Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oakland, CA
Thinking of moving to Oakland, CA? With a vibrant population of over 430,000, Oakland offers diverse neighborhoods, a mild climate with 67% sunny days, and easy access to the Bay Area. The city features a median home price of $825,000 and average rent near $2,650, reflecting the high cost of living. Commute times average 33 minutes, and public transport is widely used. While crime rates are above national averages, Oakland boasts strong educational attainment, world-class healthcare options, and a dynamic cultural scene.
Demographics - Oakland, CA
Demographics - Oakland, CA
Oakland is home to about 434,000 residents, with a median age of 36, and boasts significant ethnic diversity, including sizable White, Black, and Asian communities. The city has a high population density and over one-third of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a vibrant multicultural environment.
Population:
433,823
Density:
7,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
27.1%
Black:
21.6%
Asian:
16.9%
Others:
34.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oakland, CA?
Living in Oakland comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value of $825,000 and average rent around $2,420. The overall cost of living index is 175, significantly above the national average, especially due to housing and transportation expenses.
Median House Value:
$825,000
Gross Rent:
$2,420
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$770
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
175.4
Grocery:
124.7
Housing:
264.5
Utilities:
120.3
Transportation:
142.0
Health Care:
123.2
Miscellaneous:
109.1
Crime
Is Oakland, CA a safe place to live?
Oakland experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 1,455 per 100,000 people and a property crime risk of 1 in 17. While safety is a concern in some neighborhoods, many areas remain vibrant and active.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,455
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,828
Crime Index:
7,283
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 69
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 17
Weather
What is the weather like in Oakland, CA year-round?
Oakland enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with winter lows around 44°F and summer highs near 73°F. The city receives about 25 inches of rain annually and benefits from sunshine on 67% of days, making for pleasant outdoor conditions most of the year.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents in Oakland typically earn a median household income of nearly $90,000, and about 47% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city has a 13% poverty rate and an average commute of 33 minutes, with almost 20% using public transit for work.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$89,800
Family Income:
$102,900
Per Capita Income:
$46,900
Income Male:
$57,800
Income Female:
$49,200
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
34.5%
Rent:
$2,420
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
19.7%
Commute Time:
33.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.1%
Bachelors or More:
46.8%
Education
How are the schools in Oakland, CA?
Oakland supports a diverse educational landscape, offering numerous public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions like Mills College and Laney College. Many local schools emphasize small class sizes and strong academic programs, with nearly half the adult population holding a college degree.
Public Schools
Name:
Oakland Technical High School
Street:
4351 Broadway
Phone:
510-879-2305
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.6
Name:
Cleveland Elementary School
Street:
745 Cleveland St
Phone:
510-879-1040
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.4
Private Schools
Name:
Head-Royce School
Street:
4315 Lincoln Ave
Phone:
510-531-1300
Students:
900
Colleges
Name:
Mills College at Northeastern University
City:
Oakland
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,180
Name:
Laney College
City:
Oakland
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
Oakland offers robust healthcare services, featuring major hospitals like Highland Hospital and Kaiser Permanente, and a physician availability of 3.4 per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of the population has health insurance, ensuring strong access to medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Highland Hospital
Address:
1411 E 31st St, Oakland, CA 94602
Phone:
(510) 437-4800
Type:
General & Trauma Center
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:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
80.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oakland, CA?
Oakland’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $825,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,650. Homeownership rates are around 41%, and housing values have appreciated by 3.6% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$825,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 5300 Claremont Ave, offering convenient access for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and related needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5300 Claremont Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
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.