Is Rialto Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rialto
Rialto, California, located in San Bernardino County, is a city that has experienced significant growth in recent years. Its strategic position east of Los Angeles, near major transportation routes, has contributed to its development. The city’s population has seen an increase, reflecting its growing economic activity and appeal as a place to live and work.
The community of Rialto is characterized by its diverse population and its role as a hub for logistics and distribution. The city’s infrastructure supports a growing number of businesses, making it an important economic center within the Inland Empire region. Rialto’s ongoing development suggests a dynamic environment for residents and businesses alike.
Is it Safe to Live in Rialto?
Rialto’s crime rate is a complex issue with varying perspectives. While some analyses indicate that Rialto’s overall crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, other reports suggest it is below the national average. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Rialto is approximately 1 in 158, and for property crime, it is 1 in 42 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within the city, with some areas being considerably safer than others (as reported by DoorProfit).
It is important to note that Rialto was the first city in the United States to mandate body cameras for all police officers, a measure aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. While some statistics show Rialto’s crime rate as being higher than the national average, other data indicates it is lower than the national average. For instance, one report states Rialto’s overall crime rate is 9% below the national average as of 2026, with violent crimes being 2% lower than the national average, though property crimes are 45% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rialto presents a median listing price of $580,000 (as reported by realtor.com®). Homes in Rialto have seen a decrease in the median days on market year-over-year, indicating a quicker pace for buyers. The median rent price is approximately $2,800 per month, with a year-over-year increase of 2.75% (as reported by realtor.com®).
The median home value in Rialto is approximately $588,566, showing a slight decrease of 0.8% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Rental prices have seen a recent increase, with the average rent in Rialto being around $2,300, which is about 15% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Rialto is considered to be higher than the U.S. national average. Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,896, and for a family of four, they are approximately $6,376 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures represent a 17% increase compared to the national average and a 60% decrease compared to California’s state average.
Key factors contributing to Rialto’s cost of living include housing expenses, transportation costs, and rising food prices. Food expenses are about 1.5% above the average, while energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are around 7.2% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Rialto was reported at 5.70% in a recent period, which is lower than the long-term average of 8.26% (as reported by YCharts). Another report indicates an employment rate of 90.78% in Rialto, CA (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
The city’s economic activity has grown rapidly, largely due to the development of major distribution centers. These centers have created numerous job opportunities within the logistics and warehousing sectors. Major employers in Rialto include large companies like Amazon, Target, Staples Inc., and others, contributing significantly to the local economy (as per Wikipedia).
Average Salary and Major Employers
The average annual salary in Rialto is approximately $42,019, which translates to about $20.20 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources suggest a higher average yearly salary of $57,157 (as reported by ReadySetHire). The distribution of salaries shows that the largest percentage of workers earn around $33,000 per year, with a smaller group earning approximately $47,273 annually.
Prominent companies offering competitive salaries in Rialto include West Coast Dental Services, Loma Linda University Health, the City of Rialto, Amazon, and Target (as reported by ReadySetHire). These employers play a crucial role in the city’s employment landscape.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Rainfall
Rialto experiences a warm Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of 42°F in December to a high of 96°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with approximately 3551 hours annually, and the sunniest period is from June through September.
The annual precipitation in Rialto is moderate, averaging around 16 inches, with February being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, with only about 4 inches annually, typically light and occurring in the winter months. The driest months are June and July, with very little rainfall.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Public schools in Rialto have an average math proficiency score of 17% and a reading proficiency score of 31%, which is below the California state averages (as reported by Niche). The Rialto Unified School District ranks #1490 out of 1,907 school districts in California based on combined testing data (as reported by Public School Review). The district has a graduation rate of 92%, which has increased over the past five school years.
Despite lower-than-average test scores, some schools in Rialto are highly rated, including Samuel W. Simpson Elementary School and Wilmer Amina Carter High School (as reported by Niche). The district serves a large student population, with 98% of students being of minority backgrounds, predominantly Hispanic.
Demographics
Rialto’s population was approximately 104,026 as of the 2020 census, and it is projected to reach around 105,395 by 2026 (as reported by Wikipedia and Census Dots). The city is notably diverse, with the largest demographic group being Hispanic or Latino, making up about 74.8% of the population (as reported by Census Dots).
Other significant demographic groups include Black or African American at 11.3% and White at 8.8% (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Rialto is 32.6 years (as reported by Census Dots). The city’s population and economic activity have grown rapidly in recent years, largely due to the establishment of major distribution centers.