What to know when moving to San Leandro, CA
San Leandro at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 44.1% of residents are renters and 39.5% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $110,989.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,199.
- Commute:
- 12.7% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,199/mo rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
San Leandro features a population of 47,533, with a median household income of $110,989. The area has a notable education level, with 39.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. Approximately 44.1% of the population are renters, reflecting a balanced housing market. Given that only 12.7% of residents rely on public transit, a car may be necessary for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a high percentage of public transit users, as only 12.7% utilize this option.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,199, which reflects the higher housing costs typical in the Bay Area.
- The poverty rate stands at 7.9%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
- 44.1% of residents are renters, showcasing a significant rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the overall crime trends have been improving, with property crime rates down by 26.1% since 2022. The state annual rate for violent crime is 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k (California) vs 325.3 per 100k (national)
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k (California) vs 1,546.9 per 100k (national)
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is strong in the region, with 34 postsecondary institutions nearby. Notable options include:
- Carrington College-San Leandro Campus
- California State University-East Bay (Hayward)
- Chabot College (Hayward)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
San Leandro experiences an annual precipitation of 18.6 inches, with 63 rainy days each year. Winter is the wettest season, contributing 12.5 inches of rain over 29 days.
- Marina Park - 4.7 stars (4,794 reviews)
- Lake Chabot Regional Park - 4.7 stars (4,058 reviews)
- Oakland Museum of California - 4.7 stars (3,624 reviews)
- Chabot Park - 4.7 stars (1,602 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Alameda County, which includes San Leandro, employs 829,527 people, with an unemployment rate of 4.4% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.4% (December 2025)
- Employed: 829,527
- Labor force: 867,681
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.