CaliforniaPop. 222,724Mid-size cities
Is San Bernardino a Good Place to Live? San Bernardino, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Bernardino ranks #1263 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 256 mid-size cities and #183 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (893 per 100,000, #219 of 235) and high unemployment (6%, #219 of 241).
San Bernardino by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino?
San Bernardino'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 $1,508/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $492,161, 36% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | San Bernardino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 106.4#993 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $492,161#797 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,954/mo#685 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $422,300#839 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,508/mo#726 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.3x#1077 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.8%#1140 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.
San Bernardino 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. San Bernardino is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is San Bernardino safe?
San Bernardino recorded 893 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times California's 433. That ranks #1030 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #219 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Bernardino Police Department. Property crime runs 2,459 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | San Bernardino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 893#1030 of 1,085 | 433 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,459#854 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
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 San Bernardino?
The median household in San Bernardino earns $67,415, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 6% (US 4.3%). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | San Bernardino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $67,415#867 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6%#981 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 18.6%#1064 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
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 San Bernardino?
The median resident of San Bernardino is 32.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 13.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1285 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Bernardino | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 13.1%#1285 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50% | 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 San Bernardino's schools and health?
San Bernardino's 64 public schools graduate 88.7% of students in four years (California 87%), with 21.9 students per teacher and $20,612 spent per pupil. 37.1% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | San Bernardino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 88.7%#498 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 21.9#1016 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $20,612#176 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.1%#954 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 20.2%#1221 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. 41,083 students are enrolled in San Bernardino's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Bernardino?
The average commute in San Bernardino is 29.7 minutes (California 29.7); 1.2% of workers take transit and 6.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Bernardino scores 12.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #444 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 54°F, with 12.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Bernardino | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 29.7 min#1087 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 13.5%#1193 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 76.5% | 67.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 3.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 6.2% | 14.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.3#444 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 | 66.6 | 41.1 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 67.4 | 42.3 | 3 |
| Mar | 70.9 | 44.6 | 2 |
| Apr | 75.6 | 47.7 | 0.9 |
| May | 80.3 | 52.4 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 88.5 | 56.4 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 95.4 | 62.5 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 96.2 | 62.9 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 92.3 | 59.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 82.9 | 52.9 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 75 | 45.3 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 66.5 | 40.1 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Redlands.
| Measure | San Bernardino | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 54°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 12.9 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 Redlands.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino County's air had a median air quality index of 77, and 13% of measured days were rated good; 110 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Bernardino County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.47% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | San Bernardino | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 77#1108 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 110#1124 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.47%#1263 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 San Bernardino County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Bernardino County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.16% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.22% | 97% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0018% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.033% | 93% 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 San Bernardino compare with similar-size cities?
San Bernardino is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #246 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 222,724.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #1263 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 | 29.7 min |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #609 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 | 21.7 min |
| Hialeah, FLPop. 226,165 | #790 | 53.4 | $55,594 | $1,689/mo | 173 | 29 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #1110 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 | 28.8 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 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 San Bernardino compare with the rest of California?
San Bernardino ranks #183 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 41.2 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 33% below the California median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 36% 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 |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | … #179 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #180 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 |
| Palmdale, CAPop. 164,634 | #181 | 41.3 | $81,770 | $1,802/mo | 483 |
| Inglewood, CAPop. 104,569 | #182 | 41.3 | $72,750 | $1,787/mo | 684 |
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #183 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 |
| East Los Angeles, CAPop. 111,647 | #184 | 40.9 | $68,741 | $1,494/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, CAPop. 169,169 | #185 | 40.6 | $81,511 | $1,764/mo | 767 |
| Compton, CAPop. 92,698 | #186 | 39.2 | $78,465 | $1,664/mo | 1,245 |
| Victorville, CAPop. 137,627 | #187 | 38.6 | $74,410 | $1,618/mo | 740 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of San Bernardino among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is San Bernardino's score calculated?
San Bernardino scores 41.2 out of 100, #1263 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 San Bernardino. Similar-size median 52.9.
37.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Bernardino's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
32.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Bernardino. Similar-size median 53.8.
40.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Bernardino's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
57.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Bernardino's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
57.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Bernardino. Similar-size median 51.2.
35.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Bernardino. Similar-size median 42.1.
33.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Bernardino. Similar-size median 50.1.
32.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Bernardino's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
59.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
2.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino
Is San Bernardino, CA a good place to live?
San Bernardino ranks #1263 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 256 mid-size cities and #183 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (893 per 100,000, #219 of 235) and high unemployment (6%, #219 of 241).
What is the cost of living in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino'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 $1,508/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $492,161, 36% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino recorded 893 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times California's 433. That ranks #1030 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #219 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Bernardino Police Department. Property crime runs 2,459 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in San Bernardino?
The median household in San Bernardino earns $67,415, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 6% (US 4.3%). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in San Bernardino?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,508/mo (Census), #726 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,954/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Bernardino?
The typical home value in San Bernardino is $492,161, up 2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $422,300.
How are the public schools in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino's 64 public schools graduate 88.7% of students in four years (California 87%), with 21.9 students per teacher and $20,612 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Bernardino?
The average commute is 29.7 minutes, #1087 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 13.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino averages 65.2°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 54°F in winter, with 12.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Bernardino walkable?
San Bernardino scores 12.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #444 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 San Bernardino at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Bernardino County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.47% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino County's air had a median air quality index of 77, and 13% of measured days were rated good; 110 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino has 222,724 residents. The median resident of San Bernardino is 32.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 13.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1285 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Bernardino compare with the rest of California?
San Bernardino ranks #183 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 41.2 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 33% below the California median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 36% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to San Bernardino?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Bernardino's population of 222,724 are Richmond, VA (#609 overall), Hialeah, FL (#790 overall), Huntsville, AL (#589 overall), Baton Rouge, LA (#1234 overall), and Tacoma, WA (#1110 overall). San Bernardino is #1263.