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Is Yuba City a Good Place to Live? Yuba City, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Yuba City ranks #1069 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #438 of 524 smaller cities and #145 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.9%, #470 of 476).
Yuba City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Yuba City'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 Yuba City?
Yuba City's cost of living index is 104.2, 4% above the US level of 100 and #922 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,454/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $439,108, 43% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Yuba City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 104.2#922 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $439,108#710 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 | $2,136/mo#774 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $434,600#862 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,454/mo#688 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.1%#789 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.
Yuba City 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. Yuba City is in the Yuba City, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Yuba City safe?
Yuba City recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 373 and 9% below California's 440. That ranks #714 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #317 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Yuba City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,487 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Yuba City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 399#714 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,487#469 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 Yuba City?
The median household in Yuba City earns $75,477, 2% below the US figure of $76,827 and 18% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 8.9% (US 4.2%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Yuba City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $75,477#692 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 8.9%#1049 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.3%#813 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | 0%#663 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 Yuba City?
The median resident of Yuba City is 36 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1159 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Yuba City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 20.4%#1159 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 57.3% | 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 Yuba City's schools and health?
Yuba City's 16 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.1 students per teacher and $16,399 spent per pupil. 29.1% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Yuba City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 20.1#946 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,399#451 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% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.9%#864 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. 11,481 students are enrolled in Yuba City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Yuba City?
The average commute in Yuba City is 26.9 minutes (California 25.2); 0.6% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Yuba City scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.5°F and winters 48.1°F, with 20.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Yuba City | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.9 min#922 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 12.1%#1150 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.3% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.9% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13#325 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 | 55.5 | 38.2 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 60.4 | 41.1 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 66.2 | 43.4 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 72.6 | 46.4 | 1.4 |
| May | 81.9 | 52.4 | 0.9 |
| Jun | 90.1 | 57.9 | 0.3 |
| Jul | 96.2 | 60.7 | 0 |
| Aug | 94.5 | 59.5 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 89.6 | 55.7 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 79 | 49.4 | 1 |
| Nov | 64.2 | 41.3 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 55.4 | 37.7 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Marysville Airport (Asos).
| Measure | Yuba City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 76.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 20.1 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 Marysville Airport (Asos).
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Yuba City?
Sutter County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sutter County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Yuba City | 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% | 0.12%#379 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 Sutter County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sutter County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.041% | 90% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0013% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.063% | 26% 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 Yuba City compare with similar-size cities?
Yuba City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #438 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 69,471.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | #1069 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 | 26.9 min |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #356 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 | 16.7 min |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #1257 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 | 17.7 min |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #1295 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 | 19.1 min |
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #950 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data | 20.8 min |
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #4 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data | 27.7 min |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #131 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 | 19.4 min |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #907 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 | 22 min |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #492 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year | 29.6 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 Yuba City compare with the rest of California?
Yuba City ranks #145 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 48.5 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 18% below the California median. Violent crime is 9% below the statewide rate. Homes are 43% 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 |
| Santee, CAPop. 59,332 | … #141 | 48.8 | $113,394 | $2,250/mo | part year |
| El Monte, CAPop. 106,109 | #142 | 48.7 | $68,030 | $1,736/mo | 410 |
| Rialto, CAPop. 104,143 | #143 | 48.5 | $88,857 | $1,759/mo | 583 |
| Chico, CAPop. 102,188 | #144 | 48.5 | $66,977 | $1,488/mo | 664 |
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | #145 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 |
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | #146 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 |
| Colton, CAPop. 53,772 | #147 | 48.2 | $71,208 | $1,661/mo | 345 |
| Gardena, CAPop. 59,422 | #148 | 48.0 | $84,803 | $1,809/mo | 616 |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #149 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Yuba City among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Yuba City's score calculated?
Yuba City scores 48.5 out of 100, #1069 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Yuba City. Similar-size median 55.5.
24.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Yuba City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
70.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Yuba City. Similar-size median 58.9.
55.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Yuba City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
50.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Yuba City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
59.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Yuba City. Similar-size median 56.1.
46.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Yuba City. Similar-size median 42.4.
23.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Yuba City. Similar-size median 50.0.
36.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Yuba City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
60.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Yuba City'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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City
Is Yuba City, CA a good place to live?
Yuba City ranks #1069 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #438 of 524 smaller cities and #145 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.9%, #470 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Yuba City?
Yuba City's cost of living index is 104.2, 4% above the US level of 100 and #922 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,454/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $439,108, 43% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Yuba City?
Yuba City recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 373 and 9% below California's 440. That ranks #714 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #317 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Yuba City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,487 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Yuba City?
The median household in Yuba City earns $75,477, 2% below the US figure of $76,827 and 18% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 8.9% (US 4.2%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Yuba City?
Median rent in Yuba City is $1,454/mo (Census), #688 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,136/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Yuba City?
Zillow's typical home value in Yuba City is $439,108, up 0.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $434,600.
How are the public schools in Yuba City?
Yuba City's 16 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.1 students per teacher and $16,399 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Yuba City?
The average commute is 26.9 minutes, #922 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 12.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Yuba City?
Yuba City averages 62.1°F over the year, 76.5°F in summer and 48.1°F in winter, with 20.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Yuba City walkable?
Yuba City scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 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 Yuba City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sutter County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Yuba City?
Sutter County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Yuba City?
Yuba City has 69,471 residents. The median resident of Yuba City is 36 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1159 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Yuba City compare with the rest of California?
Yuba City ranks #145 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 48.5 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 18% below the California median. Violent crime is 9% below the statewide rate. Homes are 43% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Yuba City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Yuba City's population of 69,471 are Eau Claire, WI (#356 overall), Decatur, IL (#1257 overall), Canton, OH (#1295 overall), Lakewood, NJ (#950 overall), and Bethesda, MD (#4 overall). Yuba City is #1069.