California rankings · 2026

Best small towns in California

Q: What is the best small town in California?

Among 347 graded towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents, San Miguel (Contra Costa County) ranks first, with an A; health (A+) and schools (A+) are its strongest grades; hazard risk (D−) is its lowest. Los Altos Hills and Shingle Springs follow.

San Miguel ranks first of California’s 347 graded small towns (2,500–9,999 residents), with an A: health (A+) and schools (A+) are its strongest grades; hazard risk (D−) is its lowest. 28 of the 347 (8%) grade A− or better nationally, against 25% of U.S. towns.

The overall grade, sorted: cost of living, safety, schools, health, jobs & income, walkability and hazard risk, from Census, FBI, state, CDC, EPA and FEMA data. How grades work

San Miguel

unincorporated, Contra Costa County · 3,967 people

Strongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

C⁻Cost–SafetyA⁺SchoolsA⁺HealthAJobsAWalkD⁻Hazards

Los Altos Hills

Santa Clara County · 8,419 people

Strongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

D⁻CostA⁻SafetyA⁺SchoolsA⁺HealthAJobsB⁺WalkDHazards

Shingle Springs

unincorporated, El Dorado County · 3,801 people

Strongest: schools A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

CCost–SafetyASchoolsA⁻HealthA⁻JobsA⁻WalkC⁻Hazards

Where they are: Four of the top 10 are in Marin County.

All 347 small towns

Overall score, highest first. The score (0–100) blends the seven livability grades and sets the order; the letter places that score among every U.S. town of 2,500+, and A+ is the top 5%, so neighbors on the list often share a letter. Each town links to its page, where the grade sheet shows every subject. The rank is the town’s place among all 841 California towns.

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347 towns ranked. Not here? See why a town may be missing.

#TownScoreGradeWhat drives it

1San Miguelunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 3,967 people69.7top 7.2%AStrongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

5Los Altos HillsSanta Clara County · 8,419 people68.1top 10.0%AStrongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

7Shingle Springsunincorporated, El Dorado County · 3,801 people67.7top 10.8%AStrongest: schools A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

9Camino Tassajaraunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 5,831 people67.6top 11.0%AStrongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

11TiburonMarin County · 8,881 people67.3top 11.6%AStrongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

12Corte MaderaMarin County · 9,929 people67.3top 11.6%AStrongest: walkability A⁺, health A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

13Saranapunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 5,662 people67.0top 12.4%AStrongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

14Kentfieldunincorporated, Marin County · 6,900 people66.8top 12.7%AStrongest: health A⁺, walkability A⁺·lowest: cost of living D

16Monte SerenoSanta Clara County · 3,566 people66.7top 12.9%AStrongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

17Strawberryunincorporated, Marin County · 5,830 people66.4top 13.5%AStrongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

22West Menlo Parkunincorporated, San Mateo County · 3,634 people65.8top 14.9%AStrongest: health A⁺, walkability A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

25Lexington Hillsunincorporated, Santa Clara County · 2,692 people65.7top 15.2%A⁻Strongest: schools A⁺, jobs & income A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

27Lucas Valley-Marinwoodunincorporated, Marin County · 6,473 people65.4top 15.7%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

30Cambrian Parkunincorporated, Santa Clara County · 3,494 people65.2top 16.2%A⁻Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

33Carmel-by-the-SeaMonterey County · 3,105 people65.1top 16.7%A⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

34AthertonSan Mateo County · 6,960 people65.0top 16.7%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

35WoodsideSan Mateo County · 5,181 people64.5top 17.9%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

38Villa ParkOrange County · 5,645 people64.2top 18.4%A⁻Strongest: jobs & income A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

41La Habra HeightsLos Angeles County · 5,327 people63.9top 19.4%A⁻Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, health A·lowest: hazard risk D

42Pachecounincorporated, Contra Costa County · 4,325 people63.7top 19.7%A⁻Strongest: walkability A, cost of living B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

44Montecitounincorporated, Santa Barbara County · 9,031 people63.5top 20.2%A⁻Strongest: schools A⁺, health A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

45Del MarSan Diego County · 3,858 people63.4top 20.5%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

54Fairbanks Ranchunincorporated, San Diego County · 2,703 people62.4top 22.8%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

57Portola ValleySan Mateo County · 4,292 people62.4top 23.0%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

59Sleepy Hollowunincorporated, Marin County · 3,063 people62.2top 23.4%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

61Gold Riverunincorporated, Sacramento County · 7,924 people62.2top 23.6%A⁻Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, health A·lowest: cost of living D

63Emerald Lake Hillsunincorporated, San Mateo County · 4,235 people61.9top 24.2%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A⁺·lowest: cost of living D

66Burbankunincorporated, Santa Clara County · 5,333 people61.7top 24.9%A⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

71Coronitaunincorporated, Riverside County · 2,763 people60.8top 27.4%B⁺Strongest: jobs & income A, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

77SolvangSanta Barbara County · 5,944 people60.4top 28.4%B⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

78Loyolaunincorporated, Santa Clara County · 3,430 people60.4top 28.5%B⁺Strongest: schools A⁺, health A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

81FairfaxMarin County · 7,417 people59.8top 29.9%B⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

90East Whittierunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 9,990 people59.1top 31.6%B⁺Strongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

92Reliez Valleyunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 3,173 people59.0top 31.9%B⁺Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

93Del Monte Forestunincorporated, Monterey County · 3,613 people59.0top 31.9%B⁺Strongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

95Matherunincorporated, Sacramento County · 4,520 people58.9top 32.2%B⁺Strongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

97Las Floresunincorporated, Orange County · 5,513 people58.9top 32.3%B⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

106St. HelenaNapa County · 5,194 people58.4top 33.6%B⁺Strongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

107Rolling Hills EstatesLos Angeles County · 7,948 people58.3top 33.9%B⁺Strongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

110SausalitoMarin County · 7,019 people58.2top 34.2%B⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

114Broadmoorunincorporated, San Mateo County · 4,586 people58.0top 34.7%B⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk D

116Vine Hillunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 3,540 people57.9top 34.9%B⁺Strongest: walkability A⁻, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

118Contra Costa Centreunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 6,893 people57.8top 35.1%BStrongest: walkability A⁺, health A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

123LoomisPlacer County · 7,004 people57.6top 35.8%BStrongest: schools A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

126Casa Conejounincorporated, Ventura County · 2,671 people56.8top 37.8%BStrongest: schools A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

128Cuttenunincorporated, Humboldt County · 3,550 people56.7top 38.2%BStrongest: schools A⁻, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

132Feltonunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 4,093 people56.4top 38.9%BStrongest: health A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

135Marina del Reyunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 9,176 people56.3top 39.3%BStrongest: health A⁺, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D

138Westlake VillageLos Angeles County · 7,505 people56.2top 39.6%BStrongest: health A⁺, schools A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

143East Richmond Heightsunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 3,109 people55.8top 40.6%BStrongest: walkability A⁺, health A·lowest: hazard risk D

146Rancho Murietaunincorporated, Sacramento County · 5,875 people55.5top 41.2%BStrongest: jobs & income A, health A·lowest: walkability D

150Moss Beachunincorporated, San Mateo County · 2,683 people55.4top 41.7%BStrongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk D

155East Pasadenaunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 5,479 people54.9top 43.0%BStrongest: walkability A⁺, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

156WintersYolo County · 8,214 people54.8top 43.4%BStrongest: safety A⁻, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

159Val Verdeunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 3,291 people54.3top 44.4%BStrongest: schools A⁻, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

163Pleasure Pointunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 5,489 people54.2top 44.8%BStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

168Mayflower Villageunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 4,950 people54.0top 45.4%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

172BuelltonSanta Barbara County · 5,158 people53.8top 45.9%B⁻Strongest: health A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

174Kensingtonunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 5,179 people53.7top 46.1%B⁻Strongest: health A⁺, walkability A⁺·lowest: cost of living D

177Meadow Vistaunincorporated, Placer County · 3,162 people53.5top 46.7%B⁻Strongest: health A, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

180BrisbaneSan Mateo County · 4,656 people53.4top 47.2%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

184Lake San Marcosunincorporated, San Diego County · 4,693 people53.2top 47.6%B⁻Strongest: health A⁻, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

188San Martinunincorporated, Santa Clara County · 6,954 people53.1top 48.1%B⁻Strongest: jobs & income A, walkability A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

189CalistogaNapa County · 4,954 people53.0top 48.4%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

190Templetonunincorporated, San Luis Obispo County · 9,580 people52.9top 48.6%B⁻Strongest: health A, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

192El Granadaunincorporated, San Mateo County · 5,232 people52.8top 48.9%B⁻Strongest: health A, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

194Eucalyptus Hillsunincorporated, San Diego County · 5,840 people52.7top 49.0%B⁻Strongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

201Ben Lomondunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 6,858 people52.3bottom 49.7%B⁻Strongest: health A, walkability A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

203South Monrovia Islandunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 6,830 people52.2bottom 49.4%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

206Twin Lakesunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 5,073 people52.1bottom 49.1%B⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

207Wiltonunincorporated, Sacramento County · 6,433 people52.0bottom 49.0%B⁻Strongest: jobs & income A, health B⁺·lowest: walkability D

208WheatlandYuba County · 4,267 people52.0bottom 48.9%B⁻Strongest: safety A⁻, schools B⁺·lowest: cost of living C⁻

213Indian WellsRiverside County · 4,992 people51.9bottom 48.6%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

214Santa Ynezunincorporated, Santa Barbara County · 4,467 people51.9bottom 48.6%B⁻Strongest: schools A⁻, walkability B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

215Charter Oakunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 9,442 people51.8bottom 48.4%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

217San Antonio Heightsunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 3,458 people51.8bottom 48.3%B⁻Strongest: health A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

225Palo Cedrounincorporated, Shasta County · 3,685 people51.4bottom 47.4%B⁻Strongest: health A, schools A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

232Bayviewunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 2,751 people51.1bottom 46.5%B⁻Strongest: jobs & income A, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk D

233CotatiSonoma County · 7,347 people51.0bottom 46.5%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

238Marin Cityunincorporated, Marin County · 3,195 people50.8bottom 45.8%B⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools A·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

240CloverdaleSonoma County · 8,701 people50.7bottom 45.6%B⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

248El Cerritounincorporated, Riverside County · 5,325 people50.2bottom 44.2%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁻, schools B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

250Santa Rosa Valleyunincorporated, Ventura County · 2,780 people50.2bottom 44.1%C⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

251Boulder Creekunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 4,632 people50.2bottom 44.0%C⁺Strongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

252Durhamunincorporated, Butte County · 5,340 people50.1bottom 43.9%C⁺Strongest: schools B⁺, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living C⁻

253East Foothillsunincorporated, Santa Clara County · 7,139 people50.0bottom 43.6%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

258North El Monteunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 4,086 people49.8bottom 43.2%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁻, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

259Oak Viewunincorporated, Ventura County · 6,141 people49.8bottom 43.0%C⁺Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

260Aptosunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 6,404 people49.8bottom 43.0%C⁺Strongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk D

262Madera Ranchosunincorporated, Madera County · 3,037 people49.7bottom 42.8%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

263Santa Venetiaunincorporated, Marin County · 3,725 people49.6bottom 42.6%C⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

265YountvilleNapa County · 3,198 people49.6bottom 42.4%C⁺Strongest: safety A, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

268Forestvilleunincorporated, Sonoma County · 3,717 people49.4bottom 41.9%C⁺Strongest: health A, schools B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

269OjaiVentura County · 7,474 people49.3bottom 41.6%C⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

271Desert Edgeunincorporated, Riverside County · 3,778 people49.2bottom 41.4%C⁺Strongest: cost of living A, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

274Bonadelle Ranchosunincorporated, Madera County · 5,465 people49.1bottom 41.1%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁻, schools A⁻·lowest: walkability D⁻

275Topangaunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 8,885 people49.0bottom 40.7%C⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

276Harmony Groveunincorporated, San Diego County · 2,585 people48.9bottom 40.7%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

279Ivanhoeunincorporated, Tulare County · 4,629 people48.8bottom 40.2%C⁺Strongest: cost of living A⁻, hazard risk B⁺·lowest: health D

280Vandenberg AFBunincorporated, Santa Barbara County · 3,477 people48.7bottom 40.0%C⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

281West Bishopunincorporated, Inyo County · 2,551 people48.6bottom 39.9%C⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

287Mentoneunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 9,514 people48.3bottom 38.9%C⁺Strongest: walkability B⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

288El Veranounincorporated, Sonoma County · 3,443 people48.3bottom 38.8%C⁺Strongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

295Tara Hillsunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 4,840 people48.1bottom 38.3%C⁺Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

302Bonny Doonunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 3,149 people48.0bottom 37.8%C⁺Strongest: health A⁻, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

303IoneAmador County · 9,282 people47.9bottom 37.6%C⁺Strongest: safety B⁺, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

305CapitolaSanta Cruz County · 9,340 people47.9bottom 37.5%C⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

310Agua Dulceunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 2,828 people47.8bottom 37.3%C⁺Strongest: schools A⁻, health B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

311Montaraunincorporated, San Mateo County · 2,917 people47.8bottom 37.2%C⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

312Camp Pendleton Mainsideunincorporated, San Diego County · 9,501 people47.6bottom 36.8%C⁺Strongest: health A, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

315HughsonStanislaus County · 8,051 people47.3bottom 36.2%C⁺Strongest: safety A⁻, schools B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

318MalibuLos Angeles County · 9,574 people47.2bottom 35.9%C⁺Strongest: health A, schools A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

319Lockefordunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 3,838 people47.2bottom 35.9%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income B⁺, health B·lowest: walkability C

321SebastopolSonoma County · 7,532 people47.1bottom 35.6%C⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

323Mammoth LakesMono County · 6,867 people47.0bottom 35.5%C⁺Strongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

324Carmel Valley Villageunincorporated, Monterey County · 4,785 people47.0bottom 35.5%C⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

325Sunnysideunincorporated, Fresno County · 4,639 people47.0bottom 35.5%C⁺Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

326Rio del Marunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 9,201 people47.0bottom 35.5%C⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

329Tarpey Villageunincorporated, Fresno County · 3,106 people47.0bottom 35.3%C⁺Strongest: schools A⁻, walkability B⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

330Nevada CityNevada County · 3,174 people46.9bottom 35.0%C⁺Strongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: safety D⁻

333Aromasunincorporated, Monterey County · 3,245 people46.7bottom 34.6%CStrongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

334Mission Hillsunincorporated, Santa Barbara County · 3,859 people46.7bottom 34.6%CStrongest: walkability B⁺, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

340Day Valleyunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 3,579 people46.6bottom 34.4%CStrongest: health A, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

342EscalonSan Joaquin County · 7,394 people46.6bottom 34.2%CStrongest: walkability A, schools B·lowest: cost of living C⁻

343Pismo BeachSan Luis Obispo County · 7,911 people46.5bottom 34.2%CStrongest: health A, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

347Freedomunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 3,172 people46.4bottom 33.8%CStrongest: walkability A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

350Seacliffunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 3,299 people46.3bottom 33.6%CStrongest: health A, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

351Highgroveunincorporated, Riverside County · 8,366 people46.1bottom 33.3%CStrongest: jobs & income A, schools B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

353Larkfield-Wikiupunincorporated, Sonoma County · 8,765 people45.9bottom 32.5%CStrongest: walkability B⁺, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

354Ladera Heightsunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 7,334 people45.8bottom 32.5%CStrongest: jobs & income A⁻, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

359Plumas Lakeunincorporated, Yuba County · 9,418 people45.7bottom 32.2%CStrongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

363Fort Irwinunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 8,419 people45.6bottom 31.8%CStrongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

367Angwinunincorporated, Napa County · 2,931 people45.5bottom 31.5%CStrongest: health A, walkability A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

370Greenacresunincorporated, Kern County · 4,906 people45.4bottom 31.2%CStrongest: jobs & income B⁺, schools B·lowest: cost of living D

371Boyes Hot Springsunincorporated, Sonoma County · 7,247 people45.3bottom 30.9%CStrongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

376HoltvilleImperial County · 5,591 people45.1bottom 30.5%CStrongest: walkability A⁻, safety B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

384Vandenberg Villageunincorporated, Santa Barbara County · 6,776 people45.0bottom 30.1%CStrongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D

386Kings Beachunincorporated, Placer County · 2,736 people44.9bottom 30.0%CStrongest: walkability A, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

389Crockettunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 3,372 people44.9bottom 29.8%CStrongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

390Woodbridgeunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 4,144 people44.9bottom 29.8%CStrongest: jobs & income A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

391Jamulunincorporated, San Diego County · 6,574 people44.8bottom 29.8%CStrongest: jobs & income A, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

392Dixon Lane-MeadowCreekunincorporated, Inyo County · 3,071 people44.8bottom 29.7%CStrongest: jobs & income B, schools B·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

395Alondra Parkunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 8,373 people44.7bottom 29.4%CStrongest: walkability A⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

396Sutterunincorporated, Sutter County · 2,532 people44.7bottom 29.4%CStrongest: health A⁻, schools B·lowest: walkability D

397Channel Islands Beachunincorporated, Ventura County · 2,726 people44.6bottom 29.2%CStrongest: jobs & income A, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

400Auburn Lake Trailsunincorporated, El Dorado County · 3,284 people44.6bottom 29.1%CStrongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

402Crestunincorporated, San Diego County · 2,775 people44.5bottom 29.0%CStrongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

409East Sonoraunincorporated, Tuolumne County · 2,651 people44.3bottom 28.5%CStrongest: schools B, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

410Lemoore Stationunincorporated, Kings County · 6,175 people44.2bottom 28.2%CStrongest: health A⁻, walkability B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

412Lake Shastinaunincorporated, Siskiyou County · 3,001 people44.1bottom 28.0%CStrongest: safety A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

417Old Fig Gardenunincorporated, Fresno County · 5,503 people43.9bottom 27.6%CStrongest: walkability A, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

419Guernevilleunincorporated, Sonoma County · 4,100 people43.9bottom 27.6%CStrongest: health A⁻, walkability B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

422Colliervilleunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 2,546 people43.7bottom 27.1%CStrongest: schools B⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: walkability D

426Lincoln Villageunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 4,241 people43.5bottom 26.7%CStrongest: schools B, walkability B·lowest: cost of living D

427Stallion Springsunincorporated, Kern County · 2,937 people43.5bottom 26.6%CStrongest: safety A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

428Sutter CreekAmador County · 2,701 people43.4bottom 26.4%CStrongest: walkability A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

429Cottonwoodunincorporated, Shasta County · 7,408 people43.4bottom 26.4%CStrongest: schools B⁺, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

430Weavervilleunincorporated, Trinity County · 4,018 people43.4bottom 26.3%CStrongest: walkability A, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

431Bonsallunincorporated, San Diego County · 4,332 people43.4bottom 26.3%CStrongest: health A⁻, schools B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

433Bermuda Dunesunincorporated, Riverside County · 7,971 people43.4bottom 26.2%CStrongest: walkability B⁺, health B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

435Live OakSutter County · 9,466 people43.2bottom 25.9%CStrongest: walkability A⁻, hazard risk B·lowest: jobs & income C⁻

436Big Bear LakeSan Bernardino County · 5,018 people43.1bottom 25.9%CStrongest: walkability A⁺, health B·lowest: hazard risk D

438Oceanounincorporated, San Luis Obispo County · 7,128 people43.1bottom 25.6%CStrongest: walkability A⁻, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

439French Campunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 3,264 people43.1bottom 25.6%CStrongest: walkability A⁻, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

444Alta Sierraunincorporated, Nevada County · 7,361 people42.9bottom 25.3%CStrongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

445East Quincyunincorporated, Plumas County · 2,723 people42.9bottom 25.3%CStrongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

446Rollingwoodunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 3,627 people42.9bottom 25.3%CStrongest: walkability B⁺, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

450Borrego Springsunincorporated, San Diego County · 2,700 people42.6bottom 24.6%C⁻Strongest: health B⁺, cost of living B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

451Silver Lakesunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 6,977 people42.6bottom 24.5%C⁻Strongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

452South San Gabrielunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 7,923 people42.5bottom 24.4%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

455Pollock Pinesunincorporated, El Dorado County · 6,212 people42.4bottom 24.1%C⁻Strongest: schools B⁺, health C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

456JacksonAmador County · 5,100 people42.4bottom 24.0%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

459Wrightwoodunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 5,067 people42.3bottom 23.9%C⁻Strongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

462Espartounincorporated, Yolo County · 3,713 people42.1bottom 23.5%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

463Elvertaunincorporated, Sacramento County · 4,769 people42.1bottom 23.5%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income B, health B⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

464North Richmondunincorporated, Contra Costa County · 3,855 people42.1bottom 23.4%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

465Ridgemarkunincorporated, San Benito County · 3,403 people42.1bottom 23.4%C⁻Strongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

470BishopInyo County · 3,696 people41.9bottom 23.0%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A⁻·lowest: safety D

471Lake Mathewsunincorporated, Riverside County · 6,527 people41.8bottom 22.9%C⁻Strongest: schools B⁺, health B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

473Dogtownunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 3,094 people41.7bottom 22.7%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: walkability D⁻

474Crestlineunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 9,835 people41.7bottom 22.6%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

480Rodeounincorporated, Contra Costa County · 8,976 people41.3bottom 21.6%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D

481Midway Cityunincorporated, Orange County · 7,999 people41.3bottom 21.6%C⁻Strongest: schools A⁻, walkability B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

482Fruitridge Pocketunincorporated, Sacramento County · 6,095 people41.1bottom 21.4%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A·lowest: health D

488Jamestownunincorporated, Tuolumne County · 3,265 people40.8bottom 20.6%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, health C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

489Bear Valley Springsunincorporated, Kern County · 5,912 people40.8bottom 20.6%C⁻Strongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

492McSwainunincorporated, Merced County · 5,783 people40.7bottom 20.4%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income B, health B⁻·lowest: cost of living D

493Mount ShastaSiskiyou County · 3,071 people40.6bottom 20.3%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

495Meiners Oaksunincorporated, Ventura County · 3,934 people40.5bottom 20.0%C⁻Strongest: health B⁺, walkability B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

499Lake Nacimientounincorporated, San Luis Obispo County · 3,339 people40.3bottom 19.6%C⁻Strongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

501Cherry Valleyunincorporated, Riverside County · 6,668 people40.2bottom 19.4%C⁻Strongest: schools B, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

502Arbuckleunincorporated, Colusa County · 3,093 people40.2bottom 19.4%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income B, schools B·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

503Harbison Canyonunincorporated, San Diego County · 4,328 people40.1bottom 19.3%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income B⁺, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

505WaterfordStanislaus County · 9,258 people40.1bottom 19.2%C⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, safety B·lowest: cost of living D

507Eastonunincorporated, Fresno County · 2,722 people39.9bottom 18.8%C⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, hazard risk C⁺·lowest: health C

510China Lake Acresunincorporated, Kern County · 2,594 people39.5bottom 18.2%C⁻Strongest: cost of living B⁺, health B⁻·lowest: walkability D⁻

511Pine Groveunincorporated, Amador County · 3,040 people39.5bottom 18.1%C⁻Strongest: schools B⁻, walkability B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

515GonzalesMonterey County · 8,313 people39.2bottom 17.5%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D

520Burneyunincorporated, Shasta County · 2,668 people39.0bottom 17.0%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, cost of living B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

521Orange CoveFresno County · 9,811 people38.9bottom 16.9%C⁻Strongest: schools B, safety B·lowest: health D⁻

523West Athensunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 8,726 people38.9bottom 16.9%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools B⁻·lowest: cost of living D

524Lake of the Pinesunincorporated, Nevada County · 5,461 people38.9bottom 16.9%C⁻Strongest: health A⁻, schools B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

525Edwards AFBunincorporated, Kern County · 2,500 people38.9bottom 16.8%C⁻Strongest: health A⁻, schools B⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

527Fetters Hot Springs-Agua Calienteunincorporated, Sonoma County · 3,347 people38.9bottom 16.8%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

529Running Springsunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 4,917 people38.8bottom 16.7%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, health B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

531Bella Vistaunincorporated, Shasta County · 4,511 people38.7bottom 16.5%C⁻Strongest: schools B⁺, health B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

534Phoenix Lakeunincorporated, Tuolumne County · 4,794 people38.5bottom 16.1%C⁻Strongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

536Thousand Palmsunincorporated, Riverside County · 7,720 people38.4bottom 15.8%C⁻Strongest: walkability B, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

540Mira Monteunincorporated, Ventura County · 6,888 people38.2bottom 15.5%C⁻Strongest: walkability B, health B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

541Cambriaunincorporated, San Luis Obispo County · 5,978 people38.2bottom 15.4%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

542AvalonLos Angeles County · 3,237 people38.1bottom 15.4%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

545North Shoreunincorporated, Riverside County · 3,515 people38.0bottom 15.3%C⁻Strongest: cost of living A, walkability B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

546Spring Valley Lakeunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 9,483 people38.0bottom 15.2%C⁻Strongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

547Moradaunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 3,383 people37.9bottom 15.1%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income A, schools B⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

550Hayforkunincorporated, Trinity County · 2,537 people37.7bottom 14.8%DStrongest: schools A, walkability B·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

552Desert View Highlandsunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 2,613 people37.7bottom 14.7%DStrongest: walkability A, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D

554Granite Hillsunincorporated, San Diego County · 3,795 people37.6bottom 14.5%DStrongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

556Hidden Meadowsunincorporated, San Diego County · 3,524 people37.4bottom 14.2%DStrongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

557Riverdaleunincorporated, Fresno County · 3,653 people37.3bottom 14.1%DStrongest: walkability A, schools B·lowest: health D

561NeedlesSan Bernardino County · 4,821 people37.2bottom 13.8%DStrongest: cost of living A⁻, walkability B⁻·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

562Lake Californiaunincorporated, Tehama County · 3,808 people37.2bottom 13.8%DStrongest: health B⁺, schools B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

567AngelsCalaveras County · 3,735 people37.0bottom 13.6%DStrongest: walkability A⁺, health B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

570Mono Vistaunincorporated, Tuolumne County · 3,675 people37.0bottom 13.5%DStrongest: walkability B, health B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

572Lenwoodunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 3,383 people36.9bottom 13.4%DStrongest: cost of living A⁻, health C⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

578Buckhornunincorporated, Amador County · 3,504 people36.6bottom 13.0%DStrongest: health B, schools B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

579Auberryunincorporated, Fresno County · 3,240 people36.6bottom 12.9%DStrongest: schools B, health B·lowest: hazard risk D

581Wofford Heightsunincorporated, Kern County · 2,656 people36.4bottom 12.7%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, cost of living B⁺·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

582FirebaughFresno County · 8,774 people36.4bottom 12.6%DStrongest: safety B, walkability B·lowest: health D⁻

583Sageunincorporated, Riverside County · 3,781 people36.3bottom 12.5%DStrongest: health B, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

586Strathmoreunincorporated, Tulare County · 2,675 people36.2bottom 12.2%DStrongest: cost of living A, walkability B·lowest: health D⁻

587Hilmar-Irwinunincorporated, Merced County · 6,132 people36.0bottom 11.9%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, schools B·lowest: cost of living D

589Idyllwild-Pine Coveunincorporated, Riverside County · 3,957 people36.0bottom 11.9%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

590Yosemite Lakesunincorporated, Madera County · 5,288 people35.8bottom 11.6%DStrongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: walkability D

592Squaw Valleyunincorporated, Fresno County · 3,361 people35.7bottom 11.5%DStrongest: schools B, health C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

594GuadalupeSanta Barbara County · 8,846 people35.6bottom 11.4%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, safety B⁺·lowest: jobs & income D

595Lake Wildwoodunincorporated, Nevada County · 4,792 people35.6bottom 11.4%DStrongest: health B⁺, schools B·lowest: cost of living D⁻

598GridleyButte County · 7,258 people35.5bottom 11.2%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, schools B⁺·lowest: jobs & income D

600Kennedyunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 2,576 people35.4bottom 11.1%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: health D

602Meccaunincorporated, Riverside County · 7,184 people35.3bottom 10.8%DStrongest: cost of living B⁺, walkability B⁺·lowest: health D

606Coarsegoldunincorporated, Madera County · 3,967 people34.9bottom 10.5%DStrongest: health B⁻, jobs & income C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

614AlturasModoc County · 2,634 people34.3bottom 9.8%DStrongest: walkability A⁺, cost of living B⁻·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

615Cutlerunincorporated, Tulare County · 4,361 people34.2bottom 9.6%DStrongest: hazard risk B⁺, schools B⁻·lowest: health D

617Joshua Treeunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 6,234 people34.0bottom 9.4%DStrongest: walkability B, health C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

618Actonunincorporated, Los Angeles County · 7,880 people33.9bottom 9.4%DStrongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

621ColusaColusa County · 6,519 people33.8bottom 9.2%DStrongest: walkability B, schools B⁻·lowest: jobs & income D

623Armonaunincorporated, Kings County · 3,890 people33.7bottom 9.1%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, schools B⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

625Interlakenunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 8,068 people33.7bottom 9.0%DStrongest: walkability B, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

626Garnetunincorporated, Riverside County · 7,382 people33.7bottom 9.0%DStrongest: walkability B, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

630Greenfieldunincorporated, Kern County · 3,939 people33.5bottom 8.7%DStrongest: walkability B, schools C⁺·lowest: health C⁻

632San Miguelunincorporated, San Luis Obispo County · 3,227 people33.4bottom 8.6%DStrongest: health B⁺, walkability B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

633Augustunincorporated, San Joaquin County · 8,825 people33.2bottom 8.3%DStrongest: walkability B, cost of living B⁻·lowest: health D

639OrlandGlenn County · 8,381 people32.9bottom 8.0%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, safety C⁺·lowest: cost of living C⁻

641Hidden Valley Lakeunincorporated, Lake County · 5,872 people32.8bottom 7.9%DStrongest: health B⁺, schools B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

645Nuevounincorporated, Riverside County · 6,803 people32.7bottom 7.7%DStrongest: jobs & income B⁺, schools B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

646Oak Hillsunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 9,013 people32.7bottom 7.7%DStrongest: jobs & income B⁻, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

648Goshenunincorporated, Tulare County · 5,136 people32.6bottom 7.7%DStrongest: schools B⁻, hazard risk B⁻·lowest: walkability D

649Denairunincorporated, Stanislaus County · 4,914 people32.6bottom 7.6%DStrongest: health B, hazard risk B⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

654Amestiunincorporated, Santa Cruz County · 2,818 people32.4bottom 7.4%DStrongest: jobs & income B⁻, health C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

655Brooktrailsunincorporated, Mendocino County · 4,398 people32.4bottom 7.3%DStrongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

656Planadaunincorporated, Merced County · 3,506 people32.3bottom 7.2%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, hazard risk B·lowest: jobs & income D

657Humboldt Hillunincorporated, Humboldt County · 3,551 people32.2bottom 7.2%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, health B⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

658GustineMerced County · 6,112 people32.2bottom 7.1%DStrongest: walkability A, safety C⁺·lowest: cost of living D

659Weedpatchunincorporated, Kern County · 2,685 people32.2bottom 7.1%DStrongest: cost of living B, walkability B⁻·lowest: health D⁻

660Myrtletownunincorporated, Humboldt County · 5,322 people32.1bottom 7.0%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

663Meadowbrookunincorporated, Riverside County · 2,627 people32.0bottom 6.8%DStrongest: walkability B, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

665Pine Hillsunincorporated, Humboldt County · 2,875 people31.8bottom 6.7%DStrongest: schools B⁺, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

667Desert Palmsunincorporated, Riverside County · 6,579 people31.8bottom 6.7%DStrongest: schools B, health B⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

670Keyesunincorporated, Stanislaus County · 5,577 people31.6bottom 6.5%DStrongest: schools B, hazard risk B⁻·lowest: health D

672North Forkunincorporated, Madera County · 2,999 people31.6bottom 6.4%DStrongest: health B, schools B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

675Copperopolisunincorporated, Calaveras County · 4,285 people31.5bottom 6.3%DStrongest: health B, jobs & income C⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

682Winchesterunincorporated, Riverside County · 4,555 people30.9bottom 5.7%DStrongest: jobs & income B⁺, health C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

685Mayfairunincorporated, Fresno County · 5,044 people30.8bottom 5.7%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, schools C⁺·lowest: health D

686WeedSiskiyou County · 2,603 people30.8bottom 5.7%DStrongest: walkability A, health C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

687SonoraTuolumne County · 4,866 people30.8bottom 5.7%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, schools B·lowest: safety D

688Golden Hillsunincorporated, Kern County · 9,891 people30.8bottom 5.6%DStrongest: health B, schools B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

691Las Lomasunincorporated, Monterey County · 3,355 people30.6bottom 5.5%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, health C⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

692FowlerFresno County · 7,745 people30.5bottom 5.4%DStrongest: schools B, hazard risk B⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

698Tiptonunincorporated, Tulare County · 2,851 people30.3bottom 5.2%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, schools B⁻·lowest: jobs & income D

699Castrovilleunincorporated, Monterey County · 6,720 people30.3bottom 5.1%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

701Happy Valleyunincorporated, Shasta County · 5,944 people30.2bottom 5.1%DStrongest: health B⁻, schools C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

704Orosiunincorporated, Tulare County · 8,966 people30.1bottom 4.9%D⁻Strongest: hazard risk B, schools B⁻·lowest: health D

705Green Acresunincorporated, Riverside County · 3,382 people30.0bottom 4.9%D⁻Strongest: jobs & income C⁺, schools C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

712WilliamsColusa County · 5,529 people29.9bottom 4.7%D⁻Strongest: health C⁺, walkability C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

715Pixleyunincorporated, Tulare County · 3,742 people29.8bottom 4.6%D⁻Strongest: schools C⁺, hazard risk C⁺·lowest: jobs & income C⁻

716Niceunincorporated, Lake County · 2,569 people29.7bottom 4.6%D⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, cost of living C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

717South Taftunincorporated, Kern County · 2,939 people29.7bottom 4.5%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, cost of living B·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

718Mountain View Acresunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 3,512 people29.6bottom 4.5%D⁻Strongest: walkability C⁺, cost of living C⁺·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

723Boronunincorporated, Kern County · 2,698 people29.6bottom 4.4%D⁻Strongest: cost of living B⁻, schools B⁻·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

725Homelandunincorporated, Riverside County · 7,584 people29.5bottom 4.3%D⁻Strongest: cost of living B⁻, schools C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

727Homestead Valleyunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 2,689 people29.4bottom 4.3%D⁻Strongest: cost of living B, walkability B·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

729Heberunincorporated, Imperial County · 7,312 people29.2bottom 4.1%D⁻Strongest: schools B, jobs & income C·lowest: hazard risk D

730LakeportLake County · 5,059 people29.2bottom 4.1%D⁻Strongest: walkability A, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

733La Crestaunincorporated, Kern County · 8,389 people29.0bottom 4.0%D⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, hazard risk B⁻·lowest: health D

734WillowsGlenn County · 6,116 people29.0bottom 3.9%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, schools C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D

741Clearlake Rivieraunincorporated, Lake County · 4,122 people28.3bottom 3.5%D⁻Strongest: health B, jobs & income C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

743TaftKern County · 6,995 people28.2bottom 3.4%D⁻Strongest: walkability A, cost of living C·lowest: hazard risk D

744WillitsMendocino County · 4,760 people27.9bottom 3.3%D⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, safety C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

745Oroville Eastunincorporated, Butte County · 7,504 people27.9bottom 3.3%D⁻Strongest: health B⁻, jobs & income C⁺·lowest: walkability D

746Oasisunincorporated, Riverside County · 4,051 people27.9bottom 3.2%D⁻Strongest: cost of living B, walkability B·lowest: health D⁻

752Crescent CityDel Norte County · 6,002 people27.7bottom 3.0%D⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, health B⁻·lowest: safety D⁻

755Oakhurstunincorporated, Madera County · 6,091 people27.5bottom 2.9%D⁻Strongest: health B⁻, schools C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

756Lake Isabellaunincorporated, Kern County · 4,059 people27.5bottom 2.9%D⁻Strongest: cost of living B⁻, walkability C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

761Kelly Ridgeunincorporated, Butte County · 2,825 people27.3bottom 2.8%D⁻Strongest: health B, walkability C⁺·lowest: cost of living C⁻

762West Modestounincorporated, Stanislaus County · 5,978 people27.3bottom 2.8%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, jobs & income C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

764Lucerne Valleyunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 5,957 people27.3bottom 2.8%D⁻Strongest: cost of living B⁻, walkability B⁻·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

765El Riounincorporated, Ventura County · 6,368 people27.1bottom 2.7%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, schools C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

770Bret Harteunincorporated, Stanislaus County · 4,757 people26.8bottom 2.5%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, hazard risk B·lowest: health D⁻

772Rexland Acresunincorporated, Kern County · 2,760 people26.6bottom 2.4%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, schools C⁺·lowest: health D⁻

778Bystromunincorporated, Stanislaus County · 4,143 people26.3bottom 2.2%D⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, cost of living C·lowest: health D⁻

779Magaliaunincorporated, Butte County · 7,389 people26.2bottom 2.1%D⁻Strongest: schools C⁺, health C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D

783Dos PalosMerced County · 5,697 people25.7bottom 2.0%D⁻Strongest: walkability A, schools C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

784Bayviewunincorporated, Humboldt County · 2,803 people25.7bottom 2.0%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, schools C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

787CalipatriaImperial County · 6,012 people25.3bottom 1.8%D⁻Strongest: schools C⁺, walkability C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

788HuronFresno County · 7,394 people25.3bottom 1.7%D⁻Strongest: walkability B, cost of living B⁻·lowest: health D⁻

790Campounincorporated, San Diego County · 2,729 people25.2bottom 1.7%D⁻Strongest: health C⁺, schools C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

791North Lakeportunincorporated, Lake County · 2,995 people25.2bottom 1.7%D⁻Strongest: health B⁻, walkability C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

792San Andreasunincorporated, Calaveras County · 2,979 people25.0bottom 1.6%D⁻Strongest: walkability B, schools C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

794WoodlakeTulare County · 8,073 people24.8bottom 1.5%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, cost of living C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D

797Earlimartunincorporated, Tulare County · 7,214 people24.6bottom 1.5%D⁻Strongest: cost of living C⁺, schools C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D

798Benton Parkunincorporated, Kern County · 5,707 people24.5bottom 1.4%D⁻Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk C·lowest: health D⁻

800Rancho Calaverasunincorporated, Calaveras County · 7,131 people24.4bottom 1.4%D⁻Strongest: jobs & income C⁺, schools C⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

801Madera Acresunincorporated, Madera County · 9,846 people24.4bottom 1.4%D⁻Strongest: schools C⁺, jobs & income C·lowest: cost of living D

802CorningTehama County · 8,260 people24.3bottom 1.4%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, health C·lowest: hazard risk D

803San JoaquinFresno County · 3,688 people24.2bottom 1.3%D⁻Strongest: walkability B, cost of living C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

804YrekaSiskiyou County · 7,714 people24.1bottom 1.3%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, schools C·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

805Cottonwoodunincorporated, Kern County · 3,107 people24.0bottom 1.2%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, hazard risk C·lowest: health D⁻

806Empireunincorporated, Stanislaus County · 3,429 people23.9bottom 1.2%D⁻Strongest: schools C⁺, cost of living C⁺·lowest: health D

808Fort BraggMendocino County · 6,946 people23.7bottom 1.1%D⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools C⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

809South Orovilleunincorporated, Butte County · 2,846 people23.4bottom 1.1%D⁻Strongest: health C⁺, walkability C·lowest: jobs & income D

811East Portervilleunincorporated, Tulare County · 5,066 people23.3bottom 1.1%D⁻Strongest: schools C⁺, cost of living C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

812Thermalitounincorporated, Butte County · 6,720 people23.3bottom 1.0%D⁻Strongest: cost of living C⁺, schools C·lowest: jobs & income D

814Morongo Valleyunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 4,209 people23.2bottom 1.0%D⁻Strongest: cost of living C⁺, schools C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

815Good Hopeunincorporated, Riverside County · 8,816 people23.1bottom 1.0%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, schools C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

816Old Stineunincorporated, Kern County · 3,760 people23.0bottom 1.0%D⁻Strongest: walkability B, hazard risk C⁻·lowest: health D

817Parksdaleunincorporated, Madera County · 2,885 people22.9bottom 1.0%D⁻Strongest: walkability B, schools C⁺·lowest: health D

820Pajarounincorporated, Monterey County · 2,899 people22.8bottom 0.9%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, schools C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

821Rio DellHumboldt County · 3,211 people22.8bottom 0.9%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, schools C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

825Franklinunincorporated, Merced County · 7,392 people22.0bottom 0.7%D⁻Strongest: walkability C⁺, schools C·lowest: cost of living D

829Lucerneunincorporated, Lake County · 3,435 people20.7bottom 0.5%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, cost of living C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

830Pine Mountain Clubunincorporated, Kern County · 2,838 people19.6bottom 0.4%D⁻Strongest: health B⁻, schools C⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

831Ford Cityunincorporated, Kern County · 4,162 people19.5bottom 0.4%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, cost of living C·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

833Mojaveunincorporated, Kern County · 5,173 people19.0bottom 0.3%D⁻Strongest: cost of living C⁺, walkability C·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

834Frazier Parkunincorporated, Kern County · 2,681 people18.9bottom 0.3%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, schools C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

836Salton Cityunincorporated, Imperial County · 5,988 people18.7bottom 0.2%D⁻Strongest: walkability C⁺, schools C·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

838Kelseyvilleunincorporated, Lake County · 4,011 people17.5bottom 0.2%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, schools C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

839Piñon Hillsunincorporated, San Bernardino County · 7,065 people17.5bottom 0.2%D⁻Strongest: schools C⁺, cost of living D·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

840Palermounincorporated, Butte County · 5,266 people17.1bottom 0.2%D⁻Strongest: walkability C, cost of living C⁻·lowest: jobs & income D

Method

How this list is made

Each town’s overall grade blends seven livability grades: cost of living (weight 18), safety (18), schools (16), health (14), jobs & income (12), walkability (8) and hazard risk (4). A town needs 2,500+ residents and three of the first four. Letters are national, so an A here means the same as an A in any state; the list is the same towns in the same order, ranked within California. Towns without their own FBI figures are graded on the rest and their page says why.

Data years: crime 2023–2025 (FBI), Census ACS 2020–2024, CDC PLACES 2025, state school tests. How grades work

Left off: college campuses

Places where more than half the residents are college students (ACS) are graded like every town but kept off this list, since its figures mostly describe student life.

B⁺Pepperdine University 83% college students
C⁺California Polytechnic State University 98% college students

Quick answers

Questions people ask

What is the best small town in California?

Among 347 graded towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents, San Miguel (Contra Costa County) ranks first, with an A; health (A+) and schools (A+) are its strongest grades; hazard risk (D−) is its lowest. Los Altos Hills and Shingle Springs follow.

How are these towns ranked?

By the overall grade, which blends seven livability grades from public data. The letter is national; the rank is within California. The full method is on How grades work.

Why isn’t my town on this list?

The list covers towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents with an overall grade (347 in California). 217 smaller places have subject grades only; 1 town of 2,500+ lack enough data for a grade; 2 college campuses (Pepperdine University, California Polytechnic State University) are left off. Larger towns are on the best places to live list. Every town is on the California page.

Go deeper

More California lists

Every list ranks the same 2,500+ towns, so a town’s rank means the same thing on each.

All California rankings →

Other states

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