CaliforniaPop. 59,332Smaller cities
Is Santee a Good Place to Live? Santee, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Santee ranks #1054 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #434 of 524 smaller cities and #141 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($113,394, #110 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.1%, #456 of 468) and high rents ($2,250/mo, #452 of 524).
Santee by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Santee's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Santee: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Santee safe?
What is the cost of living in Santee?
Santee's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,250/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $795,470, 4% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Santee | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $795,470#1050 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 | $2,850/mo#1002 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $727,200#1164 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,250/mo#1183 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.8%#872 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.
Santee 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. Santee is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Santee safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Santee are far below California's rates for a city of 59,332, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Santee on safety. California as a whole records 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Santee?
The median household in Santee earns $113,394, 48% above the US figure of $76,827 and 23% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.2%). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Santee | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $113,394#200 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $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 10.8% | 7.9%#319 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -1.1%#1095 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 Santee?
The median resident of Santee is 40.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Santee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 35%#608 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 72.4% | 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 Santee's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Santee; its public schools have 23.3 students per teacher and spend $14,532 per pupil. 26.2% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Santee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.3#1100 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,532#643 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.2%#189 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.8%#228 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 5,477 students are enrolled in Santee's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Santee?
The average commute in Santee is 26.7 minutes (California 25.2); 1.5% of workers take transit and 17.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Santee scores 11 of 20 (above average walkable), #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.8°F and winters 55.9°F, with 11.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Santee | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.7 min#908 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.6%#788 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.6% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.5% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17.3% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11#585 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 | 69.3 | 42.5 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 69.2 | 44.4 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 71.3 | 48 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 74.5 | 50.7 | 0.8 |
| May | 76.2 | 55.9 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 80.8 | 59.4 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 86.1 | 63.3 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 64.7 | 0 |
| Sep | 87.3 | 62.1 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 81 | 55.6 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 75.2 | 47.1 | 1 |
| Dec | 68.5 | 41.7 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at El Cajon.
| Measure | Santee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 65.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 55.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.6 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 El Cajon.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Santee?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Santee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.24%#1033 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 San Diego County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Diego County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.073% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% 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 Santee compare with similar-size cities?
Santee is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #434 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,332.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santee, CAPop. 59,332 | #1054 | 48.8 | $113,394 | $2,250/mo | part year | 26.7 min |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #31 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 | 30.2 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #367 | 60.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | part year | 27.1 min |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #470 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 | 14.6 min |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #68 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 | 28.2 min |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #1055 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 | 19.1 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #220 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 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 Santee compare with the rest of California?
Santee ranks #141 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 23% above the California median. 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 |
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | … #137 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 |
| Riverside, CAPop. 319,069 | #138 | 49.0 | $91,045 | $1,914/mo | 535 |
| Indio, CAPop. 91,950 | #139 | 49.0 | $77,167 | $1,437/mo | 266 |
| Perris, CAPop. 80,511 | #140 | 48.8 | $88,911 | $1,876/mo | 271 |
| Santee, CAPop. 59,332 | #141 | 48.8 | $113,394 | $2,250/mo | part year |
| El Monte, CAPop. 106,109 | #142 | 48.7 | $68,030 | $1,736/mo | 410 |
| Rialto, CAPop. 104,143 | #143 | 48.5 | $88,857 | $1,759/mo | 583 |
| Chico, CAPop. 102,188 | #144 | 48.5 | $66,977 | $1,488/mo | 664 |
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | #145 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Santee among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Santee's score calculated?
Santee scores 48.8 out of 100, #1054 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Santee. Similar-size median 55.5.
66.4 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Santee. Similar-size median 58.9.
67.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Santee's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
24.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Santee's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
32.8 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Santee. Similar-size median 56.1.
75.0 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Santee. Similar-size median 42.4.
28.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Santee. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Santee's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
52.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
12.0 - SafetyNot scored
Santee's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Santee'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 Santee 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 Santee
Is Santee, CA a good place to live?
Santee ranks #1054 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #434 of 524 smaller cities and #141 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($113,394, #110 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.1%, #456 of 468) and high rents ($2,250/mo, #452 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Santee?
Santee's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,250/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $795,470, 4% above the typical California home ($764,158).
Is Santee safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Santee are far below California's rates for a city of 59,332, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Santee on safety. California as a whole records 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Santee?
The median household in Santee earns $113,394, 48% above the US figure of $76,827 and 23% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.2%). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Santee?
Median rent in Santee is $2,250/mo (Census), #1183 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,850/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Santee?
Zillow's typical home value in Santee is $795,470, down 1.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $727,200.
How are the public schools in Santee?
There is no city graduation rate for Santee; its public schools have 23.3 students per teacher and spend $14,532 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Santee?
The average commute is 26.7 minutes, #908 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 6.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Santee?
Santee averages 65.1°F over the year, 73.8°F in summer and 55.9°F in winter, with 11.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Santee walkable?
Santee scores 11 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #585 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 Santee at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Santee?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Santee?
Santee has 59,332 residents. The median resident of Santee is 40.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Santee compare with the rest of California?
Santee ranks #141 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 23% above the California median. Homes are 4% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Santee?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Santee's population of 59,332 are Medford, MA (#31 overall), Herriman, UT (#367 overall), Youngstown, OH (#1277 overall), Margate, FL (#1036 overall), and Dubuque, IA (#470 overall). Santee is #1054.