CaliforniaPop. 125,634Mid-size cities
Is Simi Valley a Good Place to Live? Simi Valley, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Simi Valley ranks #406 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #57 of 256 mid-size cities and #38 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($122,081, #25 of 256) and low poverty (6.4%, #25 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,579/mo, #249 of 256) and expensive homes ($823,800, #234 of 256).
Simi Valley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Simi Valley'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 Simi Valley?
Simi Valley's cost of living index is 110.5, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1112 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,579/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $833,307, 9% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Simi Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 110.5#1112 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $833,307#1069 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 | $2,760/mo#982 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $823,800#1200 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,579/mo#1259 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.7x#1124 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.4%#1041 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.
Simi Valley 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. Simi Valley is in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Simi Valley safe?
Simi Valley recorded 136 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 64% below the US rate of 373 and 69% below California's 440. That ranks #206 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #27 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Simi Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 771 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Simi Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 136#206 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 771#120 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 Simi Valley?
The median household in Simi Valley earns $122,081, 59% above the US figure of $76,827 and 33% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Simi Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $122,081#142 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 6.4%#206 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.4%#906 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 Simi Valley?
The median resident of Simi Valley is 41.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #486 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Simi Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 41.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 39.1%#486 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 72.9% | 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 Simi Valley's schools and health?
Simi Valley's 25 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.7 students per teacher and $15,349 spent per pupil. 24.4% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Simi Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.7#1065 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,349#542 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 24.4%#119 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 7.4%#305 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. 15,123 students are enrolled in Simi Valley's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Simi Valley?
The average commute in Simi Valley is 27.1 minutes (California 25.2); 0.4% of workers take transit and 19.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Simi Valley scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.6°F and winters 56.2°F, with 16.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Simi Valley | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.1 min#938 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.8%#903 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.2% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 19.1% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.5#410 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 | 69.8 | 43.1 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 70 | 43.6 | 4.6 |
| Mar | 74 | 45.9 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 78 | 48.1 | 0.8 |
| May | 82 | 52.6 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 88.5 | 56.9 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 95.1 | 60.8 | 0 |
| Aug | 97.4 | 60.8 | 0 |
| Sep | 93.9 | 58.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 85.2 | 52.9 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 76.4 | 46 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 68.9 | 42 | 2.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Woodland Hills Pierce College.
| Measure | Simi Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 76.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 16.4 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 Woodland Hills Pierce College.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Simi Valley?
Ventura County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 52% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ventura County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.42% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Simi Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.42%#1242 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 Ventura County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ventura County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.16% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.18% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.028% | 92% 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 Simi Valley compare with similar-size cities?
Simi Valley is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #57 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 125,634.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #406 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 | 27.1 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | #728 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 | 17.4 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #295 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #282 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 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 Simi Valley compare with the rest of California?
Simi Valley ranks #38 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 33% above the California median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 |
| Redondo Beach, CAPop. 69,291 | … #34 | 60.7 | $150,245 | $2,691/mo | 239 |
| Eastvale, CAPop. 70,633 | #35 | 60.5 | $160,069 | $3,252/mo | 52 |
| Placentia, CAPop. 52,826 | #36 | 60.3 | $115,929 | $2,388/mo | 245 |
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | #37 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #38 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 |
| Alameda, CAPop. 77,238 | #39 | 59.9 | $137,697 | $2,474/mo | 348 |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #40 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 |
| Novato, CAPop. 52,546 | #41 | 59.6 | $115,736 | $2,506/mo | 211 |
| Orange, CAPop. 138,266 | #42 | 59.4 | $117,113 | $2,327/mo | 196 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Simi Valley among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Simi Valley's score calculated?
Simi Valley scores 59.9 out of 100, #406 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 Simi Valley. Similar-size median 52.9.
71.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Simi Valley's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
92.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Simi Valley. Similar-size median 53.8.
70.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Simi Valley's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
47.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Simi Valley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
25.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Simi Valley. Similar-size median 51.2.
81.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Simi Valley. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Simi Valley. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Simi Valley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
23.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Simi Valley'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 Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley
Is Simi Valley, CA a good place to live?
Simi Valley ranks #406 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #57 of 256 mid-size cities and #38 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($122,081, #25 of 256) and low poverty (6.4%, #25 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,579/mo, #249 of 256) and expensive homes ($823,800, #234 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Simi Valley?
Simi Valley's cost of living index is 110.5, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1112 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,579/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $833,307, 9% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Simi Valley?
Simi Valley recorded 136 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 64% below the US rate of 373 and 69% below California's 440. That ranks #206 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #27 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Simi Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 771 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Simi Valley?
The median household in Simi Valley earns $122,081, 59% above the US figure of $76,827 and 33% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Simi Valley?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,579/mo (Census), #1259 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,760/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Simi Valley?
Zillow's typical home value in Simi Valley is $833,307, down 0.3% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $823,800.
How are the public schools in Simi Valley?
Simi Valley's 25 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.7 students per teacher and $15,349 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Simi Valley?
The average commute is 27.1 minutes, #938 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Simi Valley?
Simi Valley averages 66.3°F over the year, 76.6°F in summer and 56.2°F in winter, with 16.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Simi Valley walkable?
Simi Valley scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 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 Simi Valley at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ventura County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.42% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Simi Valley?
Ventura County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 52% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Simi Valley?
Simi Valley has 125,634 residents. The median resident of Simi Valley is 41.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #486 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Simi Valley compare with the rest of California?
Simi Valley ranks #38 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 33% above the California median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Simi Valley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Simi Valley's population of 125,634 are Columbia, MO (#516 overall), Athens, GA (#746 overall), Allentown, PA (#762 overall), Topeka, KS (#973 overall), and College Station, TX (#728 overall). Simi Valley is #406.