Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sacramento, CA
Thinking of moving to Sacramento, CA? Home to over 525,000 residents, Sacramento features a sunny Mediterranean climate with nearly 80% sunny days and mild winters. The median home price is about $470,000, while average rents for a 2-bedroom sit at $1,550, making it relatively affordable for California. Commute times average 27 minutes and residents enjoy access to strong healthcare, diverse schools, and vibrant neighborhoods. While property crime rates are higher than national averages, the city boasts a dynamic urban lifestyle, major employers, and plenty of recreational opportunities along the rivers and parks.
Demographics - Sacramento, CA
Demographics - Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is home to over 525,000 people, offering a diverse urban environment with a median age of 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a rich mix of cultures, with nearly 35% identifying as White, 19% as Asian, and almost 28% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density fosters a vibrant community atmosphere.
Population:
525,041
Density:
5,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
27.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
34.7%
Black:
13.7%
Asian:
19.0%
Others:
32.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sacramento, CA?
Living in Sacramento is more affordable than many other California cities, with a median home price around $470,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,550. The overall cost of living index is 23% above the U.S. average, primarily due to higher housing and utility expenses, but everyday items and healthcare remain relatively reasonable. California’s tiered state tax rates also apply here, impacting take-home pay.
Median House Value:
$470,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
123.0
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
140.0
Utilities:
120.5
Transportation:
121.0
Health Care:
111.2
Miscellaneous:
109.5
Crime
Is Sacramento, CA a safe place to live?
Sacramento experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with about 599 violent crimes and 2,650 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents face a 1 in 167 chance of being affected by violent crime, so it’s wise to research neighborhoods and take standard urban safety precautions. Despite these figures, many neighborhoods are safe and active community policing initiatives are in place.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
599
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,650
Crime Index:
3,249
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 167
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Sacramento, CA year-round?
Sacramento enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers reaching up to 93°F and mild winters rarely dipping below 38°F. The city sees nearly 80% sunny days each year and about 19.5 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities most of the year. Seasonal changes are gentle, with comfortable springs and pleasant autumns.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Sacramento neighborhoods are a mix of working professionals and families, with a median household income of about $71,000 and a poverty rate of 15.7%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are just over 27 minutes. The community is diverse, with nearly 28% speaking languages other than English at home and a small but active public transit user base.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$71,074
Family Income:
$80,400
Per Capita Income:
$33,375
Income Male:
$46,900
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
15.7%
Non English Speakers:
27.5%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
4.3%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.3%
Bachelors or More:
34.2%
Education
How are the schools in Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento offers a range of public and private schooling options, including well-regarded institutions like C.K. McClatchy High School and Sacramento Country Day School. Higher education is easily accessible with major campuses such as California State University, Sacramento and a branch of UC Davis located within the city. Education attainment is strong, with over a third of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
C.K. McClatchy High School
Street:
3066 Freeport Blvd
Phone:
916-395-5050
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.5
Name:
Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary
Street:
1410 60th St
Phone:
916-395-4550
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.0
Private Schools
Name:
Sacramento Country Day School
Street:
2636 Latham Dr
Phone:
916-481-8811
Students:
540
Colleges
Name:
California State University, Sacramento
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
31,000
Name:
UC Davis (Sacramento Campus)
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to top-rated healthcare facilities such as UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Medical Center, with emergency services readily available. Healthcare coverage is high, with nearly 94% of residents insured and 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people. The city’s healthcare index reflects strong medical resources and accessibility for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UC Davis Medical Center
Address:
2315 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone:
(916) 734-2011
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
Address:
2825 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone:
(916) 887-0000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento’s housing market is competitive yet accessible, with median home prices at $470,000 and an average rent of $1,550 for a two-bedroom unit. About half of residents own their homes, and the market has seen moderate appreciation in the past year. Rental vacancies are relatively low, so prospective renters and buyers should be prepared for a dynamic market.
Median Home Price:
$470,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Sacramento residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 4700 Broadway. All standard driver licensing, vehicle registration, and state-specific DMV services are available, and appointments can be made online or via phone. The DMV is a central resource for all transportation and identification needs in California.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4700 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820
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.