What to know when moving to Fremont, CA
Fremont at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 57.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 42.8% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- With a median household income of $156,672, the area has a strong economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- Median rent stands at $2,835, making it relatively high for many budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 4.3% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $2,835.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fremont has a diverse population of about 70,707 residents, with a significant portion being well-educated. The median gross rent is $2,835, reflecting the high demand for housing in the area. With only 4.3% of residents commuting via public transit, it is advisable to plan on having a car for daily travel. The community experiences an annual precipitation of 18.6 inches, primarily in winter and fall, so be prepared for some rainy days.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for lower housing costs or strong public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,835, which may require a substantial budget.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $1,210,200, indicating a competitive housing market.
- 57.6% of residents have a bachelor's degree, showing a strong education level in the community.
- The poverty rate is 6.6%, reflecting a relatively stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state-level crime rates show a mixed picture of safety. The property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is about 14% higher than the national average of 1,547. However, property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022. The violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average of 325.3, but it has also seen a decline of 17.4% during the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k in California vs. 325.3 nationally, with a 17.4% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k in California vs. 1,547 nationally, with a 26.1% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate is down 44.9% since 2022, currently at 3.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Fremont has access to a total of 16 postsecondary institutions in the region, providing a range of educational opportunities. Notable schools include Ohlone College and California State University-East Bay, which are both within the broader area.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 16
- Nearby schools: Ohlone College, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Fremont, San Francisco Bay University
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Fremont experiences an annual precipitation of 18.6 inches, primarily in the winter and fall months, with about 63 rainy days a year. The area does not receive snow, making it ideal for those who prefer milder winters.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Computer History Museum - Rating: 4.7 (7,520 reviews)
- Mission Peak Regional Preserve - Rating: 4.7 (4,505 reviews)
- Coyote Hills Regional Park - Rating: 4.7 (3,341 reviews)
- Central Park - Rating: 4.6 (7,090 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Alameda County, the unemployment rate stands at 4.4% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 867,681. There are approximately 829,527 employed individuals in the county, indicating a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.4% (December 2025)
- Employed: 829,527
- Labor force: 867,681
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.