CaliforniaPop. 322,326Big cities
Is Stockton a Good Place to Live? Stockton, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Stockton ranks #1245 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #52 of 53 big cities and #176 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (7.3%, #52 of 53) and long commutes (31.7 min, #51 of 53).
Stockton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Stockton'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 Stockton?
Stockton's cost of living index is 105.1, 5% above the US level of 100 and #952 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,577/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $427,285, 44% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Stockton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 105.1#952 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $427,285#686 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,010/mo#717 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $440,900#873 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,577/mo#770 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23.7%#859 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Stockton 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. Stockton is in the Stockton, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Stockton safe?
Stockton recorded 1,029 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.4 times California's 433. That ranks #1043 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #46 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Stockton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,320 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Stockton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 1,029#1043 of 1,085 | 433 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,320#802 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Stockton?
The median household in Stockton earns $79,907, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 7.3% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Stockton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $79,907#619 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 7.3%#1032 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 15.5%#887 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Stockton?
The median resident of Stockton is 33.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 20% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1167 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Stockton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 33.9 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 20%#1167 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 53.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Stockton's schools and health?
Stockton's 98 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23.5 students per teacher and $17,158 spent per pupil. 31.8% of adults are obese and 13.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Stockton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 86.3%#635 of 1,063 | 87% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 23.5#1115 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $17,158#400 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 31.8%#525 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 13.5%#1026 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 61,435 students are enrolled in Stockton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Stockton?
The average commute in Stockton is 31.7 minutes (California 29.7); 1% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Stockton scores 13.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.5°F and winters 49.3°F, with 13.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Stockton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 31.7 min#1191 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 16.5%#1248 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 75.6% | 67.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.1% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 8% | 14.1% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.4#260 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 39.1 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 62.9 | 41.3 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 68.5 | 44.2 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 74.5 | 47.4 | 1.1 |
| May | 82.8 | 52.6 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 90.4 | 57.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 95.4 | 60.9 | 0 |
| Aug | 94.4 | 60.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 90.4 | 57.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 80.3 | 50.6 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 66.6 | 42.8 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 57.1 | 38.4 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Stockton Airport.
| Measure | Stockton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 63°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 76.5°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 49.3°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 13.5 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Stockton Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Stockton?
San Joaquin County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 60% 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 Joaquin County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Stockton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| 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 0.14% | 0.19%#898 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for San Joaquin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Joaquin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.076% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 58% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 57% 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 Stockton compare with similar-size cities?
Stockton is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #52 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 322,326.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton, CAPop. 322,326 | #1245 | 42.6 | $79,907 | $1,577/mo | 1,029 | 31.7 min |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #682 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 | 24.3 min |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 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 Stockton compare with the rest of California?
Stockton ranks #176 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 42.6 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 20% below the California median. Violent crime is 2.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 44% 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 |
| Hesperia, CAPop. 100,775 | … #172 | 43.3 | $72,160 | $1,590/mo | 463 |
| Hawthorne, CAPop. 85,191 | #173 | 43.2 | $75,848 | $1,782/mo | 571 |
| Lynwood, CAPop. 64,578 | #174 | 43.2 | $74,844 | $1,652/mo | 743 |
| Huntington Park, CAPop. 53,108 | #175 | 43.2 | $59,996 | $1,505/mo | 510 |
| Stockton, CAPop. 322,326 | #176 | 42.6 | $79,907 | $1,577/mo | 1,029 |
| Hemet, CAPop. 91,326 | #177 | 42.3 | $57,719 | $1,575/mo | 398 |
| Merced, CAPop. 91,953 | #178 | 42.1 | $63,122 | $1,393/mo | 700 |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | #179 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #180 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Stockton among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Stockton's score calculated?
Stockton scores 42.6 out of 100, #1245 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Stockton. Similar-size median 53.8.
35.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Stockton's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
26.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Stockton. Similar-size median 54.8.
51.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Stockton's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
46.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Stockton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
57.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Stockton. Similar-size median 47.2.
46.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Stockton. Similar-size median 42.4.
29.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Stockton. Similar-size median 53.7.
31.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Stockton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
65.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
39.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Stockton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Stockton 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 Stockton
Is Stockton, CA a good place to live?
Stockton ranks #1245 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #52 of 53 big cities and #176 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (7.3%, #52 of 53) and long commutes (31.7 min, #51 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Stockton?
Stockton's cost of living index is 105.1, 5% above the US level of 100 and #952 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,577/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $427,285, 44% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Stockton?
Stockton recorded 1,029 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.4 times California's 433. That ranks #1043 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #46 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Stockton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,320 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Stockton?
The median household in Stockton earns $79,907, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 7.3% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Stockton?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,577/mo (Census), #770 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,010/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Stockton?
The typical home value in Stockton is $427,285, down 2.3% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $440,900.
How are the public schools in Stockton?
Stockton's 98 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23.5 students per teacher and $17,158 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Stockton?
The average commute is 31.7 minutes, #1191 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 16.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Stockton?
Stockton averages 63°F over the year, 76.5°F in summer and 49.3°F in winter, with 13.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Stockton walkable?
Stockton scores 13.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #260 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 Stockton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Joaquin County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Stockton?
San Joaquin County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Stockton?
Stockton has 322,326 residents. The median resident of Stockton is 33.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 20% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1167 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Stockton compare with the rest of California?
Stockton ranks #176 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 42.6 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 20% below the California median. Violent crime is 2.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 44% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Stockton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Stockton's population of 322,326 are Henderson, NV (#682 overall), Lexington, KY (#405 overall), Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), and Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall). Stockton is #1245.