148 movers in Oakland

What to know when moving to Oakland, CA

TL;DR: Oakland at a Glance

The Vibe:
A highly educated ZIP where 24% hold a bachelor's degree and 65.5% are renters.
The Major Draw:
Median household income is $66,651, providing a solid economic backdrop.
The Reality Check:
Poverty rate is 17.5%, indicating some economic challenges.
Commute:
12.7% of residents use public transit for commuting.
Top Tip:
Budget for $1,651 in rent, which is the median gross rent in the area.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Oakland's population of 52,289 reflects a community where renters dominate, making up 65.5% of households. The median gross rent stands at $1,651, which can be a significant factor for those looking to move. With a median household income of $66,651, the area presents a mix of affordability and economic diversity. However, the poverty rate of 17.5% suggests that while there are opportunities, there are also some residents facing financial challenges.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low poverty rate or a majority homeowner environment.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $1,651, which means budgeting around this amount is wise.
  • The median owner-occupied home value is $703,100, indicating a relatively high cost for homeownership.
  • 24% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting the education level in the area.
  • The poverty rate of 17.5% suggests economic challenges for some residents.
  • 12.7% of the population commutes via public transit.
  • 65.5% of households are renters, showing a significant rental market.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

In California, the state-level crime statistics show a mixed picture. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national rate. However, the property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000, which is 14% higher than the national average. Notably, both rates have seen a decrease in recent years, with violent crime down 17.4% and property crime down 26.1% since 2022.

  • Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs national 325.3 per 100k, down 17.4% since 2022.
  • Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs national 1,546.9 per 100k, down 26.1% since 2022.
  • Notable trend: Homicide rate 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

Oakland has access to a variety of educational institutions. There are 46 postsecondary institutions in the area, with 44 providing College Scorecard data. Notable nearby options include:

  • Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences
  • Laney College
  • Samuel Merritt University
  • Merritt College
  • International College of Cosmetology

Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

Alameda County receives about 18.6 inches of precipitation annually, with 63 rainy days. Winters bring the most rain, totaling 12.5 inches, while summers are quite dry with only 0.1 inches. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy several nearby parks, including:

  • Tilden Regional Park - 4.8 stars from 3,937 reviews
  • Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park - 4.8 stars from 3,485 reviews
  • Oakland Museum of California - 4.7 stars from 3,624 reviews
  • USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum - 4.8 stars from 3,196 reviews

Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

In Alameda County, the unemployment rate stands at 4.4% as of December 2025. There are about 829,527 employed individuals out of a labor force of 867,681, indicating a relatively healthy job market.

  • Unemployment rate: 4.4% as of December 2025.
  • Employed: 829,527 individuals.
  • Labor force: 867,681 individuals.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Oakland interstate movers?

Oakland moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of California

Let's see how many people move within California versus those who moved from The Golden State to another state.

Moved Within CA
46%
Moved out of CA
54%

Out of all California household moves, approximately 46% of them have been local ones, with 54% of the people moving to another state in the country.

Despite being the home of the nation’s second- and third-largest urban economies (the Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area respectively), the majority of Californians have still chosen to move out of the state.

Who regulates California local movers

When contacting local California moving companies, make sure to check their cal-T number issued by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Household goods moving companies must obtain permits from the PUC after proving financial and safety fitness.

They must also prove that they have adequate insurance and they are subject to criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Agency: California Public Utilities Commission
Address: SSRS Unit 505, Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298
Phone: (800) 848-5580
Website: www.cpuc.ca.gov

The CPUC controls privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, along with passenger transportation companies.

What do people move within California?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in CA?

Studio (7%)
1 Bedroom (22%)
2 Bedroom (26%)
3 Bedroom (22%)
4 Bedroom (7%)

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Moving to The Bay Area

Regarded as an epicenter of cultural events, high-tech development, and modernistic movements, the Bay Area boasts one of the most successful economies and the most liberal societies in the country.

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