CaliforniaPop. 55,650Smaller cities
Is South Whittier a Good Place to Live? South Whittier, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Whittier ranks #979 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #414 of 524 smaller cities and #130 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (31.3 min, #451 of 524) and expensive homes ($708,300, #449 of 524).
South Whittier by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South Whittier'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 South Whittier: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is South Whittier safe?
What is the cost of living in South Whittier?
South Whittier'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 $1,908/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $708,300.
| Measure | South Whittier | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $708,300#1155 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,908/mo#1045 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7x#1148 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.7%#747 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.
Is South Whittier safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for South Whittier alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a South Whittier crime rate or rank it on safety. California as a whole records 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in South Whittier?
The median household in South Whittier earns $100,800, 31% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% above California ($91,905). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | South Whittier | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $100,800#333 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.6%#545 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
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 Whittier?
The median resident of South Whittier is 36.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 17.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1212 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Whittier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 17.8%#1212 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.7% | 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 Whittier's schools and health?
We have too few school records for South Whittier to describe its public schools. 28.2% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | South Whittier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 28.2%#277 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.6%#1107 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.
What are the commute and weather like in South Whittier?
The average commute in South Whittier is 31.3 minutes (California 25.2); 1% of workers take transit and 8.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South Whittier scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.2°F and winters 57.7°F, with 11.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | South Whittier | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 31.3 min#1178 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 13.1%#1176 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.9% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.1% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.7#374 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 | 68.8 | 46.4 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 69 | 48.3 | 3 |
| Mar | 71 | 51.5 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 74.2 | 53.8 | 0.6 |
| May | 75.7 | 58.1 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 79 | 62.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 84.4 | 66.1 | 0 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 66.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 85.4 | 64.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 80.3 | 58.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 74 | 50.7 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 68.1 | 45.6 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fullerton Muni Airport.
| Measure | South Whittier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 66.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.9 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 Fullerton Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in South Whittier?
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 | South Whittier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.39%#1172 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 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 South Whittier compare with similar-size cities?
South Whittier is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #414 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,650.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Whittier, CAPop. 55,650 | #979 | 50.4 | $100,800 | $1,908/mo | no data | 31.3 min |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #922 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 | 23.5 min |
| Port Arthur, TXPop. 55,828 | #1300 | 36.6 | $46,354 | $1,021/mo | 596 | 23.4 min |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #242 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year | 30 min |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #218 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 | 24.6 min |
| Fountainebleau, FLPop. 55,665 | #1172 | 46.0 | $64,908 | $2,094/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #372 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 | 29 min |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #435 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 | 22.9 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 Whittier compare with the rest of California?
South Whittier ranks #130 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 10% above the California median.
| 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 |
| Burbank, CAPop. 104,546 | … #126 | 50.7 | $97,082 | $2,192/mo | 342 |
| Baldwin Park, CAPop. 70,138 | #127 | 50.6 | $80,663 | $1,867/mo | 367 |
| Visalia, CAPop. 143,939 | #128 | 50.5 | $81,989 | $1,490/mo | 415 |
| Yucaipa, CAPop. 54,421 | #129 | 50.5 | $90,794 | $1,711/mo | 204 |
| South Whittier, CAPop. 55,650 | #130 | 50.4 | $100,800 | $1,908/mo | no data |
| Lodi, CAPop. 67,607 | #131 | 50.3 | $88,530 | $1,680/mo | 493 |
| Redding, CAPop. 93,409 | #132 | 50.2 | $70,466 | $1,379/mo | 735 |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #133 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 |
| Arden-Arcade, CAPop. 94,994 | #134 | 50.0 | $77,321 | $1,588/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of South Whittier among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is South Whittier's score calculated?
South Whittier scores 50.4 out of 100, #979 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, 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, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in South Whittier. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
57.2 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Whittier. Similar-size median 58.9.
62.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
South Whittier's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
36.7 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Whittier. Similar-size median 56.1.
64.5 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Whittier. Similar-size median 50.0.
33.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South Whittier's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
3.5 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving South Whittier alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for South Whittier.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for South Whittier.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South Whittier'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 Whittier 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 Whittier
Is South Whittier, CA a good place to live?
South Whittier ranks #979 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #414 of 524 smaller cities and #130 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (31.3 min, #451 of 524) and expensive homes ($708,300, #449 of 524).
What is the cost of living in South Whittier?
South Whittier'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 $1,908/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $708,300.
Is South Whittier safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for South Whittier alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a South Whittier crime rate or rank it on safety. California as a whole records 440 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in South Whittier?
The median household in South Whittier earns $100,800, 31% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% above California ($91,905). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in South Whittier?
Median rent in South Whittier is $1,908/mo (Census), #1045 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 22.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Whittier?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in South Whittier is $708,300, #1155 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in South Whittier?
We have too few school records for South Whittier to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in South Whittier?
The average commute is 31.3 minutes, #1178 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 13.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Whittier?
South Whittier averages 66.2°F over the year, 74.2°F in summer and 57.7°F in winter, with 11.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is South Whittier walkable?
South Whittier scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 Whittier 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 South Whittier?
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 South Whittier?
South Whittier has 55,650 residents. The median resident of South Whittier is 36.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 17.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1212 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Whittier compare with the rest of California?
South Whittier ranks #130 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 10% above the California median.
What cities are similar in size to South Whittier?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Whittier's population of 55,650 are Perth Amboy, NJ (#922 overall), Port Arthur, TX (#1300 overall), Spring Hill, TN (#242 overall), Apple Valley, MN (#218 overall), and Fountainebleau, FL (#1172 overall). South Whittier is #979.