Everything You Should Know Before Moving to National City, CA
Thinking of moving to National City, CA? With a diverse community of around 56,700 residents, National City offers a sunny Southern California climate with 72% sunny days and mild year-round temperatures. The median home price is about $623,000, with average two-bedroom rents near $1,950, making it more affordable than many San Diego metro neighbors but with a higher rental market. Commute times average 25 minutes, and public transport is accessible. While crime rates are above national averages, the city features walkable neighborhoods, multicultural dining, and quick access to major hospitals, schools, and coastal attractions.
Demographics - National City, CA
Demographics - National City, CA
National City is home to approximately 56,700 residents, with a youthful median age of 34.2 and a notably high population density. The community is highly diverse, with a majority identifying as Asian, Hispanic, or other backgrounds, and over 60% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
56,700
Density:
7,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
60.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
10.8%
Black:
3.8%
Asian:
23.1%
Others:
62.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in National City, CA?
Living costs in National City are higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 144.6. The median home value is about $623,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,950, while utilities and transportation expenses also reflect Southern California’s elevated price points.
Median House Value:
$623,000
Gross Rent:
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,880
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
144.6
Grocery:
116.4
Housing:
197.2
Utilities:
112.2
Transportation:
144.5
Health Care:
113.7
Miscellaneous:
110.3
Crime
Is National City, CA a safe place to live?
National City experiences higher crime rates than the U.S. average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 45 and violent crime at 1 in 215. While residents should remain aware, the city continues to invest in community safety and neighborhood programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
465
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,675
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 215
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in National City, CA year-round?
National City enjoys a classic Southern California climate with mild winters and warm summers, averaging 72% sunny days each year. Rainfall is modest at just over 10 inches annually, making outdoor activities pleasant year-round.
Winter
Min:
47°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Residents in National City typically have a median household income of $56,400, with a significant portion of the community speaking languages other than English. Commute times average about 25 minutes, and while the poverty rate is higher than average at 18.7%, the city remains vibrant and accessible.
Median Income:
$45,000
Household Income:
$56,400
Family Income:
$60,500
Per Capita Income:
$21,900
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
60.5%
Rent:
$1,950
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
7.8%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
69.2%
Bachelors or More:
12.8%
Education
How are the schools in National City, CA?
National City provides a range of educational options, including public schools with student-teacher ratios around 23:1 and access to private institutions. Several colleges, such as Southwestern College and San Diego City College, are located within a short drive, supporting higher education and workforce development.
Public Schools
Name:
National City Middle School
Street:
1701 D Ave
Phone:
619-336-2600
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Name:
Olivewood Elementary School
Street:
2505 F Ave
Phone:
619-336-8600
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.9
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary’s Catholic School
Street:
700 S. 16th St
Phone:
619-466-3241
Students:
240
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern College
City:
Chula Vista
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
San Diego City College
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
15,000
Healthcare
National City offers access to quality healthcare with major hospitals like Paradise Valley Hospital nearby and a strong physician presence at 2.5 per 1,000 residents. Most residents, about 89%, have health insurance coverage, supporting community well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Paradise Valley Hospital
Address:
2400 E 4th St, National City, CA 91950
Phone:
(619) 470-4321
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
Address:
751 Medical Center Ct, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Phone:
(619) 502-5800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in National City, CA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $623,000, with owner-occupied units comprising just over a quarter of households. Rental demand is robust, reflected in a 4.2% vacancy rate and steady home appreciation of 6.2% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$623,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
28.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access full motor vehicle services through the California DMV, with the nearest office located in El Cajon. Appointments and information are available online or by phone for convenient service.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1450 Graves Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021
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.