CaliforniaPop. 96,966Smaller cities
Is Tracy a Good Place to Live? Tracy, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tracy ranks #565 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #255 of 524 smaller cities and #56 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.5%, #68 of 468) and high household income ($121,119, #80 of 524), and trails on long commutes (42.5 min, #522 of 524) and high rents ($2,478/mo, #485 of 524).
Tracy by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tracy'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 Tracy?
Tracy'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 $2,478/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $672,627, 12% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Tracy | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 105.1#952 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $672,627#995 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 | $2,701/mo#964 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $699,000#1147 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,478/mo#1243 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.8x#1003 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.
Tracy 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. Tracy is in the Stockton, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Tracy safe?
Tracy recorded 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% below the US rate of 373 and 56% below California's 440. That ranks #344 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #155 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tracy Police Department. Property crime runs 1,342 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Tracy | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 194#344 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,342#380 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 Tracy?
The median household in Tracy earns $121,119, 58% above the US figure of $76,827 and 32% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.2%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Tracy | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $121,119#148 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.2%#878 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.8%#305 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.5%#153 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 Tracy?
The median resident of Tracy is 35.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 28.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #856 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tracy | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 28.5%#856 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 65% | 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 Tracy's schools and health?
Tracy's 22 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.3 students per teacher and $15,747 spent per pupil. 29% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Tracy | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.3#1042 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,747#500 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29%#331 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.9%#764 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. 16,997 students are enrolled in Tracy's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tracy?
The average commute in Tracy is 42.5 minutes (California 25.2); 1.4% of workers take transit and 14.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tracy scores 10 of 20 (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.5°F and winters 47.9°F, with 12.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tracy | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 42.5 min#1309 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 32.6%#1311 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.9% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10#694 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 | 57.2 | 36.4 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 62.1 | 38.9 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 68 | 41.6 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 73.4 | 45 | 1 |
| May | 80.4 | 50.3 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 88.3 | 54.9 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 93.2 | 56.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 92.1 | 55.6 | 0 |
| Sep | 88.5 | 53.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 78.9 | 48.1 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 66.7 | 40.7 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 56.3 | 36.4 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tracy Carbona.
| Measure | Tracy | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 61°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 47.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 12.7 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 Tracy Carbona.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tracy?
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 | Tracy | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 46#700 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% | 0.19%#898 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 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 Tracy compare with similar-size cities?
Tracy is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #255 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 96,966.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy, CAPop. 96,966 | #565 | 57.1 | $121,119 | $2,478/mo | 194 | 42.5 min |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #402 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 | 24.1 min |
| Deltona, FLPop. 97,334 | #1025 | 49.6 | $76,924 | $1,711/mo | part year | 34 min |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #1074 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 | 23.7 min |
| Orem, UTPop. 97,182 | #440 | 59.2 | $83,342 | $1,438/mo | 134 | 20.1 min |
| Yakima, WAPop. 96,961 | #1111 | 47.7 | $62,815 | $1,117/mo | 522 | 17.8 min |
| Edmond, OKPop. 96,825 | #228 | 63.7 | $103,183 | $1,344/mo | 139 | 23.3 min |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #637 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 | 19.8 min |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #1177 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 | 24.1 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 Tracy compare with the rest of California?
Tracy ranks #56 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 32% above the California median. Violent crime is 56% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% 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 |
| Union City, CAPop. 67,464 | … #52 | 57.5 | $133,715 | $2,713/mo | 453 |
| Tustin, CAPop. 78,981 | #53 | 57.3 | $112,503 | $2,449/mo | 216 |
| Brentwood, CAPop. 65,208 | #54 | 57.3 | $142,494 | $2,758/mo | 202 |
| Berkeley, CAPop. 120,257 | #55 | 57.1 | $108,092 | $2,133/mo | 639 |
| Tracy, CAPop. 96,966 | #56 | 57.1 | $121,119 | $2,478/mo | 194 |
| Woodland, CAPop. 61,854 | #57 | 57.1 | $90,180 | $1,583/mo | 181 |
| San Diego, CAPop. 1,389,526 | #58 | 57.0 | $108,077 | $2,313/mo | 374 |
| Clovis, CAPop. 124,725 | #59 | 57.0 | $99,241 | $1,792/mo | 261 |
| Chino Hills, CAPop. 77,927 | #60 | 57.0 | $126,334 | $2,894/mo | 73 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Tracy among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Tracy's score calculated?
Tracy scores 57.1 out of 100, #565 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 Tracy. Similar-size median 55.5.
65.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tracy's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
84.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tracy. Similar-size median 58.9.
62.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tracy's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
50.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tracy's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
35.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tracy. Similar-size median 56.1.
78.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tracy. Similar-size median 42.4.
51.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tracy. Similar-size median 50.0.
24.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tracy's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
47.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
39.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tracy'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 Tracy 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 Tracy
Is Tracy, CA a good place to live?
Tracy ranks #565 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #255 of 524 smaller cities and #56 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.5%, #68 of 468) and high household income ($121,119, #80 of 524), and trails on long commutes (42.5 min, #522 of 524) and high rents ($2,478/mo, #485 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Tracy?
Tracy'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 $2,478/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $672,627, 12% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Tracy?
Tracy recorded 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% below the US rate of 373 and 56% below California's 440. That ranks #344 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #155 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tracy Police Department. Property crime runs 1,342 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Tracy?
The median household in Tracy earns $121,119, 58% above the US figure of $76,827 and 32% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.2%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Tracy?
Median rent in Tracy is $2,478/mo (Census), #1243 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,701/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tracy?
Zillow's typical home value in Tracy is $672,627, down 4.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $699,000.
How are the public schools in Tracy?
Tracy's 22 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.3 students per teacher and $15,747 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tracy?
The average commute is 42.5 minutes, #1309 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 32.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tracy?
Tracy averages 61°F over the year, 73.5°F in summer and 47.9°F in winter, with 12.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tracy walkable?
Tracy scores 10 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #694 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 Tracy 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 Tracy?
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 Tracy?
Tracy has 96,966 residents. The median resident of Tracy is 35.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 28.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #856 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tracy compare with the rest of California?
Tracy ranks #56 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 32% above the California median. Violent crime is 56% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Tracy?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tracy's population of 96,966 are Beaverton, OR (#402 overall), Deltona, FL (#1025 overall), Portsmouth, VA (#1074 overall), Orem, UT (#440 overall), and Yakima, WA (#1111 overall). Tracy is #565.