CaliforniaPop. 319,069Big cities
Is Riverside a Good Place to Live? Riverside, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Riverside ranks #1046 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #38 of 53 big cities and #138 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92.8%, #4 of 47) and high household income ($91,045, #13 of 53), and trails on long commutes (31.3 min, #50 of 53) and high rents ($1,914/mo, #46 of 53).
Riverside by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Riverside'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 Riverside?
Riverside's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,914/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $645,110, 16% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Riverside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 106.4#993 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $645,110#975 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,444/mo#897 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $584,800#1062 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,914/mo#1050 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 25.2%#1024 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Riverside 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. Riverside is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Riverside safe?
Riverside recorded 535 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 63% above the US rate of 328 and 24% above California's 433. That ranks #870 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #30 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Riverside Police Department. Property crime runs 2,180 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Riverside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 535#870 of 1,085 | 433 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,180#753 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Riverside?
The median household in Riverside earns $91,045, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Riverside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $91,045#445 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 12.2%#666 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Riverside?
The median resident of Riverside is 33.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 25.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #949 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Riverside | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 33.6 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 25.7%#949 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 56.8% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Riverside's schools and health?
Riverside's 58 public schools graduate 92.8% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $17,402 spent per pupil. 36.7% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Riverside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 92.8%#209 of 1,063 | 87% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 23.2#1094 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $17,402#381 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 36.7%#923 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.6%#999 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 49,830 students are enrolled in Riverside's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Riverside?
The average commute in Riverside is 31.3 minutes (California 29.7); 1.4% of workers take transit and 10.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Riverside scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.1°F and winters 55.6°F, with 9.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Riverside | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 31.3 min#1178 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 15.5%#1230 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 73.1% | 67.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2.4% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 10.6% | 14.1% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.8#355 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 67.7 | 43.6 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 67.9 | 44.7 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 72.1 | 46.9 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 75.9 | 50 | 0.6 |
| May | 79.9 | 55.3 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 86.7 | 59.3 | 0 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 63.9 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 94.9 | 64.7 | 0 |
| Sep | 91.3 | 61.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 82.7 | 55.2 | 0.3 |
| Nov | 74.5 | 47.4 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 66.8 | 42.8 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Riverside Muni Airport.
| Measure | Riverside | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 66.2°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 77.1°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 55.6°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 9.4 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Riverside Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Riverside?
Riverside County's air had a median air quality index of 80, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 109 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Riverside County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Riverside | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 80#1123 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 109#1108 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.49%#1283 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Riverside County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Riverside County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.078% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.24% | 98% 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 Riverside compare with similar-size cities?
Riverside is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #38 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 319,069.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside, CAPop. 319,069 | #1046 | 49.0 | $91,045 | $1,914/mo | 535 | 31.3 min |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #682 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 | 24.3 min |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 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 Riverside compare with the rest of California?
Riverside ranks #138 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 49 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 9% below the California median. Violent crime is 24% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 |
| 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 |
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | #137 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 |
| Riverside, CAPop. 319,069 | #138 | 49.0 | $91,045 | $1,914/mo | 535 |
| Indio, CAPop. 91,950 | #139 | 49.0 | $77,167 | $1,437/mo | 266 |
| Perris, CAPop. 80,511 | #140 | 48.8 | $88,911 | $1,876/mo | 271 |
| Santee, CAPop. 59,332 | #141 | 48.8 | $113,394 | $2,250/mo | part year |
| El Monte, CAPop. 106,109 | #142 | 48.7 | $68,030 | $1,736/mo | 410 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Riverside among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Riverside's score calculated?
Riverside scores 49 out of 100, #1046 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 Riverside. Similar-size median 53.8.
54.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Riverside's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
57.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Riverside. Similar-size median 54.8.
48.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Riverside's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
53.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Riverside's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
46.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Riverside. Similar-size median 47.2.
57.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Riverside. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Riverside. Similar-size median 53.7.
37.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Riverside's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
1.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Riverside's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Riverside 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 Riverside
Is Riverside, CA a good place to live?
Riverside ranks #1046 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #38 of 53 big cities and #138 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92.8%, #4 of 47) and high household income ($91,045, #13 of 53), and trails on long commutes (31.3 min, #50 of 53) and high rents ($1,914/mo, #46 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Riverside?
Riverside's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,914/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $645,110, 16% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Riverside?
Riverside recorded 535 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 63% above the US rate of 328 and 24% above California's 433. That ranks #870 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #30 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Riverside Police Department. Property crime runs 2,180 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Riverside?
The median household in Riverside earns $91,045, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Riverside?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,914/mo (Census), #1050 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,444/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Riverside?
The typical home value in Riverside is $645,110, up 0.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $584,800.
How are the public schools in Riverside?
Riverside's 58 public schools graduate 92.8% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $17,402 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Riverside?
The average commute is 31.3 minutes, #1178 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 15.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Riverside?
Riverside averages 66.2°F over the year, 77.1°F in summer and 55.6°F in winter, with 9.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Riverside walkable?
Riverside scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Riverside at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Riverside County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Riverside?
Riverside County's air had a median air quality index of 80, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 109 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Riverside?
Riverside has 319,069 residents. The median resident of Riverside is 33.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 25.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #949 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Riverside compare with the rest of California?
Riverside ranks #138 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 49 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 9% below the California median. Violent crime is 24% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Riverside?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Riverside's population of 319,069 are Henderson, NV (#682 overall), Lexington, KY (#405 overall), Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), and Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall). Riverside is #1046.