CaliforniaPop. 528,706Large cities
Is Sacramento a Good Place to Live? Sacramento, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sacramento ranks #839 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #16 of 37 large cities and #107 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (89.7%, #4 of 30) and high household income ($87,321, #9 of 37), and trails on high living costs (106.7, #30 of 37) and high unemployment (5.1%, #29 of 37).
Sacramento by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sacramento'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 Sacramento?
Sacramento's cost of living index is 106.7, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1026 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,779/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $473,797, 38% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 106.7#1026 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $473,797#766 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,056/mo#737 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $506,300#994 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,779/mo#946 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 24.4%#937 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Sacramento 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. Sacramento is in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Sacramento safe?
Sacramento recorded 720 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 66% above California's 433. That ranks #978 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sacramento Police Department. Property crime runs 2,305 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 720#978 of 1,085 | 433 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,305#800 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Sacramento?
The median household in Sacramento earns $87,321, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $87,321#500 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 13.9%#798 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sacramento?
The median resident of Sacramento is 36 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 37.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #546 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sacramento | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 36 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 37.1%#546 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 51.7% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sacramento's schools and health?
Sacramento's 121 public schools graduate 89.7% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23 students per teacher and $16,702 spent per pupil. 30% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 89.7%#436 of 1,063 | 87% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 23#1080 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $16,702#432 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 30%#391 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.9%#840 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 10%#656 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 77,722 students are enrolled in Sacramento's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sacramento?
The average commute in Sacramento is 25.3 minutes (California 29.7); 1.8% of workers take transit and 19.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sacramento scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.5°F and winters 48.8°F, with 18.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 25.3 min#799 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 6.4%#761 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 64% | 67.3% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.8% | 3.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.5% | 2.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.3% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 19.7% | 14.1% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.8#187 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 56 | 39.2 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 61.3 | 41.5 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 66.3 | 44.5 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 72.1 | 47 | 1.3 |
| May | 80.3 | 52 | 0.8 |
| Jun | 87.9 | 56.5 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 92.6 | 59.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 91.9 | 58.8 | 0 |
| Sep | 88.5 | 56.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 78.8 | 50.3 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 65 | 42.7 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 56 | 38.5 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sacramento Airport Asos.
| Measure | Sacramento | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 61.8°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 74.5°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 48.8°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 18.1 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sacramento Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sacramento?
Sacramento County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sacramento County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Sacramento | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#349 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Sacramento County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sacramento County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.028% | 88% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0015% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 37% 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 Sacramento compare with similar-size cities?
Sacramento is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #16 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 528,706.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento, CAPop. 528,706 | #839 | 52.6 | $87,321 | $1,779/mo | 720 | 25.3 min |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #1088 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 | 29.1 min |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #1199 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 | 22.4 min |
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #1051 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 | 22.4 min |
| Mesa, AZPop. 511,764 | #717 | 54.7 | $82,752 | $1,620/mo | 424 | 24.7 min |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 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 Sacramento compare with the rest of California?
Sacramento ranks #107 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 13% below the California median. Violent crime is 66% above the statewide rate. Homes are 38% 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 |
| Turlock, CAPop. 72,502 | … #103 | 53.1 | $82,995 | $1,612/mo | 357 |
| San Leandro, CAPop. 87,826 | #104 | 52.8 | $101,420 | $2,186/mo | 506 |
| Monterey Park, CAPop. 59,132 | #105 | 52.8 | $81,855 | $1,888/mo | 265 |
| Concord, CAPop. 124,035 | #106 | 52.7 | $108,709 | $2,274/mo | 420 |
| Sacramento, CAPop. 528,706 | #107 | 52.6 | $87,321 | $1,779/mo | 720 |
| Ontario, CAPop. 180,547 | #108 | 52.4 | $88,941 | $2,030/mo | 244 |
| Jurupa Valley, CAPop. 107,011 | #109 | 52.4 | $97,550 | $1,741/mo | 138 |
| Westminster, CAPop. 89,860 | #110 | 52.4 | $85,541 | $2,168/mo | 334 |
| Carson City, CAPop. 92,871 | #111 | 52.3 | $108,703 | $1,956/mo | 436 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Sacramento among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Sacramento's score calculated?
Sacramento scores 52.6 out of 100, #839 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 Sacramento. Similar-size median 50.4.
51.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sacramento's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
44.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sacramento. Similar-size median 52.4.
58.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sacramento's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
49.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sacramento's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
50.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sacramento. Similar-size median 43.4.
52.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sacramento. Similar-size median 40.4.
40.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sacramento. Similar-size median 56.6.
58.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sacramento's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
67.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
59.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sacramento's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Is Sacramento, CA a good place to live?
Sacramento ranks #839 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #16 of 37 large cities and #107 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (89.7%, #4 of 30) and high household income ($87,321, #9 of 37), and trails on high living costs (106.7, #30 of 37) and high unemployment (5.1%, #29 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Sacramento?
Sacramento's cost of living index is 106.7, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1026 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,779/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $473,797, 38% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Sacramento?
Sacramento recorded 720 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 66% above California's 433. That ranks #978 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sacramento Police Department. Property crime runs 2,305 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sacramento?
The median household in Sacramento earns $87,321, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sacramento?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,779/mo (Census), #946 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,056/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sacramento?
The typical home value in Sacramento is $473,797, down 0.9% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $506,300.
How are the public schools in Sacramento?
Sacramento's 121 public schools graduate 89.7% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23 students per teacher and $16,702 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sacramento?
The average commute is 25.3 minutes, #799 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 6.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sacramento?
Sacramento averages 61.8°F over the year, 74.5°F in summer and 48.8°F in winter, with 18.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sacramento walkable?
Sacramento scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 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 Sacramento at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sacramento County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 77% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sacramento?
Sacramento County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sacramento?
Sacramento has 528,706 residents. The median resident of Sacramento is 36 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 37.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #546 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sacramento compare with the rest of California?
Sacramento ranks #107 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 13% below the California median. Violent crime is 66% above the statewide rate. Homes are 38% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Sacramento?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sacramento's population of 528,706 are Baltimore, MD (#1088 overall), Milwaukee, WI (#1199 overall), Albuquerque, NM (#1051 overall), Mesa, AZ (#717 overall), and Kansas City, MO (#985 overall). Sacramento is #839.