What to know when moving to Riverside, CA
Riverside at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 55% of residents are renters and 18.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $83,027, which supports a range of living options.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 13.2%, financial considerations are important for many residents.
- Commute:
- Only 1.7% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,615 in monthly rent if you're planning to rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Riverside is a city where the population stands at approximately 22,079. The housing market reflects a significant renter presence, with 55% of the population renting their homes. With a median household income of $83,027 and a notable portion of residents (18.4%) holding bachelor's degrees, the community leans towards an educated demographic. However, the poverty rate of 13.2% suggests that financial stability can be a challenge for some.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for robust public transit options, as only 1.7% of residents commute using public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,615, which is quite reasonable compared to other California cities.
- Median home value is $466,400, indicating a significant investment for homebuyers.
- 18.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, which may influence local job opportunities.
- The poverty rate is 13.2%, highlighting some economic disparities in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California has seen a decrease in crime rates over the past few years, with property crime dropping by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025. The state annual rate for property crime is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. the national rate of 325.3, a 17.4% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9, reflecting a significant trend downward.
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 44.9% since 2022, with a current rate of 3.2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Riverside has access to a range of educational institutions, with a total of 31 postsecondary schools in the area. Notable options include:
- University of California-Riverside
- California Baptist University
- Riverside City College
- La Sierra University
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Riverside County experiences an annual precipitation of about 10.7 inches, with around 40 rainy days each year. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities, making it ideal for enjoying nature.
- Fairmount Park: 4.5 stars from 7,897 reviews
- Mount Rubidoux Park: 4.8 stars from 4,184 reviews
- March Field Air Museum: 4.8 stars from 2,761 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Riverside County supports a labor force of 1,211,232, with an employment count of 1,148,124. The unemployment rate stands at 5.2%, indicating a relatively stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 5.2% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 1,148,124 individuals.
- Labor force: 1,211,232 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.