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Is West Sacramento a Good Place to Live? West Sacramento, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West Sacramento ranks #574 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #257 of 524 smaller cities and #61 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.9%, #112 of 468), and trails on high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
West Sacramento by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West Sacramento'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 Sacramento?
West Sacramento's cost of living index is 106.7, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1026 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,665/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $524,205, 31% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | West Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 106.7#1026 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $524,205#862 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 | $2,263/mo#826 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $525,800#1006 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,665/mo#846 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.4%#605 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.
West Sacramento 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 Sacramento is in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro.
California housing market →Is West Sacramento safe?
West Sacramento recorded 327 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 373 and 26% below California's 440. That ranks #596 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #264 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Sacramento Police Department. Property crime runs 1,710 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | West Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 327#596 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,710#577 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 West Sacramento?
The median household in West Sacramento earns $93,188, 21% above the US figure of $76,827 and 1% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | West Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $93,188#426 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.8%#720 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.9%#254 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 West Sacramento?
The median resident of West Sacramento is 34.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West Sacramento | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 34.5%#630 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.2% | 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 West Sacramento's schools and health?
West Sacramento's 12 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.4 students per teacher and $16,116 spent per pupil. 29.1% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | West Sacramento | 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 | 21.4#992 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,116#466 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29.1%#340 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.3%#691 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. 8,532 students are enrolled in West Sacramento's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West Sacramento?
The average commute in West Sacramento is 24.7 minutes (California 25.2); 1% of workers take transit and 19.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West Sacramento scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.5°F and winters 48.8°F, with 18.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | West Sacramento | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.9%#913 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.7% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.1% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 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 | 13.7#209 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 | 56 | 39.2 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 61.3 | 41.5 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 66.3 | 44.5 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 72.1 | 47 | 1.3 |
| May | 80.3 | 52 | 0.8 |
| Jun | 87.9 | 56.5 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 92.6 | 59.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 91.9 | 58.8 | 0 |
| Sep | 88.5 | 56.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 78.8 | 50.3 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 65 | 42.7 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 56 | 38.5 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sacramento Airport Asos.
| Measure | West Sacramento | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 61.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 18.1 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 Sacramento Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in West Sacramento?
Yolo County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 58% 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 Yolo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | West Sacramento | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 47#731 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% | 0.18%#837 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 Yolo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Yolo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.068% | 94% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0019% | 66% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 59% 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 Sacramento compare with similar-size cities?
West Sacramento is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #257 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 54,927.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Sacramento, CAPop. 54,927 | #574 | 57.0 | $93,188 | $1,665/mo | 327 | 24.7 min |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #1150 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 | 16.1 min |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #966 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 | 29.5 min |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #934 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 | 28.4 min |
| Logan, UTPop. 54,907 | #742 | 54.3 | $60,687 | $1,149/mo | 178 | 15.2 min |
| Tinley Park, ILPop. 54,842 | #163 | 65.7 | $105,189 | $1,495/mo | 93 | 33.7 min |
| Little Elm, TXPop. 54,820 | #601 | 56.7 | $119,219 | $1,953/mo | part year | 34.6 min |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #321 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 | 25.8 min |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #19 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 | 25.1 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 West Sacramento compare with the rest of California?
West Sacramento ranks #61 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 1% above the California median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 31% 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 |
| 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 |
| West Sacramento, CAPop. 54,927 | #61 | 57.0 | $93,188 | $1,665/mo | 327 |
| Vacaville, CAPop. 102,596 | #62 | 56.9 | $111,126 | $2,299/mo | 264 |
| Beaumont, CAPop. 56,266 | #63 | 56.9 | $107,118 | $1,681/mo | 216 |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura), CAPop. 109,857 | #64 | 56.8 | $103,069 | $2,198/mo | 351 |
| Lincoln, CAPop. 52,956 | #65 | 56.8 | $111,990 | $2,090/mo | part year |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of West Sacramento among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is West Sacramento's score calculated?
West Sacramento scores 57 out of 100, #574 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 West Sacramento. Similar-size median 55.5.
54.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by West Sacramento's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
73.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West Sacramento. Similar-size median 58.9.
59.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West Sacramento's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
West Sacramento's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
51.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West Sacramento. Similar-size median 56.1.
57.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in West Sacramento. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West Sacramento. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West Sacramento's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
40.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West Sacramento'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 West Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Is West Sacramento, CA a good place to live?
West Sacramento ranks #574 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #257 of 524 smaller cities and #61 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.9%, #112 of 468), and trails on high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
What is the cost of living in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento's cost of living index is 106.7, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1026 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,665/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $524,205, 31% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento recorded 327 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 373 and 26% below California's 440. That ranks #596 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #264 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Sacramento Police Department. Property crime runs 1,710 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in West Sacramento?
The median household in West Sacramento earns $93,188, 21% above the US figure of $76,827 and 1% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in West Sacramento?
Median rent in West Sacramento is $1,665/mo (Census), #846 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,263/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West Sacramento?
Zillow's typical home value in West Sacramento is $524,205, down 2.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $525,800.
How are the public schools in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento's 12 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.4 students per teacher and $16,116 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West Sacramento?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento averages 61.8°F over the year, 74.5°F in summer and 48.8°F in winter, with 18.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is West Sacramento walkable?
West Sacramento scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 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 Sacramento at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yolo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in West Sacramento?
Yolo County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento has 54,927 residents. The median resident of West Sacramento is 34.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West Sacramento compare with the rest of California?
West Sacramento ranks #61 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 1% above the California median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to West Sacramento?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West Sacramento's population of 54,927 are Valdosta, GA (#1150 overall), Plainfield, NJ (#966 overall), Winter Haven, FL (#934 overall), Logan, UT (#742 overall), and Tinley Park, IL (#163 overall). West Sacramento is #574.