California · Metropolitan Area
San Luis Obispo is a mid-size city in California with a population of 48,039. Residents earn $66,711 per year, which is 11% below the national average.
Based on current data, San Luis Obispo receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs. San Luis Obispo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in San Luis Obispo is $66,711, 11% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in San Luis Obispo is $896,500, making it a premium housing market at 218% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,906 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 13.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
The violent crime rate of 514 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,083 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
San Luis Obispo is a highly educated community — 54.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
San Luis Obispo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.
| English Only | 82.6% |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 17.4% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $66,711 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $45,462 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,179 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $98,019 |
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 11,662 |
| County GDP | $24,505M |
| Restaurants | 1,072 |
| Healthcare | 1,220 |
| Retail | 1,084 |
| Manufacturing | 473 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.85% |
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Work from Home | 15.9% |
| Census Median | $896,500 |
| 218% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,077,043 |
| Median List Price | $1,079,000 |
| Median List Price | $1,079,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $617 |
| Homes Sold | 25 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.5% |
| Price Drops | 22.4% |
| Inventory | 67 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,906 |
| 64% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,558 |
| Studio | $1,732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,914 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,512 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,861 |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.85% |
| Obesity | 28.8% |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,206/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,220 |
| Total Violent | 514.2/100K |
| 35% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 100.7/100K |
| Robbery | 53.6/100K |
| Assault | 360.0/100K |
| Total Property | 3,083.2/100K |
| 57% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 441.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,489.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 152.1/100K |
| Arson | 36.4/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 59.7°F |
| 11% above US avg | |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 17.9 inches |
| 53% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 49.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 52.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 10 |
| Elevation | 157 ft (48 m) |
| Area | 13.6 sq mi (35.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,522/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2662°N, 120.6684°W |
| County FIPS | 06079 |
Winner: Democrat by 10.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 54.4% |
| 61% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 96.0% |
| School Test Score | 5.38 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 3,522/sq mi |
| Total Area | 13.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 120 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 121 |
| Public Libraries | 17 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,220 |
| Restaurants | 1,072 |
| Retail Stores | 1,084 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 15.6 min |
| Work from Home | 15.9% |