San Jose
San Jose, California scores 55.5/100 (B grade), ranking #3 of 20 cities in California. Median income: $136,229. Crime rate: 634.7/100K.
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San Jose, California Overview
San Jose ranks #3 of 20 cities in California, earning a B grade with a composite score of 55.5/100. The city stands out in Fiscal Health (85/100) and Economy (78/100), placing it among the state’s strongest performers across the metrics we track.
Income & Employment in San Jose
San Jose’s median household income of $136,229 is 48% above the California median of $91,905, and its 4.3% unemployment rate undercuts the state’s 5.4%. That economic strength is drawing residents — the population grew 1.4% recently.
Safety in San Jose
With a violent crime rate of 634.7 per 100,000, San Jose exceeds the California average of 440. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2562.5 per 100,000.
Cost of Living in San Jose
San Jose has a cost of living index of 112.9 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $1,187,800. Median monthly rent is $2,617. Renters spend 23.1% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 8.7x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.
Health & Wellness in San Jose
San Jose’s adult obesity rate of 23.7% is below the national average, contributing to stronger health outcomes. The diabetes prevalence rate is 11.1%. Residents average 14.9 poor mental health days per month. California ranks #16 nationally for overall health.
Education & Schools in San Jose
San Jose has a high school graduation rate of 88.5%. With a student-teacher ratio of 22.2:1, class sizes tend to be larger than the national median. Local districts invest $18,068 per student, well above the national median. The city has 214 public schools serving 123,925 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.
Climate & Commute in San Jose
San Jose enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 58.8°F. Summers average 68.9°F. Winters average 49.3°F. Annual precipitation is 30.6 inches. 16.3% of workers in San Jose work from home, well above the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall score for San Jose, California?
San Jose has an overall score of 55.5 out of 100, earning a B grade and ranking #3 among 20 cities in California.
What is the median income in San Jose?
The median household income in San Jose is $136,229, based on Census ACS data.
Is San Jose safe?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 634.7 per 100,000 residents.
What is the cost of living in San Jose?
San Jose has a cost of living index of 112.9 (100 = national average). It is more expensive than the national average.
How are the public schools in San Jose?
San Jose has 214 public schools with a 88.5% graduation rate. The student-teacher ratio is 22.2:1.