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Is San Leandro a Good Place to Live? San Leandro, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Leandro ranks #828 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #351 of 524 smaller cities and #104 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and expensive homes ($844,200, #470 of 524).
San Leandro by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Leandro'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 Leandro?
San Leandro's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,186/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $797,857, 4% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | San Leandro | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $797,857#1053 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 | $2,463/mo#905 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $844,200#1210 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,186/mo#1163 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.3x#1226 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.9%#1083 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 Leandro 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 Leandro is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is San Leandro safe?
San Leandro recorded 506 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 373 and 15% above California's 440. That ranks #848 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #373 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Leandro Police Department. Property crime runs 2,939 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | San Leandro | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 506#848 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,939#942 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 Leandro?
The median household in San Leandro earns $101,420, 32% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.2%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | San Leandro | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $101,420#324 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.3%#352 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.6%#988 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 Leandro?
The median resident of San Leandro is 41.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #677 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Leandro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 33.3%#677 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58.1% | 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 Leandro's schools and health?
San Leandro's 14 public schools graduate 89.5% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $17,434 spent per pupil. 24% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | San Leandro | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.5%#442 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.1#1030 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,434#377 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 24%#102 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.8%#918 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% | 9.3%#557 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. 9,689 students are enrolled in San Leandro's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Leandro?
The average commute in San Leandro is 31.2 minutes (California 25.2); 8% of workers take transit and 15.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Leandro scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.7°F and winters 50.8°F, with 18.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Leandro | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 31.2 min#1174 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 13.1%#1176 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 60.2% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.1% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 15.8% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.1#142 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 | 57.7 | 42 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 60.3 | 44.6 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 63.1 | 47 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 65.6 | 49.1 | 1.4 |
| May | 67.9 | 51.9 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 71.4 | 54.1 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 71.6 | 56.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 72.4 | 56.9 | 0 |
| Sep | 74.1 | 55.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 71.5 | 51.2 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 63.9 | 45.8 | 2 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 42.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oakland International Airport.
| Measure | San Leandro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 58.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 63.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 18.7 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 Oakland International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Leandro?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | San Leandro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.41%#1223 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 Alameda County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Alameda County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.23% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0012% | 56% 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 Leandro compare with similar-size cities?
San Leandro is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #351 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 87,826.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Leandro, CAPop. 87,826 | #828 | 52.8 | $101,420 | $2,186/mo | 506 | 31.2 min |
| Springdale, ARPop. 88,160 | #747 | 54.2 | $69,787 | $1,071/mo | 527 | 19.3 min |
| Deerfield Beach, FLPop. 88,093 | #1091 | 48.0 | $59,730 | $1,774/mo | part year | 28.2 min |
| Bryan, TXPop. 87,939 | #719 | 54.7 | $59,289 | $1,195/mo | 287 | 18.5 min |
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #66 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 | 23.7 min |
| Ogden, UTPop. 87,413 | #785 | 53.5 | $72,575 | $1,216/mo | 445 | 22.5 min |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #441 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 | 29.9 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #67 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 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 Leandro compare with the rest of California?
San Leandro ranks #104 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 10% above the California median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above 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 |
| Oceanside, CAPop. 172,242 | … #100 | 53.2 | $97,737 | $2,303/mo | 385 |
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #101 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 |
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | #102 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of San Leandro among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is San Leandro's score calculated?
San Leandro scores 52.8 out of 100, #828 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 San Leandro. Similar-size median 55.5.
59.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Leandro's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
53.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Leandro. Similar-size median 58.9.
67.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Leandro's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
52.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Leandro's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
26.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Leandro. Similar-size median 56.1.
69.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Leandro. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Leandro. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Leandro's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
24.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Leandro'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 Leandro 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 Leandro
Is San Leandro, CA a good place to live?
San Leandro ranks #828 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #351 of 524 smaller cities and #104 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and expensive homes ($844,200, #470 of 524).
What is the cost of living in San Leandro?
San Leandro's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,186/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $797,857, 4% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in San Leandro?
San Leandro recorded 506 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 373 and 15% above California's 440. That ranks #848 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #373 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Leandro Police Department. Property crime runs 2,939 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in San Leandro?
The median household in San Leandro earns $101,420, 32% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.2%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in San Leandro?
Median rent in San Leandro is $2,186/mo (Census), #1163 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,463/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Leandro?
Zillow's typical home value in San Leandro is $797,857, down 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $844,200.
How are the public schools in San Leandro?
San Leandro's 14 public schools graduate 89.5% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $17,434 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Leandro?
The average commute is 31.2 minutes, #1174 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 13.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Leandro?
San Leandro averages 58.1°F over the year, 63.7°F in summer and 50.8°F in winter, with 18.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Leandro walkable?
San Leandro scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 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 Leandro at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alameda County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Leandro?
Alameda County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in San Leandro?
San Leandro has 87,826 residents. The median resident of San Leandro is 41.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #677 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Leandro compare with the rest of California?
San Leandro ranks #104 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 10% above the California median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to San Leandro?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Leandro's population of 87,826 are Springdale, AR (#747 overall), Deerfield Beach, FL (#1091 overall), Bryan, TX (#719 overall), Troy, MI (#66 overall), and Ogden, UT (#785 overall). San Leandro is #828.