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Is San Clemente a Good Place to Live? San Clemente, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Clemente ranks #298 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #142 of 524 smaller cities and #29 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and high household income ($140,062, #38 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,398,400, #512 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #438 of 468).
San Clemente by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Clemente'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 Clemente?
San Clemente's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,460/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,743,951, 2.3 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | San Clemente | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,743,951#1178 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 | $3,426/mo#1075 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,398,400#1290 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,460/mo#1238 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 10x#1282 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.1%#573 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.
San Clemente 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 Clemente is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is San Clemente safe?
San Clemente recorded 166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 373 and 62% below California's 440. That ranks #271 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #126 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Clemente Police Department. Property crime runs 871 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | San Clemente | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 166#271 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 871#161 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 San Clemente?
The median household in San Clemente earns $140,062, 82% above the US figure of $76,827 and 52% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | San Clemente | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $140,062#67 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.8%#160 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.8%#1052 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 San Clemente?
The median resident of San Clemente is 45.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #202 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Clemente | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 45.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 53.8%#202 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 66.5% | 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 San Clemente's schools and health?
San Clemente's 10 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22 students per teacher and $15,820 spent per pupil. 24.3% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | San Clemente | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22#1022 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,820#494 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 24.3%#115 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.6%#319 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.6%#117 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. 7,970 students are enrolled in San Clemente's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Clemente?
The average commute in San Clemente is 28.6 minutes (California 25.2); 0.1% of workers take transit and 22.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Clemente scores 10.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #609 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.3°F and winters 56.1°F, with 12.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Clemente | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 28.6 min#1033 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 12%#1147 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 68.7% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.8% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.8#609 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 | 68.4 | 44.2 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 67.8 | 44.8 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 69.3 | 47.9 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 72.5 | 50.1 | 0.8 |
| May | 74.5 | 54.5 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 76 | 57.8 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 79.5 | 60.1 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 61.2 | 0 |
| Sep | 81 | 58.5 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 77.2 | 55.1 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 72.2 | 48.5 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 67.3 | 43.8 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Laguna Beach.
| Measure | San Clemente | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 56.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 12.7 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 Laguna Beach.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Clemente?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | San Clemente | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.3%#1079 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 Orange County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Orange County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.009% | 84% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 58% 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 Clemente compare with similar-size cities?
San Clemente is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #142 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 63,273.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | #298 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 | 28.6 min |
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #10 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 | 22.3 min |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #420 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 | 23.2 min |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #1098 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 | 24.5 min |
| Moore, OKPop. 63,420 | #607 | 56.6 | $80,420 | $1,340/mo | 230 | 22.9 min |
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #2 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 | 27.1 min |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #324 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 | 29.7 min |
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #1099 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 | 29.3 min |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #1154 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 | 18 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 Clemente compare with the rest of California?
San Clemente ranks #29 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 52% above the California median. Violent crime is 62% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.3 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 |
| South San Francisco, CAPop. 64,305 | … #25 | 62.8 | $136,578 | $2,802/mo | 309 |
| Thousand Oaks, CAPop. 125,205 | #26 | 62.3 | $135,603 | $2,664/mo | 127 |
| Mission Viejo, CAPop. 92,151 | #27 | 62.2 | $136,123 | $2,839/mo | 119 |
| Castro Valley, CAPop. 65,001 | #28 | 62.1 | $142,779 | $2,554/mo | no data |
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | #29 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 |
| Daly City, CAPop. 101,964 | #30 | 62.0 | $123,547 | $2,551/mo | 254 |
| Lake Forest, CAPop. 86,281 | #31 | 61.9 | $135,175 | $2,672/mo | 165 |
| Petaluma, CAPop. 59,247 | #32 | 61.4 | $115,430 | $2,440/mo | 228 |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #33 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of San Clemente among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is San Clemente's score calculated?
San Clemente scores 62.1 out of 100, #298 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Clemente. Similar-size median 55.5.
81.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Clemente's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
90.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Clemente. Similar-size median 58.9.
73.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Clemente's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Clemente's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
21.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Clemente. Similar-size median 56.1.
90.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Clemente. Similar-size median 42.4.
33.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Clemente. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Clemente's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
51.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
23.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Clemente'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 San Clemente 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 Clemente
Is San Clemente, CA a good place to live?
San Clemente ranks #298 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #142 of 524 smaller cities and #29 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and high household income ($140,062, #38 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,398,400, #512 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #438 of 468).
What is the cost of living in San Clemente?
San Clemente's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,460/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,743,951, 2.3 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in San Clemente?
San Clemente recorded 166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 373 and 62% below California's 440. That ranks #271 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #126 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Clemente Police Department. Property crime runs 871 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in San Clemente?
The median household in San Clemente earns $140,062, 82% above the US figure of $76,827 and 52% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in San Clemente?
Median rent in San Clemente is $2,460/mo (Census), #1238 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,426/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Clemente?
Zillow's typical home value in San Clemente is $1,743,951, up 5.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,398,400.
How are the public schools in San Clemente?
San Clemente's 10 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22 students per teacher and $15,820 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Clemente?
The average commute is 28.6 minutes, #1033 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 12% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Clemente?
San Clemente averages 63.1°F over the year, 69.3°F in summer and 56.1°F in winter, with 12.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Clemente walkable?
San Clemente scores 10.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #609 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 Clemente at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Clemente?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in San Clemente?
San Clemente has 63,273 residents. The median resident of San Clemente is 45.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #202 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Clemente compare with the rest of California?
San Clemente ranks #29 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 52% above the California median. Violent crime is 62% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.3 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to San Clemente?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Clemente's population of 63,273 are West Hartford, CT (#10 overall), Coon Rapids, MN (#420 overall), Hamilton, OH (#1098 overall), Moore, OK (#607 overall), and Brookline, MA (#2 overall). San Clemente is #298.