What to know when moving to Pleasant Hill, CA
Pleasant Hill at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 55.9% hold a bachelor's degree and 36.5% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $142,622.
- The Reality Check:
- Median rent is $2,479, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- 5.8% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,479/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Pleasant Hill is characterized by a well-educated population, with over half of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The community has a relatively low poverty rate of 6.4%, and 36.5% of residents are renters. With a median household income of $142,622, it attracts those who value educational attainment and a stable economic environment.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rent options, as the median rent of $2,479 is on the higher side.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,479, making it a significant expense for renters.
- Median home value is $1,038,400, indicating a competitive housing market.
- Education level is high, with 55.9% of residents having a bachelor's degree.
- Poverty rate is 6.4%, reflecting a stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data reflects trends across California, with the state experiencing overall decreases in violent and property crimes.
- Violent crime: California's annual rate is 415.5 per 100k, which is 27.7% higher than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1,764 per 100k, 14% higher than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 44.9% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Pleasant Hill has access to a variety of educational institutions, creating opportunities for higher education in the region.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 31
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 28
- Nearby options include Diablo Valley College and Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is not available, Pleasant Hill offers several parks for outdoor activities, making it a pleasant place to enjoy nature.
- Tilden Regional Park: 4.8 stars, 3,937 reviews
- Joaquin Miller Park: 4.7 stars, 2,690 reviews
- Civic Park: 4.6 stars, 1,342 reviews
- Pleasant Hill Park: 4.6 stars, 1,300 reviews
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Contra Costa County is characterized by a stable workforce, reflecting positive economic conditions.
- Unemployment rate: 4.5% as of December 2025
- Employed individuals: 556,672
- Total labor force: 583,012
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.