What to know when moving to Richmond, CA
Richmond, CA at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 53.5% of residents are renters and the median household income is $75,786.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,608, making it relatively affordable in the Bay Area.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 16.1%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- 8.1% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $593,500 if you're looking to buy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Richmond has a population of 33,564, with a significant portion of the community being renters at 53.5%. The education level is mixed, with 19.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income stands at $75,786, providing a decent standard of living, but the 16.1% poverty rate indicates that some residents may struggle financially. Public transit is not heavily utilized, with only 8.1% commuting this way, which may suggest a need for car ownership.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking a high rate of public transit use or a low poverty rate.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,608, while the median home value is $593,500.
- 19.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the community's educational landscape.
- The poverty rate is 16.1%, highlighting economic diversity.
- 53.5% of the population are renters, indicating a more affordable housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, property crime rates have seen a decrease of 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, with an annual rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime rates also dropped by 17.4% during the same period, with a rate of 415.5 per 100,000 residents.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, with a downward trend.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9, with a downward trend.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate dropped by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in the Richmond area includes a total of 41 postsecondary institutions nearby, with 39 having College Scorecard data available. Notable institutions include Contra Costa College in San Pablo and several others in the surrounding counties.
- Postsecondary institutions: 41
- With College Scorecard data: 39
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Richmond offers several parks and outdoor spots for residents to enjoy.
- Tilden Regional Park - 4.8 stars from 3,937 reviews
- Point Isabel Dog Park - 4.8 stars from 1,325 reviews
- Wildcat Canyon Regional Park - 4.7 stars from 1,258 reviews
- Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park - 4.7 stars from 2,709 reviews
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Contra Costa County, the unemployment rate is currently at 4.5%, with a labor force of 583,012 and 556,672 people employed.
- Unemployment rate: 4.5% as of December 2025
- Employed: 556,672
- Labor force: 583,012
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.