Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Albany, CA
Thinking of moving to Albany, CA? With a welcoming population of about 20,000 and a vibrant, highly educated community, Albany boasts excellent public schools, easy commutes (averaging under 30 minutes), and a mild climate with 69% sunny days. The median home price is around $1.18M, and average rents are about $2,300, reflecting a high cost of living. Violent crime rates are low, and the city’s walkable neighborhoods and access to top-tier healthcare make it an attractive option for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Albany, CA
Demographics - Albany, CA
Albany, CA is home to about 20,000 residents, featuring a diverse makeup with a strong Asian and White presence, and a median age of just over 38. The city is densely populated and has a vibrant multicultural character, with nearly one-third of people speaking a language other than English at home. The community is balanced in gender and offers a welcoming atmosphere for families and newcomers.
Population:
20,271
Density:
11,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
43.5%
Black:
3.8%
Asian:
39.2%
Others:
13.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Albany, CA?
Living in Albany comes with a high price tag, as reflected by a median home value of $1.18 million and average rents around $2,300 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly above the national average, largely driven by housing costs. While utilities and healthcare are also higher than average, residents benefit from well-maintained amenities and quality local services.
Median House Value:
$1,180,000
Gross Rent:
$2,295
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
185.7
Grocery:
124.2
Housing:
295.5
Utilities:
110.1
Transportation:
145.9
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Albany, CA a safe place to live?
Albany is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 92 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,087 chance of being a victim. Property crime is more common, but remains manageable compared to many urban areas. The city’s overall safety profile makes it an appealing choice for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,140
Crime Index:
2,232
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Albany, CA year-round?
Albany enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with cool, comfortable summers averaging highs in the low 70s and gentle winters rarely dipping below the mid-40s. Residents experience around 69% sunny days each year, with about 24 inches of rainfall, making outdoor activities enjoyable most of the year. The temperate weather and ample sunshine contribute to an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
71°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
The typical Albany household earns a median income of $112,200, with low unemployment and a poverty rate under 8%. The area is highly educated, with over 70% of adults holding at least a bachelor's degree, and residents enjoy a reasonable average commute time of just under 30 minutes. The community is diverse and engaged, with strong public transit usage and a friendly neighborhood feel.
Median Income:
$56,800
Household Income:
$112,200
Family Income:
$137,500
Per Capita Income:
$54,200
Income Male:
$65,000
Income Female:
$49,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
32.0%
Rent:
$2,295
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
18.1%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.4%
Bachelors or More:
71.2%
Education
How are the schools in Albany, CA?
Albany boasts highly rated public schools, including Albany High School and Cornell Elementary, both known for strong academics and attentive faculty. Families also have access to private education options and are just two miles from the renowned University of California, Berkeley. The city's commitment to education makes it an excellent choice for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Albany High School
Street:
603 Key Route Blvd
Phone:
510-558-2500
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.3
Name:
Cornell Elementary School
Street:
920 Talbot Ave
Phone:
510-558-3700
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary’s College High School
Street:
1294 Albina Ave
Phone:
510-526-9242
Students:
630
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
45,000
Healthcare
Albany residents have excellent access to healthcare, including major hospitals like Alta Bates Summit and Kaiser Permanente nearby. With 95.8% of people insured and over three physicians per 1,000 residents, the city offers high-quality medical services and quick emergency care. The robust healthcare infrastructure supports a healthy and secure lifestyle for all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Address:
2450 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
Phone:
(510) 204-4444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center
Address:
3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
Phone:
(510) 752-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
79.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Albany, CA?
The housing market in Albany is competitive, with a median home price at $1.18 million and nearly half of residents owning their homes. Rental demand is steady, reflected in a vacancy rate of under 6% and average two-bedroom rents at $2,295. Home values have appreciated over 4% in the past year, making Albany a stable and attractive market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$1,180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,295
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Albany residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office conveniently located in Oakland. The DMV provides comprehensive services for licensing, registration, and vehicle documentation both in-person and online. Access to the DMV is straightforward, aiding new residents with their transition.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5100 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.