 85% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 |
| Bellflower, CAPop. 76,819 | … #151 | 47.8 | $78,722 | $1,830/mo | 579 |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #152 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #153 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #154 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #155 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 |
| Modesto, CAPop. 219,215 | #156 | 47.1 | $79,891 | $1,690/mo | 587 |
| Paramount, CAPop. 52,050 | #157 | 47.1 | $75,250 | $1,875/mo | 641 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Richmond among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Richmond's score calculated?
Richmond scores 47.2 out of 100, #1132 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 Richmond. Similar-size median 52.9.
55.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Richmond's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
40.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Richmond. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Richmond's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
44.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Richmond's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
36.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Richmond. Similar-size median 51.2.
56.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Richmond. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Richmond. Similar-size median 50.1.
45.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Richmond's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
25.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Richmond'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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Is Richmond, CA a good place to live?
Richmond ranks #1132 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #209 of 256 mid-size cities and #155 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (115.6, #249 of 256) and long commutes (34.2 min, #241 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Richmond?
Richmond'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 $1,960/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $601,802, 21% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Richmond?
Richmond recorded 814 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 373 and 85% above California's 440. That ranks #1008 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #211 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Richmond Police Department. Property crime runs 2,090 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Richmond?
The median household in Richmond earns $95,391, 24% above the US figure of $76,827 and 4% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.2%). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Richmond?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,960/mo (Census), #1076 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,575/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Richmond?
Zillow's typical home value in Richmond is $601,802, down 1.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $668,200.
How are the public schools in Richmond?
Richmond's 31 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $18,697 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Richmond?
The average commute is 34.2 minutes, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 18.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Richmond?
Richmond averages 58.8°F over the year, 63.3°F in summer and 52°F in winter, with 24.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Richmond walkable?
Richmond scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 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 Richmond 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 Richmond?
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 Richmond?
Richmond has 115,505 residents. The median resident of Richmond is 37.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #688 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Richmond compare with the rest of California?
Richmond ranks #155 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 4% above the California median. Violent crime is 85% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Richmond?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Richmond's population of 115,505 are High Point, NC (#796 overall), Evansville, IN (#1196 overall), Manchester, NH (#546 overall), Westminster, CO (#474 overall), and Odessa, TX (#826 overall). Richmond is #1132.