Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Richmond, CA
Considering a move to Richmond, CA? This city of 115,682 offers a diverse community with a coastal Bay Area climate—expect mild summers and over 67% sunny days a year. Median home prices are about $579,000, with average 2-bedroom rents around $2,120. Violent and property crime rates are higher than average, but Richmond provides solid transit options, and the typical commute is about 34 minutes. Educational opportunities range from local public schools to nearby UC Berkeley, making Richmond a lively, culturally rich option for Bay Area living.
Demographics - Richmond, CA
Demographics - Richmond, CA
Richmond is home to around 115,682 residents with a median age of 37.8, reflecting a vibrant and diverse population. Nearly 40% of residents speak a language other than English at home, and the city boasts a mix of ethnic backgrounds, including significant White, Black, Asian, and other communities. With a balanced gender ratio and moderate population density, Richmond offers a multicultural urban environment.
Population:
115,682
Density:
3,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
17.8%
Black:
17.6%
Asian:
16.8%
Others:
47.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Richmond, CA?
Living in Richmond comes with a cost of living index of 156, indicating higher expenses compared to the national average. The median home value is about $579,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,120 per month, reflecting the Bay Area's competitive housing market. Utility, transportation, and healthcare costs are also above the national norm, so newcomers should budget accordingly.
Median House Value:
$579,000
Gross Rent:
$2,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,880
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$775
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
156
Grocery:
122
Housing:
194
Utilities:
113
Transportation:
145
Health Care:
124
Miscellaneous:
110
Crime
Is Richmond, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Richmond are notably higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 866 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,480 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 115 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 40 chance of property crime annually. It's important for those moving to the area to be aware of safety measures and local resources.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
866
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,480
Crime Index:
3,346
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 115
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Richmond, CA year-round?
Richmond enjoys a mild coastal climate with winter lows around 44°F and summer highs reaching 75°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunny weather nearly 67% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Seasonal temperature changes are moderate, contributing to comfortable year-round living.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
The typical Richmond household earns about $81,400 annually, with a poverty rate of 12.7% and an unemployment rate of 5.7%. Over 80% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and more than 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is diverse, and public transit is popular, with an average commute of 34.2 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$81,400
Family Income:
$91,800
Per Capita Income:
$34,700
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$42,800
Poverty Rate:
12.7%
Non English Speakers:
38.2%
Rent:
$2,120
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
13.6%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.4%
Education
How are the schools in Richmond, CA?
Education in Richmond includes public schools like Richmond High School and Stege Elementary, as well as private options such as Salesian College Preparatory. The city is situated close to higher education institutions, with Contra Costa College just 3 miles away and UC Berkeley only 8 miles from downtown. Families benefit from a range of academic opportunities at all levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Richmond High School
Street:
1250 23rd St
Phone:
510-231-1450
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Stege Elementary School
Street:
4949 Cypress Ave
Phone:
510-231-1448
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Private Schools
Name:
Salesian College Preparatory
Street:
2851 Salesian Ave
Phone:
510-234-4433
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Contra Costa College
City:
San Pablo
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
UC Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
45,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Richmond is supported by facilities like Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center, with 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% of people having health insurance coverage. The city’s healthcare index of 68.4 suggests generally accessible medical services for most residents. For specialized care, additional options are available in nearby cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center
Address:
901 Nevin Ave, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone:
(510) 307-1500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Doctors Medical Center (Closed, nearest: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center)
Address:
350 Hawthorne Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Phone:
(510) 655-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Richmond, CA?
Richmond's housing market features a median home price of $579,000 and an average rent of $2,120 for a two-bedroom unit. About 47% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a 4.2% increase in home values over the past year. The rental vacancy rate is moderate, and new construction remains limited, which can impact both availability and pricing.
Median Home Price:
$579,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents in Richmond access DMV services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in El Cerrito. The DMV provides essential services for vehicle registration, licensing, and driving tests, and can be reached online or by phone for appointments and information. California’s DMV resources streamline transportation needs for new arrivals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6400 Manila Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530
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.