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Is South San Francisco a Good Place to Live? South San Francisco, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South San Francisco ranks #265 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #131 of 524 smaller cities and #25 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($136,578, #46 of 524) and low poverty (6.7%, #105 of 524), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and high rents ($2,802/mo, #503 of 524).
South San Francisco by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South San Francisco'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 South San Francisco?
South San Francisco'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 $2,802/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,222,899, 60% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | South San Francisco | 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 | $1,222,899#1146 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 | $4,027/mo#1104 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,188,800#1273 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,802/mo#1275 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.7x#1244 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.6%#961 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.
South San Francisco 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. South San Francisco is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is South San Francisco safe?
South San Francisco recorded 309 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 373 and 30% below California's 440. That ranks #572 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #253 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South San Francisco Police Department. Property crime runs 1,237 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | South San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 309#572 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,237#325 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 South San Francisco?
The median household in South San Francisco earns $136,578, 78% above the US figure of $76,827 and 49% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | South San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $136,578#80 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.7%#223 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.7%#317 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 South San Francisco?
The median resident of South San Francisco is 43.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #447 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South San Francisco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 40.8%#447 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 59% | 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 South San Francisco's schools and health?
South San Francisco's 11 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (California 85%), with 18.8 students per teacher and $18,792 spent per pupil. 22.3% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | South San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.8#885 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,792#279 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22.3%#49 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.6%#715 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.6%#94 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.9%#500 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. 6,470 students are enrolled in South San Francisco's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in South San Francisco?
The average commute in South San Francisco is 25.6 minutes (California 25.2); 5.5% of workers take transit and 17.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South San Francisco scores 10.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #633 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.8°F and winters 52.1°F, with 19.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | South San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.6 min#821 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.2%#852 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 61.4% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.5% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17.4% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.6#633 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 | 58 | 44.5 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 60.8 | 46.1 | 4 |
| Mar | 63.4 | 47.6 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 65.6 | 49.1 | 1.4 |
| May | 68.3 | 51.6 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 71.5 | 53.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 72.6 | 55.3 | 0 |
| Aug | 73.4 | 56.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 55.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 72.3 | 53.4 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 64.3 | 48.5 | 2 |
| Dec | 58.2 | 44.6 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Francisco International Airport.
| Measure | South San Francisco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 58.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 63.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 52.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 19.6 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 San Francisco International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in South San Francisco?
San Mateo County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Mateo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | South San Francisco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 27#46 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.37%#1159 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 Mateo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Mateo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.19% | 99% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0025% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 82% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.005% | 73% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.0041% | 67% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0012% | 60% 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 South San Francisco compare with similar-size cities?
South San Francisco is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #131 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 64,305.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South San Francisco, CAPop. 64,305 | #265 | 62.8 | $136,578 | $2,802/mo | 309 | 25.6 min |
| Port Orange, FLPop. 64,767 | #920 | 51.4 | $74,426 | $1,634/mo | part year | 25.9 min |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #1015 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 | 18.1 min |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #1250 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 | 19.8 min |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #311 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 | 20.8 min |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #317 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 | 23.3 min |
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #7 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data | 26 min |
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #963 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 | 19.5 min |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #111 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 | 27.1 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 South San Francisco compare with the rest of California?
South San Francisco ranks #25 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 49% above the California median. Violent crime is 30% below the statewide rate. Homes are 60% 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 |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | … #21 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 |
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | #22 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 |
| Livermore, CAPop. 85,522 | #23 | 63.2 | $160,775 | $2,677/mo | 175 |
| Yorba Linda, CAPop. 67,170 | #24 | 62.9 | $157,582 | $2,846/mo | 47 |
| South San Francisco, CAPop. 64,305 | #25 | 62.8 | $136,578 | $2,802/mo | 309 |
| Thousand Oaks, CAPop. 125,205 | #26 | 62.3 | $135,603 | $2,664/mo | 127 |
| Mission Viejo, CAPop. 92,151 | #27 | 62.2 | $136,123 | $2,839/mo | 119 |
| Castro Valley, CAPop. 65,001 | #28 | 62.1 | $142,779 | $2,554/mo | no data |
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | #29 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of South San Francisco among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is South San Francisco's score calculated?
South San Francisco scores 62.8 out of 100, #265 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 South San Francisco. Similar-size median 55.5.
80.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by South San Francisco's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
78.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South San Francisco. Similar-size median 58.9.
76.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in South San Francisco's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
South San Francisco's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
16.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South San Francisco. Similar-size median 56.1.
87.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in South San Francisco. Similar-size median 42.4.
48.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South San Francisco. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South San Francisco's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
50.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
46.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South San Francisco'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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco
Is South San Francisco, CA a good place to live?
South San Francisco ranks #265 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #131 of 524 smaller cities and #25 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($136,578, #46 of 524) and low poverty (6.7%, #105 of 524), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524) and high rents ($2,802/mo, #503 of 524).
What is the cost of living in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco'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 $2,802/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,222,899, 60% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco recorded 309 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 373 and 30% below California's 440. That ranks #572 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #253 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South San Francisco Police Department. Property crime runs 1,237 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in South San Francisco?
The median household in South San Francisco earns $136,578, 78% above the US figure of $76,827 and 49% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in South San Francisco?
Median rent in South San Francisco is $2,802/mo (Census), #1275 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $4,027/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South San Francisco?
Zillow's typical home value in South San Francisco is $1,222,899, up 2.9% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,188,800.
How are the public schools in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco's 11 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (California 85%), with 18.8 students per teacher and $18,792 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in South San Francisco?
The average commute is 25.6 minutes, #821 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco averages 58.7°F over the year, 63.8°F in summer and 52.1°F in winter, with 19.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is South San Francisco walkable?
South San Francisco scores 10.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #633 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 South San Francisco at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Mateo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in South San Francisco?
San Mateo County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco has 64,305 residents. The median resident of South San Francisco is 43.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #447 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South San Francisco compare with the rest of California?
South San Francisco ranks #25 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 49% above the California median. Violent crime is 30% below the statewide rate. Homes are 60% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to South San Francisco?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South San Francisco's population of 64,305 are Port Orange, FL (#920 overall), Muncie, IN (#1015 overall), North Little Rock, AR (#1250 overall), Bellevue, NE (#311 overall), and Burnsville, MN (#317 overall). South San Francisco is #265.