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California, MO

Missouri

California is a small town in Missouri with a population of 4,523. Residents earn $60,506 per year, which is 19% below the national average.

3.0 /5.0
B Good
4,523 Population 1,169/sq mi density
$60,506 Median Income $28,917 per capita
$123,700 Home Value $238,315 Zillow
$773 Median Rent 19.9% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 265 sunny days/yr
206 Violent Crime/100K 1,008 property/100K
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.0 / 5.0
$60,506 median income, 2.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$123,700 home value, $773/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
206 violent crimes/100K (46% below avg)
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
14.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $60,506
19% lower than US avg
Home Value $123,700
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 206/100K
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent $773
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment 2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 5.8%
53% lower than US avg

How California Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population4,523
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density1,169/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.7%

Economy

A
Median Income$60,506
Per Capita$28,917
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty5.8%
Commute26 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$123,700
Rent$773
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$238,315
Housing Units2,062
Rent Burden19.9%

Crime

F
Violent206/100K
Property1,008/100K
Murder22.9/100K
Assault115/100K
Burglary229/100K

Health

Obesity39.4%
Uninsured12.0%
Smoking17.8%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.8%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation899 ft (274 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband80.9%

Is California a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, California receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. California offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in California is $60,506, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in California is $123,700, 56% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in California is below the national average at 206 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,008 per 100,000, 49% below the national average.

Education

14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

California experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 5.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

California has a population of 4,523 with a density of 1,169 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.1% female and 45.9% male. The city is predominantly White (85.1%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.7% of residents, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

4,523
Total Population
1,169
People / sq mi
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
3.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.9%
Female 54.1%

Race & Ethnicity

California vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only87.7%
12% above US avg
Spanish12.3%
8% below US avg

Social Characteristics

California vs U.S. Average

The median household income in California is $60,506, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,917 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: California vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$60,506
19% below US avg
Per Capita Income$28,917

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.9%
19% below US avg
Poverty Rate5.8%
53% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time25.9 min
Drive Alone80.8%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home3.3%

Walkability

The median home value in California is $123,700, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,315, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $773 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 2,062 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$123,700
56% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$238,315
Median List Price$269,900

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$269,900
$/Sq Ft$138
Homes Sold5
Sale-to-List Ratio0.0%
Price Drops30.0%
Inventory10

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$773
34% below US avg
Rent Burden19.9%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied68.9%
Housing Units2,062
Median Year Built1970

Property Tax

In California, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: California vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity39.4%
23% above US avg
Diabetes10.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
High Blood Pressure32.0%
Asthma10.8%
COPD7.6%
Cancer7.2%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking17.8%
27% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.5%
Physical Inactivity30.4%
Depression26.1%
Mental Distress19.4%
Physical Distress14.6%
Short Sleep38.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate86.4%
Uninsured12.0%
40% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.3%
Dental Visits56.4%

Food & Exercise

California has a violent crime rate of 206 per 100,000 residents, 46% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 114.6 per 100,000, robbery at 68.8, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 22.9 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,008 per 100,000, 49% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 733, burglary at 229, vehicle theft at 46 per 100,000 residents. Overall, California receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: California vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent206.3/100K
46% below US avg
Murder22.9/100K
264% above US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery68.8/100K
Assault114.6/100K

Property Crime

Total Property1,008.5/100K
49% below US avg
Burglary229.2/100K
Theft733.4/100K
Vehicle Theft45.8/100K
Arson22.9/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
California experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 265 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. The area receives 5.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 899 feet.

Temperature

29°F Jan (-2°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average54.7°F
1% above US avg
January Average29°F (-2°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days265 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall39.3 inches
4% above US avg
Snowfall5.4 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation899 ft (274 m)
Area3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²)
Population Density1,169/sq mi
Coordinates38.6275°N, 92.5666°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 29°F (-2°C) 1.3 in Coldest, Driest
February 34°F (1°C) 1.7 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.2 in
April 55°F (13°C) 3.7 in
May 64°F (18°C) 5.2 in Wettest
June 73°F (23°C) 4.3 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.4 in Warmest
August 76°F (25°C) 3.5 in
September 68°F (20°C) 4.2 in
October 57°F (14°C) 3.5 in
November 44°F (7°C) 3.0 in
December 34°F (1°C) 2.4 in

California has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F — from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.3").

14.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 57% below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 80.9% of households have broadband internet access. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+14.6%
57% below US avg
High School+85.6%
Graduate Degree+4.8%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,169/sq mi
Total Area3.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access80.9%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute25.9 min
Drive Alone80.8%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home3.3%

Frequently Asked Questions About California

What is the population of California?

California has a population of 4,523 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,169 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 54.1% female and 45.9% male.

Is California expensive to live in?

California is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,506, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,700 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is California safe?

California is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 206 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,008 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, California receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in California?

California has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 5.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in California?

The job market in California is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in California?

The median home value in California is $123,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,315. For renters, the median monthly rent is $773. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in California?

Schools in California score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in California hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is California?

The obesity rate in California is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in California?

The average commute in California is 26 minutes. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of California?

The racial and ethnic makeup of California is 85.1% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 87.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.

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