CaliforniaPop. 177,090Mid-size cities
Is Santa Rosa a Good Place to Live? Santa Rosa, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Santa Rosa ranks #499 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #75 of 256 mid-size cities and #47 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.8%, #55 of 241), and trails on high rents ($2,152/mo, #220 of 256) and expensive homes ($713,900, #220 of 256).
Santa Rosa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Santa Rosa'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 Rosa?
Santa Rosa's cost of living index is 107.8, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1044 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,152/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $709,775, 7% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Santa Rosa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 107.8#1044 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $709,775#1017 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,560/mo#929 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $713,900#1158 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,152/mo#1156 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.2x#1166 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.1%#1094 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 Rosa 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 Rosa is in the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Santa Rosa safe?
Santa Rosa recorded 292 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 373 and 34% below California's 440. That ranks #550 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #99 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Santa Rosa Police Department. Property crime runs 1,440 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Santa Rosa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 292#550 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,440#442 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
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 Rosa?
The median household in Santa Rosa earns $99,060, 29% above the US figure of $76,827 and 8% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.2%). 9.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Santa Rosa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $99,060#353 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.7%#477 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
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 Rosa?
The median resident of Santa Rosa is 41.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 35.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #603 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Santa Rosa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 41.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 35.1%#603 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 56.7% | 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 Rosa's schools and health?
Santa Rosa's 47 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.7 students per teacher and $20,637 spent per pupil. 26.5% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Santa Rosa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.7#964 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $20,637#174 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 26.5%#199 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.4%#706 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. 24,045 students are enrolled in Santa Rosa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Santa Rosa?
The average commute in Santa Rosa is 22.9 minutes (California 25.2); 1.3% of workers take transit and 11.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Santa Rosa scores 10.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #609 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 48.5°F, with 33.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Santa Rosa | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.9 min#586 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.4% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.5% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.8#609 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 | 57.9 | 37.5 | 6.7 |
| Feb | 61.7 | 39.4 | 6.7 |
| Mar | 65.1 | 41.4 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 69 | 43.2 | 2.1 |
| May | 74.7 | 46.6 | 1.3 |
| Jun | 81.8 | 50.1 | 0.3 |
| Jul | 83.5 | 51.7 | 0 |
| Aug | 84.1 | 51.9 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 83.4 | 49.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 77.1 | 45.5 | 1.7 |
| Nov | 65.4 | 40.1 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 57.5 | 36.9 | 6.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Rosa Sonoma Co Airport.
| Measure | Santa Rosa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 67.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 33.8 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 Santa Rosa Sonoma Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Santa Rosa?
Sonoma County's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from pm10. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sonoma County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.48% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Santa Rosa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 9#3 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.48%#1281 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 Sonoma County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sonoma County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.18% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.24% | 97% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0017% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.014% | 87% 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 Rosa compare with similar-size cities?
Santa Rosa is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #75 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 177,090.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa, CAPop. 177,090 | #499 | 58.0 | $99,060 | $2,152/mo | 292 | 22.9 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #40 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #890 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 | 22 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 min |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #528 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 | 30.4 min |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #418 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 | 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 Santa Rosa compare with the rest of California?
Santa Rosa ranks #47 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 58 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 8% above the California median. Violent crime is 34% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% 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 |
| Walnut Creek, CAPop. 70,088 | … #43 | 59.1 | $130,432 | $2,680/mo | 217 |
| Fountain Valley, CAPop. 56,258 | #44 | 59.0 | $115,237 | $2,631/mo | 176 |
| Milpitas, CAPop. 78,578 | #45 | 58.6 | $178,798 | $3,120/mo | 237 |
| Costa Mesa, CAPop. 110,330 | #46 | 58.2 | $111,505 | $2,446/mo | 543 |
| Santa Rosa, CAPop. 177,090 | #47 | 58.0 | $99,060 | $2,152/mo | 292 |
| San Rafael, CAPop. 60,433 | #48 | 58.0 | $119,435 | $2,377/mo | 365 |
| Rancho Cordova, CAPop. 81,849 | #49 | 57.8 | $89,585 | $1,787/mo | 507 |
| Arcadia, CAPop. 55,170 | #50 | 57.8 | $113,516 | $2,191/mo | 198 |
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #51 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Santa Rosa among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Santa Rosa's score calculated?
Santa Rosa scores 58 out of 100, #499 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 Rosa. Similar-size median 52.9.
60.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Santa Rosa's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
77.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Santa Rosa. Similar-size median 53.8.
67.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Santa Rosa's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
55.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Santa Rosa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
36.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Santa Rosa. Similar-size median 51.2.
65.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Santa Rosa. Similar-size median 42.1.
47.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Santa Rosa. Similar-size median 50.1.
49.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Santa Rosa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
51.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
51.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Santa Rosa'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 Rosa 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 Rosa
Is Santa Rosa, CA a good place to live?
Santa Rosa ranks #499 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #75 of 256 mid-size cities and #47 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.8%, #55 of 241), and trails on high rents ($2,152/mo, #220 of 256) and expensive homes ($713,900, #220 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa's cost of living index is 107.8, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1044 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,152/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $709,775, 7% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa recorded 292 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 373 and 34% below California's 440. That ranks #550 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #99 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Santa Rosa Police Department. Property crime runs 1,440 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Santa Rosa?
The median household in Santa Rosa earns $99,060, 29% above the US figure of $76,827 and 8% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.2%). 9.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,152/mo (Census), #1156 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,560/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Santa Rosa?
Zillow's typical home value in Santa Rosa is $709,775, down 0.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $713,900.
How are the public schools in Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa's 47 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.7 students per teacher and $20,637 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Santa Rosa?
The average commute is 22.9 minutes, #586 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa averages 58.1°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 48.5°F in winter, with 33.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Santa Rosa walkable?
Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sonoma County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.48% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Santa Rosa?
Sonoma County's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from pm10.
Who lives in Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa has 177,090 residents. The median resident of Santa Rosa is 41.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 35.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #603 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Santa Rosa compare with the rest of California?
Santa Rosa ranks #47 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 58 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 8% above the California median. Violent crime is 34% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Santa Rosa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Santa Rosa's population of 177,090 are Newport News, VA (#880 overall), Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), Aurora, IL (#376 overall), Cary, NC (#40 overall), and Salem, OR (#890 overall). Santa Rosa is #499.