Median Income
$49,500
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,600
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
459/100K
21% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.6%
12% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$792
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How California Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,046
Median Age21.4 yrs
Density458/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$49,500
Per Capita$21,065
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty12.0%
County GDP$132,892M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,600
Rent$792
Ownership45.8%
Zillow$114,093
Housing Units2,074
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent459/100K
Property1,405/100K
Murder14.3/100K
Assault416/100K
Burglary229/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation781 ft (238 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.6%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+11.9%
School Score6.30
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute20 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries72
Is California a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, California receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. 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 $49,500, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in California is $142,600, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,405 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
29.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
California experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches, including 10.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
California has a population of 5,046 with a density of 458 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 21.4 years, 45% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (78.2%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 11.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.4yrs
Median Age
45% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
California vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
California vs U.S. Average
The median household income in California is $49,500, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,065 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,506. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 36,316 business establishments, including 3,345 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.3% of workers work from home.
Income: California vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,500 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,065 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,506 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,625 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 36,316 |
| County GDP | $132,892M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3,345 |
| Healthcare | 4,791 |
| Retail | 3,982 |
| Manufacturing | 940 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,851 |
| 153% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.8% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 14.3% |
The median home value in California is $142,600, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $114,093, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $792 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 45.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,074 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $8,851 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,600 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $114,093 |
| Median List Price | $119,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $119,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $65 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.8% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 12 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $792 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 45.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 54.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,074 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,851 |
| 153% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.21% |
In California, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:915. The dentist ratio is 1:1,022. 93.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: California vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:915 |
| Dentists | 1:1,022 |
| Mental Health | 1:207 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,412/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4,791 |
California has a violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 residents, 21% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 415.7 per 100,000, robbery at 28.7, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 14.3 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,405 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,161, burglary at 229, vehicle theft at 14 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 83 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, California receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: California vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 458.7/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| Murder | 14.3/100K |
| 127% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 28.7/100K |
| Assault | 415.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,404.8/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| Burglary | 229.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,161.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 14.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 83 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
California experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 40.9 inches. The area receives 10.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 781 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 781 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 458/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0667°N, 79.9120°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegheny County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arnold Palmer Regional (LBE) 30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0432 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 11.6 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.41 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.39 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
47 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
146 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
242 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 531 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
9 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
28 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (510 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
California has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in California. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About California
What is the population of California?
California has a population of 5,046 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 458 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is California expensive to live in?
California has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $49,500, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,600 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is California safe?
The violent crime rate in California is 459 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,405 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 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.9 inches, with 10.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in California?
The unemployment rate in California is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,506. There are 36,316 business establishments in the area, including 3,345 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 14.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in California?
The median home value in California is $142,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $114,093. For renters, the median monthly rent is $792. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 45.8%. The average annual property tax is $8,851.
How are the schools in California?
Schools in California score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.6% of adults in California hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 11.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is California?
The obesity rate in California is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 93.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:915.
What is transportation like in California?
The average commute in California is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.8% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 14.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of California?
The racial and ethnic makeup of California is 78.2% White, 11.8% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.