Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riverside, CA
Considering a move to Riverside, CA? With a population of over 317,000, Riverside offers affordable Southern California living with a median home price around $560,000 and average rent of $2,120. Enjoy sunny weather nearly 80% of the year, access to major universities, and a lively, diverse community. Commute times average 31.5 minutes, while crime rates are moderate for the region. Explore Riverside’s vibrant culture, educational opportunities, and year-round warmth as you plan your next move.
Demographics - Riverside, CA
Demographics - Riverside, CA
Riverside is a dynamic city of over 317,000 residents, marked by a youthful median age of 31.6 and a population density of 3,900 people per square mile. The community is highly diverse, with significant representation from multiple ethnic backgrounds and nearly 39% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This diversity fosters a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere throughout the city.
Population:
317,261
Density:
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
29.0%
Black:
7.1%
Asian:
7.6%
Others:
56.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Riverside, CA?
Riverside's cost of living sits above the national average, reflected in a median home value of about $560,000 and average rent near $2,120. While housing costs are notable, other expenses such as groceries and utilities remain moderate for Southern California, and state income tax rates can vary widely. Overall, Riverside offers a balance of affordability and quality for those seeking the Southern California lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$560,000
Gross Rent:
$2,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.1
Grocery:
108.2
Housing:
152.4
Utilities:
110.7
Transportation:
118.0
Health Care:
107.9
Miscellaneous:
109.5
Crime
Is Riverside, CA a safe place to live?
Crime in Riverside trends moderate for the region, with a violent crime rate of 379 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime affecting about 1 in 40 people. While property crimes are more common, the city's safety profile is typical for cities of its size in California. Residents benefit from active law enforcement and ongoing community safety initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
379
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,497
Crime Index:
2,876
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 264
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Riverside, CA year-round?
Riverside enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers, where temperatures can reach up to 94°F. The city boasts around 79% sunny days annually and receives about 10.6 inches of rainfall per year, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal transitions are generally mild, contributing to comfortable living conditions.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
94°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
84°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Residents of Riverside experience a median household income of $76,755, with a family income averaging $85,900 and a poverty rate around 15%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 80% holding at least a high school diploma and about a quarter having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average commute times are just over 31 minutes, and public transportation use is limited.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$76,755
Family Income:
$85,900
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$43,100
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
15.4%
Non English Speakers:
38.5%
Rent:
$2,120
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.5%
Commute Time:
31.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.2%
Bachelors or More:
23.4%
Education
How are the schools in Riverside, CA?
Riverside is home to a range of educational options, including highly attended public schools like Polytechnic High School and top private institutions such as Notre Dame High School. The city is also a hub for higher education, featuring the University of California, Riverside, with nearly 27,000 students, and Riverside City College, serving over 18,000 learners. Families benefit from diverse schooling choices and proximity to major universities.
Public Schools
Name:
Polytechnic High School
Street:
5450 Victoria Ave
Phone:
951-788-7203
Students:
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
25.4
Name:
Frank Augustus Miller Middle School
Street:
17925 Krameria Ave
Phone:
951-789-8181
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame High School
Street:
7085 Brockton Ave
Phone:
951-275-5896
Students:
500
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Riverside
City:
Riverside
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
26,800
Name:
Riverside City College
City:
Riverside
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
18,600
Healthcare
Riverside offers strong healthcare access, featuring major hospitals such as Riverside Community Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center with comprehensive emergency services. With 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, residents can expect reliable medical support. The city's healthcare index suggests generally good quality and availability of services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Riverside Community Hospital
Address:
4445 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone:
(951) 788-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center
Address:
10800 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone:
(951) 353-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Riverside, CA?
The Riverside housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $560,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,120. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by about 3.7% in the past year. Rental vacancy rates remain low, reflecting steady demand for housing in the area.
Median Home Price:
$560,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Riverside residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on Brockton Ave, providing comprehensive vehicle and licensing services. The DMV offers both in-person and online resources, making it convenient for drivers and new arrivals to manage their needs. For more information, the California DMV website provides updated details and appointment scheduling.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6280 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
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.