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Is Whittier a Good Place to Live? Whittier, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Whittier ranks #932 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #391 of 524 smaller cities and #122 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (33.2 min, #474 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468).
Whittier by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Whittier'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 Whittier?
Whittier'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 $1,906/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $815,758, 7% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Whittier | 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 | $815,758#1059 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 | $2,372/mo#869 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $822,600#1199 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,906/mo#1044 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.5x#1238 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.5%#831 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.
Whittier 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. Whittier is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Whittier safe?
Whittier recorded 395 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% above the US rate of 373 and 10% below California's 440. That ranks #705 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #312 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Whittier Police Department. Property crime runs 1,977 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Whittier | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 395#705 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,977#702 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 Whittier?
The median household in Whittier earns $97,201, 27% above the US figure of $76,827 and 6% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.2%). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Whittier | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $97,201#381 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.6%#945 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.1%#425 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 Whittier?
The median resident of Whittier is 38.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #813 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Whittier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.5%#813 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 57.9% | 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 Whittier's schools and health?
Whittier's 19 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.5 students per teacher and $19,365 spent per pupil. 27.5% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Whittier | 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 | 23.5#1115 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,365#239 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% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.6%#351 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.1%#967 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. 15,019 students are enrolled in Whittier's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Whittier?
The average commute in Whittier is 33.2 minutes (California 25.2); 1.4% of workers take transit and 11.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Whittier scores 13.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.2°F and winters 57.7°F, with 11.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Whittier | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 33.2 min#1231 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 15.5%#1230 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.3% | 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% | 1.6% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.9% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.2#298 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 | 68.8 | 46.4 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 69 | 48.3 | 3 |
| Mar | 71 | 51.5 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 74.2 | 53.8 | 0.6 |
| May | 75.7 | 58.1 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 79 | 62.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 84.4 | 66.1 | 0 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 66.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 85.4 | 64.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 80.3 | 58.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 74 | 50.7 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 68.1 | 45.6 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fullerton Muni Airport.
| Measure | Whittier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 66.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.9 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 Fullerton Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Whittier?
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 | Whittier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.39%#1172 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 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 Whittier compare with similar-size cities?
Whittier is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #391 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 86,165.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whittier, CAPop. 86,165 | #932 | 51.2 | $97,201 | $1,906/mo | 395 | 33.2 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #67 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #723 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 | 17.5 min |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #240 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 | 28.2 min |
| Town 'n' Country, FLPop. 85,928 | #1067 | 48.5 | $73,538 | $1,734/mo | no data | 28 min |
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #597 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 | 30.5 min |
| Lehi, UTPop. 85,173 | #296 | 62.1 | $131,299 | $1,964/mo | part year | 23.7 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 Whittier compare with the rest of California?
Whittier ranks #122 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 6% above the California median. Violent crime is 10% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% 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 |
| Downey, CAPop. 110,939 | … #118 | 51.7 | $90,699 | $1,937/mo | 300 |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #119 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 |
| La Mesa, CAPop. 60,797 | #120 | 51.3 | $95,028 | $2,049/mo | 397 |
| Palm Desert, CAPop. 51,990 | #121 | 51.3 | $77,513 | $1,778/mo | 138 |
| Whittier, CAPop. 86,165 | #122 | 51.2 | $97,201 | $1,906/mo | 395 |
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #123 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 |
| Cathedral City, CAPop. 52,267 | #124 | 50.9 | $73,572 | $1,601/mo | 334 |
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #125 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 |
| Burbank, CAPop. 104,546 | #126 | 50.7 | $97,082 | $2,192/mo | 342 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Whittier among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Whittier's score calculated?
Whittier scores 51.2 out of 100, #932 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 Whittier. Similar-size median 55.5.
52.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Whittier's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
67.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Whittier. Similar-size median 58.9.
65.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Whittier's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Whittier's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
31.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Whittier. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Whittier. Similar-size median 42.4.
29.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Whittier. Similar-size median 50.0.
35.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Whittier's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
64.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Whittier'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 Whittier 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 Whittier
Is Whittier, CA a good place to live?
Whittier ranks #932 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #391 of 524 smaller cities and #122 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (33.2 min, #474 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Whittier?
Whittier'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 $1,906/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $815,758, 7% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Whittier?
Whittier recorded 395 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% above the US rate of 373 and 10% below California's 440. That ranks #705 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #312 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Whittier Police Department. Property crime runs 1,977 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Whittier?
The median household in Whittier earns $97,201, 27% above the US figure of $76,827 and 6% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.2%). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Whittier?
Median rent in Whittier is $1,906/mo (Census), #1044 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,372/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Whittier?
Zillow's typical home value in Whittier is $815,758, up 1.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $822,600.
How are the public schools in Whittier?
Whittier's 19 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.5 students per teacher and $19,365 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Whittier?
The average commute is 33.2 minutes, #1231 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 15.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Whittier?
Whittier averages 66.2°F over the year, 74.2°F in summer and 57.7°F in winter, with 11.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Whittier walkable?
Whittier scores 13.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #298 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 Whittier 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 Whittier?
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 Whittier?
Whittier has 86,165 residents. The median resident of Whittier is 38.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #813 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Whittier compare with the rest of California?
Whittier ranks #122 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 6% above the California median. Violent crime is 10% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Whittier?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Whittier's population of 86,165 are Franklin, TN (#67 overall), Duluth, MN (#467 overall), Medford, OR (#1021 overall), Sioux City, IA (#723 overall), and Georgetown, TX (#240 overall). Whittier is #932.