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Is Tustin a Good Place to Live? Tustin, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tustin ranks #548 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 524 smaller cities and #53 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437) and high household income ($112,503, #116 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($950,400, #488 of 524) and high rents ($2,449/mo, #479 of 524).
Tustin by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tustin'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 Tustin?
Tustin'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 $2,449/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,157,866, 52% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Tustin | 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 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,157,866#1138 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 | $3,152/mo#1051 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $950,400#1246 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,449/mo#1236 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.4x#1232 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26.1%#1094 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.
Tustin 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. Tustin is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Tustin safe?
Tustin recorded 216 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 373 and 51% below California's 440. That ranks #381 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #173 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tustin Police Department. Property crime runs 1,918 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Tustin | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 216#381 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,918#673 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 Tustin?
The median household in Tustin earns $112,503, 46% above the US figure of $76,827 and 22% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Tustin | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $112,503#209 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.9%#488 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.6%#988 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 Tustin?
The median resident of Tustin is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 47.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #313 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tustin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 47.4%#313 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 48.8% | 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 Tustin's schools and health?
Tustin's 15 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 25.8 students per teacher and $15,381 spent per pupil. 24.3% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Tustin | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 25.8#1178 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,381#532 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 24.3%#115 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.5%#522 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.5%#718 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. 9,993 students are enrolled in Tustin's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tustin?
The average commute in Tustin is 22.8 minutes (California 25.2); 0.8% of workers take transit and 19.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tustin scores 12.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.5°F and winters 57.9°F, with 11.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tustin | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.8 min#572 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.8% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 19.2% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.9#342 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 | 67 | 48.6 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 66.7 | 50.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 67.7 | 52.3 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 70.2 | 54.9 | 0.5 |
| May | 71.3 | 59.3 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 74.1 | 62.6 | 0 |
| Jul | 78.9 | 66.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 80.4 | 67.1 | 0 |
| Sep | 79.9 | 65 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 76.5 | 59.2 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 71.9 | 53.3 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.5 | 48.3 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Ana John Wayne Airport.
| Measure | Tustin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.2 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 Santa Ana John Wayne Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tustin?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Tustin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.3%#1079 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 Orange County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Orange County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.009% | 84% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 58% 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 Tustin compare with similar-size cities?
Tustin is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #246 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 78,981.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tustin, CAPop. 78,981 | #548 | 57.3 | $112,503 | $2,449/mo | 216 | 22.8 min |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #355 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 | 24.2 min |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #631 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 | 22.5 min |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #455 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 | 16.8 min |
| Plymouth, MNPop. 79,220 | #36 | 71.5 | $136,534 | $1,766/mo | 65 | 21.7 min |
| Castle Rock, COPop. 79,123 | #139 | 66.8 | $145,197 | $2,000/mo | 30 | 28.6 min |
| Daytona Beach, FLPop. 78,992 | #1114 | 47.6 | $52,058 | $1,328/mo | part year | 21.4 min |
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | #289 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 | 16.8 min |
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #126 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 | 26 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 Tustin compare with the rest of California?
Tustin ranks #53 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 22% above the California median. Violent crime is 51% below the statewide rate. Homes are 52% 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 |
| Rancho Cordova, CAPop. 81,849 | … #49 | 57.8 | $89,585 | $1,787/mo | 507 |
| Arcadia, CAPop. 55,170 | #50 | 57.8 | $113,516 | $2,191/mo | 198 |
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #51 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Tustin among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Tustin's score calculated?
Tustin scores 57.3 out of 100, #548 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 Tustin. Similar-size median 55.5.
69.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tustin's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
79.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tustin. Similar-size median 58.9.
70.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tustin's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
48.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tustin's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
22.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tustin. Similar-size median 56.1.
70.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tustin. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tustin. Similar-size median 50.0.
57.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tustin's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
62.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
23.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tustin'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 Tustin 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 Tustin
Is Tustin, CA a good place to live?
Tustin ranks #548 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 524 smaller cities and #53 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437) and high household income ($112,503, #116 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($950,400, #488 of 524) and high rents ($2,449/mo, #479 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Tustin?
Tustin'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 $2,449/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,157,866, 52% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Tustin?
Tustin recorded 216 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 373 and 51% below California's 440. That ranks #381 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #173 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tustin Police Department. Property crime runs 1,918 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Tustin?
The median household in Tustin earns $112,503, 46% above the US figure of $76,827 and 22% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Tustin?
Median rent in Tustin is $2,449/mo (Census), #1236 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,152/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tustin?
Zillow's typical home value in Tustin is $1,157,866, up 0.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $950,400.
How are the public schools in Tustin?
Tustin's 15 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 25.8 students per teacher and $15,381 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tustin?
The average commute is 22.8 minutes, #572 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tustin?
Tustin averages 64.9°F over the year, 71.5°F in summer and 57.9°F in winter, with 11.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tustin walkable?
Tustin scores 12.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #342 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 Tustin at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tustin?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Tustin?
Tustin has 78,981 residents. The median resident of Tustin is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 47.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #313 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tustin compare with the rest of California?
Tustin ranks #53 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 22% above the California median. Violent crime is 51% below the statewide rate. Homes are 52% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Tustin?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tustin's population of 78,981 are Parma, OH (#355 overall), Pasco, WA (#631 overall), Lynchburg, VA (#455 overall), Plymouth, MN (#36 overall), and Castle Rock, CO (#139 overall). Tustin is #548.