What to know when moving to North Highlands, CA
TL;DR: North Highlands at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 39.7% of residents are renters and the median household income is $66,957.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 28 nearby schools, including California State University-Sacramento.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 19.3%, you may want to budget carefully.
- Commute:
- Only 1.1% of residents rely on public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Median gross rent is $1,650, so plan your budget accordingly.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
North Highlands has a population of 35,668, with an education level where only 11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a significant renter population at nearly 40%, indicating a more transient community. With an annual rainfall of 17.2 inches over about 51 rainy days, it would be wise to keep an umbrella handy.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated community, as the percentage of bachelor's degree holders is quite low.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,650, which might require careful budgeting.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $330,600, reflecting the local housing market.
- The poverty rate stands at 19.3%, highlighting economic challenges in the area.
- With 39.7% of residents renting, there is a sizable demand for rental properties.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for California shows a mixed picture. While the violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national rate, property crime has decreased significantly by 26.1% since 2022, with a rate of 1,764 per 100,000.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. 325.3 nationally, with a 17.4% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. 1,546.9 nationally, down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates decreased by 44.9% since 2022, currently at 3.2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
North Highlands has access to a total of 28 schools nearby, with 25 offering College Scorecard data. Notable institutions include California State University-Sacramento and American River College, both located within Sacramento County.
- Total nearby schools: 28
- Schools with College Scorecard data: 25
- Prominent institutions include: California State University-Sacramento, American River College, and Alliant International University-Sacramento.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Sacramento County typically sees about 17.2 inches of rainfall annually, with 51 rainy days each year. The dry summer months offer a break from precipitation, but winter can be quite wet with around 10.5 inches of rain and 26 rainy days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- William Land Regional Park (4.6 stars, 6,711 reviews)
- California State Railroad Museum (4.8 stars, 5,649 reviews)
- McKinley Park (4.6 stars, 4,554 reviews)
- Crocker Art Museum (4.8 stars, 3,708 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Sacramento County's labor force consists of 785,309 individuals, with an employment rate of 746,868. The unemployment rate sits at 4.9% as of December 2025, indicating a relatively stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.9% as of December 2025
- Employed individuals: 746,868
- Total labor force: 785,309
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.