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Is Vista a Good Place to Live? Vista, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Vista ranks #657 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #292 of 524 smaller cities and #77 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #429 of 468) and expensive homes ($762,400, #457 of 524).
Vista by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Vista'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 Vista?
Vista's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,249/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $877,415, 15% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $877,415#1087 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 | $2,724/mo#967 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $762,400#1179 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,249/mo#1182 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8x#1216 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.4%#1208 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.
Vista 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. Vista is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Vista safe?
Vista recorded 208 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% below the US rate of 373 and 53% below California's 440. That ranks #370 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #167 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Vista Police Department. Property crime runs 550 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 208#370 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 550#35 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 Vista?
The median household in Vista earns $94,975, 24% above the US figure of $76,827 and 3% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $94,975#411 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.5%#540 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.7%#1029 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 Vista?
The median resident of Vista is 35.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #820 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.3%#820 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 51.7% | 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 Vista's schools and health?
Vista's 23 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.3 students per teacher and $17,066 spent per pupil. 27.5% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.3#989 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,066#408 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27.5%#244 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.8%#933 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. 15,280 students are enrolled in Vista's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Vista?
The average commute in Vista is 26.7 minutes (California 25.2); 0.9% of workers take transit and 16.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Vista scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.3°F and winters 56.2°F, with 11.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.7 min#908 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.4%#761 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.2% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.6#393 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 | 65 | 47.8 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 64 | 48.5 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 64.5 | 50.8 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 66.3 | 53.3 | 0.9 |
| May | 67.6 | 57.4 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 69.9 | 60.3 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 74.2 | 64.1 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 75.8 | 65.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 75.7 | 63.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 73.3 | 58.9 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 69.5 | 52.1 | 1 |
| Dec | 64.6 | 47.3 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Carlsbad Mcclellan Palomar Airport.
| Measure | Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 68.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 56.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.4 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 Carlsbad Mcclellan Palomar Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Vista?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.24%#1033 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 Diego County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Diego County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.073% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% 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 Vista compare with similar-size cities?
Vista is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #292 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 99,114.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #657 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 | 26.7 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #354 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #569 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 min |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #636 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 | 30.2 min |
| Palm Coast, FLPop. 98,258 | #827 | 52.8 | $77,350 | $1,782/mo | no data | 27 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 Vista compare with the rest of California?
Vista ranks #77 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 3% above the California median. Violent crime is 53% below the statewide rate. Homes are 15% 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 |
| Glendora, CAPop. 50,926 | … #73 | 55.9 | $113,569 | $2,254/mo | 188 |
| Santa Ana, CAPop. 312,534 | #74 | 55.8 | $93,999 | $2,082/mo | 337 |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #75 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CAPop. 175,411 | #76 | 55.8 | $111,895 | $2,357/mo | 233 |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #77 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 |
| Garden Grove, CAPop. 170,964 | #78 | 55.6 | $92,174 | $2,012/mo | 239 |
| La Habra, CAPop. 61,970 | #79 | 55.6 | $100,106 | $2,129/mo | 261 |
| Santa Cruz, CAPop. 61,607 | #80 | 55.6 | $115,475 | $2,452/mo | 533 |
| Fontana, CAPop. 214,169 | #81 | 55.5 | $102,821 | $1,839/mo | 244 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Vista among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Vista's score calculated?
Vista scores 55.7 out of 100, #657 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Vista. Similar-size median 55.5.
59.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Vista's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
89.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Vista. Similar-size median 58.9.
63.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Vista's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Vista's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
31.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Vista. Similar-size median 56.1.
62.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Vista. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Vista. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Vista's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Vista'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 Vista 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 Vista
Is Vista, CA a good place to live?
Vista ranks #657 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #292 of 524 smaller cities and #77 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #429 of 468) and expensive homes ($762,400, #457 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Vista?
Vista's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,249/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $877,415, 15% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Vista?
Vista recorded 208 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% below the US rate of 373 and 53% below California's 440. That ranks #370 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #167 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Vista Police Department. Property crime runs 550 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Vista?
The median household in Vista earns $94,975, 24% above the US figure of $76,827 and 3% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Vista?
Median rent in Vista is $2,249/mo (Census), #1182 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,724/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Vista?
Zillow's typical home value in Vista is $877,415, up 1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $762,400.
How are the public schools in Vista?
Vista's 23 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.3 students per teacher and $17,066 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Vista?
The average commute is 26.7 minutes, #908 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 6.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Vista?
Vista averages 62.5°F over the year, 68.3°F in summer and 56.2°F in winter, with 11.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Vista walkable?
Vista scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 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 Vista at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Vista?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Vista?
Vista has 99,114 residents. The median resident of Vista is 35.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #820 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Vista compare with the rest of California?
Vista ranks #77 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 3% above the California median. Violent crime is 53% below the statewide rate. Homes are 15% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Vista?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Vista's population of 99,114 are Yuma, AZ (#1169 overall), Federal Way, WA (#770 overall), Longmont, CO (#354 overall), Kenosha, WI (#583 overall), and Atascocita, TX (#569 overall). Vista is #657.