Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Walnut Creek, CA
Thinking of moving to Walnut Creek, CA? This vibrant city of around 70,000 offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience, with sunny weather 70% of the year and quick commutes averaging 31 minutes. While the median home price is a steep $1,050,000 and average rents are $2,700, residents enjoy access to top-rated schools, excellent healthcare, and a lively downtown. Crime rates are low for violent offenses, and the highly educated community benefits from great income levels and lots of green space—making Walnut Creek a sought-after spot in the Bay Area.
Demographics - Walnut Creek, CA
Demographics - Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek is home to approximately 70,000 residents, featuring a mature median age of nearly 49 and a diverse community that is primarily White, with significant Asian and multicultural representation. The city has a high population density and a notable portion of non-English speakers, contributing to its vibrant local culture.
Population:
70,000
Density:
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.9
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.5%
Black:
1.9%
Asian:
17.6%
Others:
11.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Walnut Creek, CA?
The cost of living in Walnut Creek is considerably above the national average, driven by a median home value of $1,050,000 and average rents around $2,700 per month. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs also trend higher, reflecting the city’s desirable Bay Area location.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$2,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
176.0
Grocery:
120.5
Housing:
260.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
138.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Walnut Creek, CA a safe place to live?
Walnut Creek experiences low violent crime rates, with the chance of becoming a victim about 1 in 855, though property crime is more common with a rate of 2,535 incidents per 100,000 residents. Overall, the city is considered relatively safe for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
117
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,535
Crime Index:
2,652
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 855
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Walnut Creek, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a temperate Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, warm summers, and around 70% sunny days each year. Average annual rainfall is moderate, making outdoor activities possible most of the year.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Walnut Creek’s neighbors tend to be well-educated, with 65% holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and households earning a median income of $115,000. The area boasts a low poverty rate and a strong sense of community, with manageable commute times and good access to public transportation.
Median Income:
$61,000
Household Income:
$115,000
Family Income:
$145,000
Per Capita Income:
$78,000
Income Male:
$86,000
Income Female:
$62,000
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$2,700
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
10.0%
Commute Time:
31.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.0%
Bachelors or More:
65.0%
Education
How are the schools in Walnut Creek, CA?
Walnut Creek offers access to highly rated public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios around 22–24:1 and a wide range of academic opportunities. Proximity to colleges such as Diablo Valley College provides further educational options for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Walnut Creek Intermediate School
Street:
2425 Walnut Blvd
Phone:
925-944-6840
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Las Lomas High School
Street:
1460 S Main St
Phone:
925-280-3920
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Private Schools
Name:
Seven Hills School
Street:
975 N San Carlos Dr
Phone:
925-933-0666
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Diablo Valley College
City:
Pleasant Hill
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Saint Mary's College of California
City:
Moraga
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Healthcare services are robust, anchored by major hospitals like John Muir Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente, and a high ratio of physicians per capita. Over 95% of residents have health insurance, ensuring excellent access to medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek
Address:
1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Phone:
(925) 939-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center
Address:
1425 S Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone:
(925) 295-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.5%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Walnut Creek, CA?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,050,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 68%. Rental vacancies are low and home values have appreciated steadily, reflecting strong demand in the area.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services are provided locally at the California Department of Motor Vehicles branch on N Broadway, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient for residents. Statewide resources are also available through the official DMV website and helpline.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1910 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
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.