CaliforniaPop. 107,037Mid-size cities
Is West Covina a Good Place to Live? West Covina, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West Covina ranks #752 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 256 mid-size cities and #90 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92.3%, #39 of 205) and high household income ($101,065, #60 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #230 of 241) and long commutes (32.9 min, #237 of 256).
West Covina by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West Covina'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 West Covina?
West Covina'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 $2,245/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $835,555, 9% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | West Covina | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $835,555#1070 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,580/mo#934 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $779,800#1183 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,245/mo#1180 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.7x#1202 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.7%#1134 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
West Covina 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. West Covina is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is West Covina safe?
West Covina recorded 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 373 and 51% below California's 440. That ranks #377 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #59 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Covina Police Department. Property crime runs 1,728 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | West Covina | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 214#377 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,728#588 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 West Covina?
The median household in West Covina earns $101,065, 32% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.2%). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | West Covina | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $101,065#330 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $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 12.6% | 10%#494 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.9%#1074 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in West Covina?
The median resident of West Covina is 40.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #787 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West Covina | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 40.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 30.1%#787 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 60.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are West Covina's schools and health?
West Covina's 23 public schools graduate 92.3% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.5 students per teacher and $18,273 spent per pupil. 23.5% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | West Covina | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92.3%#217 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.5#1057 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,273#323 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 23.5%#84 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.8%#918 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.7%#229 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.4%#816 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,596 students are enrolled in West Covina's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West Covina?
The average commute in West Covina is 32.9 minutes (California 25.2); 2% of workers take transit and 13.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West Covina scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.9°F and winters 55.2°F, with 14.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | West Covina | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 32.9 min#1223 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 14.6%#1213 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.1% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.2% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 67.9 | 43.1 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 67.3 | 44.5 | 4.2 |
| Mar | 72 | 47 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 75.8 | 49.6 | 1 |
| May | 78.4 | 54 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 84.3 | 57.2 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 90.3 | 62.3 | 0 |
| Aug | 92.4 | 62.7 | 0 |
| Sep | 88.7 | 60.4 | 0 |
| Oct | 80.5 | 53.9 | 1 |
| Nov | 73.5 | 47 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 66.9 | 41.5 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pomona/Fairplex.
| Measure | West Covina | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 14.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pomona/Fairplex.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in West Covina?
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 | West Covina | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.39%#1172 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 West Covina compare with similar-size cities?
West Covina is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #124 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 107,037.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Covina, CAPop. 107,037 | #752 | 54.1 | $101,065 | $2,245/mo | 214 | 32.9 min |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #906 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year | 28.8 min |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #348 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 | 22.9 min |
| Goodyear, AZPop. 107,645 | #392 | 60.2 | $103,319 | $1,956/mo | 236 | 29.6 min |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #706 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 | 21.7 min |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #108 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #447 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 | 18.1 min |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #619 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 | 20.8 min |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #592 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 | 19.2 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 West Covina compare with the rest of California?
West Covina ranks #90 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 54.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 10% above the California median. Violent crime is 51% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 |
| Alhambra, CAPop. 81,022 | … #86 | 54.7 | $88,024 | $1,939/mo | 195 |
| Upland, CAPop. 79,257 | #87 | 54.5 | $105,830 | $2,029/mo | 333 |
| Santa Monica, CAPop. 91,169 | #88 | 54.3 | $114,885 | $2,402/mo | 618 |
| Citrus Heights, CAPop. 86,995 | #89 | 54.3 | $82,314 | $1,827/mo | 380 |
| West Covina, CAPop. 107,037 | #90 | 54.1 | $101,065 | $2,245/mo | 214 |
| Hacienda Heights, CAPop. 54,291 | #91 | 54.1 | $109,193 | $2,300/mo | no data |
| Diamond Bar, CAPop. 53,355 | #92 | 54.1 | $108,281 | $2,521/mo | 124 |
| Fullerton, CAPop. 140,968 | #93 | 53.8 | $104,286 | $2,194/mo | 358 |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #94 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of West Covina among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is West Covina's score calculated?
West Covina scores 54.1 out of 100, #752 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 West Covina. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by West Covina's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
80.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West Covina. Similar-size median 53.8.
70.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West Covina's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
56.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
West Covina's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
29.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West Covina. Similar-size median 51.2.
65.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in West Covina. Similar-size median 42.1.
27.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West Covina. Similar-size median 50.1.
37.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West Covina's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West Covina's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories West Covina 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 West Covina
Is West Covina, CA a good place to live?
West Covina ranks #752 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 256 mid-size cities and #90 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92.3%, #39 of 205) and high household income ($101,065, #60 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #230 of 241) and long commutes (32.9 min, #237 of 256).
What is the cost of living in West Covina?
West Covina'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 $2,245/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $835,555, 9% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in West Covina?
West Covina recorded 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 373 and 51% below California's 440. That ranks #377 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #59 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Covina Police Department. Property crime runs 1,728 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in West Covina?
The median household in West Covina earns $101,065, 32% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.2%). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in West Covina?
Median rent in West Covina is $2,245/mo (Census), #1180 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,580/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West Covina?
Zillow's typical home value in West Covina is $835,555, up 0.9% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $779,800.
How are the public schools in West Covina?
West Covina's 23 public schools graduate 92.3% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.5 students per teacher and $18,273 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West Covina?
The average commute is 32.9 minutes, #1223 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 14.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West Covina?
West Covina averages 65.1°F over the year, 74.9°F in summer and 55.2°F in winter, with 14.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is West Covina walkable?
West Covina scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 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 West Covina 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 West Covina?
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 West Covina?
West Covina has 107,037 residents. The median resident of West Covina is 40.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #787 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West Covina compare with the rest of California?
West Covina ranks #90 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 54.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 10% above the California median. Violent crime is 51% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to West Covina?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West Covina's population of 107,037 are Davie, FL (#906 overall), Hillsboro, OR (#348 overall), Goodyear, AZ (#392 overall), Dearborn, MI (#706 overall), and Sandy Springs, GA (#108 overall). West Covina is #752.