CaliforniaPop. 230,221Mid-size cities
Is Santa Clarita a Good Place to Live? Santa Clarita, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Santa Clarita ranks #651 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #108 of 256 mid-size cities and #75 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #12 of 205) and high household income ($123,062, #24 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,544/mo, #246 of 256) and long commutes (34.1 min, #240 of 256).
Santa Clarita by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Santa Clarita'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 Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita'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 $2,544/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $787,700, 3% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Santa Clarita | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $787,700#1047 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 | $2,787/mo#990 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $784,700#1185 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,544/mo#1253 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.8%#980 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.
Santa Clarita 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. Santa Clarita is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Santa Clarita safe?
Santa Clarita recorded 173 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 328 and 60% below California's 433. That ranks #291 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #41 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Santa Clarita Police Department. Property crime runs 984 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Santa Clarita | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 173#291 of 1,085 | 433 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 984#207 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 Santa Clarita?
The median household in Santa Clarita earns $123,062, 48% above the US figure of $83,163 and 23% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Santa Clarita | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $123,062#137 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.4%#274 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Santa Clarita?
The median resident of Santa Clarita is 38.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #467 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Santa Clarita | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 39.8%#467 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 71.8% | 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 Santa Clarita's schools and health?
Santa Clarita's 7 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23.1 students per teacher and $15,815 spent per pupil. 24.7% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Santa Clarita | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 23.1#1087 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,815#496 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 24.7%#131 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8%#372 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. 6,172 students are enrolled in Santa Clarita's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Santa Clarita?
The average commute in Santa Clarita is 34.1 minutes (California 29.7); 1.6% of workers take transit and 18.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Santa Clarita scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.9°F and winters 54.3°F, with 16.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Santa Clarita | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 34.1 min#1250 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 19.2%#1276 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 68.1% | 67.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 3.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 18.5% | 14.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.6#912 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 | 63.2 | 46.6 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 64.7 | 44.7 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 70.4 | 47.1 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 74.2 | 48.7 | 0.8 |
| May | 80.8 | 53.5 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 87.4 | 56.7 | 0 |
| Jul | 94.2 | 63.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 95.8 | 64.1 | 0 |
| Sep | 90.9 | 62.4 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 81.1 | 56.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 71.3 | 49.2 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 62.4 | 44.3 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Newhall 5nw.
| Measure | Santa Clarita | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 76.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 54.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 16.8 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 Newhall 5nw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Santa Clarita?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Santa Clarita | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.39%#1172 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 Los Angeles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Angeles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.17% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0098% | 84% 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 Santa Clarita compare with similar-size cities?
Santa Clarita is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #108 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 230,221.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #609 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 | 21.7 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 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 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 Santa Clarita compare with the rest of California?
Santa Clarita ranks #75 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 23% above the California median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% 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 |
| Murrieta, CAPop. 112,064 | … #71 | 55.9 | $114,081 | $2,388/mo | 186 |
| Buena Park, CAPop. 82,871 | #72 | 55.9 | $110,550 | $2,206/mo | 281 |
| Glendora, CAPop. 50,926 | #73 | 55.9 | $113,569 | $2,254/mo | 188 |
| Santa Ana, CAPop. 312,534 | #74 | 55.8 | $93,999 | $2,082/mo | 337 |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #75 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CAPop. 175,411 | #76 | 55.8 | $111,895 | $2,357/mo | 233 |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #77 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 |
| Garden Grove, CAPop. 170,964 | #78 | 55.6 | $92,174 | $2,012/mo | 239 |
| La Habra, CAPop. 61,970 | #79 | 55.6 | $100,106 | $2,129/mo | 261 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Santa Clarita among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Santa Clarita's score calculated?
Santa Clarita scores 55.8 out of 100, #651 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 Santa Clarita. Similar-size median 52.9.
65.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Santa Clarita's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
88.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Santa Clarita. Similar-size median 53.8.
72.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Santa Clarita's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
52.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Santa Clarita's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
25.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Santa Clarita. Similar-size median 51.2.
80.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Santa Clarita. Similar-size median 42.1.
32.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Santa Clarita. Similar-size median 50.1.
39.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Santa Clarita's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Santa Clarita'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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita
Is Santa Clarita, CA a good place to live?
Santa Clarita ranks #651 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #108 of 256 mid-size cities and #75 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #12 of 205) and high household income ($123,062, #24 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,544/mo, #246 of 256) and long commutes (34.1 min, #240 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita'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 $2,544/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $787,700, 3% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita recorded 173 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 328 and 60% below California's 433. That ranks #291 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #41 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Santa Clarita Police Department. Property crime runs 984 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Santa Clarita?
The median household in Santa Clarita earns $123,062, 48% above the US figure of $83,163 and 23% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,544/mo (Census), #1253 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,787/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Santa Clarita?
The typical home value in Santa Clarita is $787,700, down 0.9% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $784,700.
How are the public schools in Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita's 7 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23.1 students per teacher and $15,815 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Santa Clarita?
The average commute is 34.1 minutes, #1250 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 19.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita averages 65.5°F over the year, 76.9°F in summer and 54.3°F in winter, with 16.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Santa Clarita walkable?
Santa Clarita scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 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 Santa Clarita at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Santa Clarita?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita has 230,221 residents. The median resident of Santa Clarita is 38.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #467 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Santa Clarita compare with the rest of California?
Santa Clarita ranks #75 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 23% above the California median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Santa Clarita?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Santa Clarita's population of 230,221 are Enterprise, NV (#616 overall), Boise, ID (#200 overall), Port St. Lucie, FL (#488 overall), Spokane, WA (#767 overall), and Richmond, VA (#609 overall). Santa Clarita is #651.