Is Rancho Cordova Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rancho Cordova
Rancho Cordova, a city located in California’s Sacramento County, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Incorporated in 2003, it has rapidly developed into a vibrant community within the greater Sacramento metropolitan area. The city is known for its diverse population, growing economy, and a climate that balances warm summers with mild, wet winters.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to Rancho Cordova, covering essential aspects such as safety, cost of living, job market, education, and climate. Understanding these facets will help potential residents make an informed decision about whether Rancho Cordova is the right fit for their lifestyle and needs.
Is it Safe to Live in Rancho Cordova?
Rancho Cordova has made significant strides in enhancing community safety. Between 2004 and 2019, the city saw a remarkable decrease of 61% in both violent and property crimes (as reported by the Rancho Cordova Police Department). This positive trend is attributed to a multi-faceted policing strategy and a dedicated police force.
Despite overall improvements, crime statistics indicate that Rancho Cordova’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average. In a typical year, the crime rate stands at 42.69 per 1,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of victimization compared to other neighborhoods.
When examining specific crime types, Rancho Cordova’s violent crime rate is approximately 18.6% higher than the national average, with 426 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes are also above the national average, with 2112 incidents per 100,000 residents, representing a 20% increase over the national figure (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Rancho Cordova presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters. As of March 2026, the median home value in Rancho Cordova was approximately $535,997, showing a slight decrease of 3.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Other recent data from March 2026 indicates a median listing price of $525,000, with homes selling for a median price of $509,000 (as reported by Redfin and Realtor.com®).
For renters, the market offers various options. As of April 2026, the average rent in Rancho Cordova was reported to be around $2,228 per month, which is 17% higher than the national average (as reported by Trulia). Other sources suggest slightly different averages, with one noting $1,597 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com) and another indicating $1,881 as of April 2026 (as reported by RentCafe).
Cost of Living Overview
Rancho Cordova’s overall cost of living is higher than the national average. One report indicates it is 18% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Another source suggests it is 22% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing expenses are a significant factor, with costs being 17% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices are also considerably higher, at 63% above the national average (as reported by PayScale). Transportation expenses are also elevated, being 34% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
The economy of Rancho Cordova is supported by a diverse range of employers. Key employers in the city include the State of California, Centene, and Delta Dental of California (as reported by Rancho Cordova’s 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report). Other significant employers mentioned include Sacramento County Office of Education and Franklin Templeton Investments.
Broader employment in the Sacramento region, which Rancho Cordova is part of, is robust across several sectors. Major industries include Government, Educational and Health Services, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, as well as Professional and Business Services (as reported by CA.gov). Manufacturing also plays a role, with companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne Inc. and Ampac Fine Chemicals LLC located in Rancho Cordova (as reported by CA.gov).
Salaries and Unemployment
The average salary in Rancho Cordova varies depending on the source and the specific job title. As of April 2026, ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $84,462 or $40.61 per hour for an “Average Wage” (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Another estimate places the average annual salary at $58,049, or approximately $27.91 per hour, as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Rancho Cordova was 5.30% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average but higher than the previous month and year (as reported by YCharts). California’s statewide unemployment rate was 5.5% in December 2025 (as reported by the Employment Development Department).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Rainfall
Rancho Cordova experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters (as reported by Wikipedia). Monthly mean high temperatures range from approximately 56°F in January to 92.6°F in July (as reported by Wikipedia). The average temperature can range from a low of 38°F in December to a high of 94°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Annual precipitation totals around 18.14 inches, with the majority falling between December and March (as reported by Wikipedia). Other sources indicate annual precipitation of about 21 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather) or 454 mm (18 inches) (as reported by Weather and Climate), with the wettest month being December and the driest month being August.
Seasonal Conditions
Summers in Rancho Cordova are typically hot and arid, with abundant sunshine and very little rain from May through September (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Weather and Climate). Winters are mild and wet, though snowfall is virtually nonexistent (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Spring and fall offer pleasant conditions with moderate temperatures and comfortable humidity levels, making these seasons ideal for outdoor activities. The city enjoys approximately 3,408 hours of sunshine annually, with summer months being the clearest (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Rancho Cordova is served by multiple school districts, with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District educating the majority of students. The city’s public schools have an average ranking of 6 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of California public schools (as reported by Niche). However, school performance can vary significantly.
Some of the top-ranked public schools include Riverview STEM Elementary School, Sunrise Elementary School, and Robert J. McGarvey Elementary School (as reported by Niche). Conversely, some schools face challenges, with factors like English language learners and lower-income demographics potentially impacting test scores (as noted in reviews for Rancho Cordova Elementary School).
Population and Diversity
As of the 2020 census, Rancho Cordova had a population of 79,332 (as reported by Wikipedia). Recent estimates suggest the population has grown to over 81,000 (as reported by Data USA). The city is characterized by its diversity, with a significant portion of its residents identifying as White, Hispanic, Asian, and African American (as reported by Wikipedia and Data USA).
The racial makeup in 2020 included approximately 60.4% White, 13.1% African American, 12.1% Asian, and 19.7% Hispanic or Latino (as reported by Wikipedia). More recent estimates show the population as 46.0% White, 22.0% Hispanic, 14.7% Asian, and 10.0% Black (as reported by AreaVibes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Rancho Cordova
Advantages
Rancho Cordova offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to the national average in some aspects, particularly in rent (as reported by Apartments.com). The city’s commitment to safety is evident in its crime reduction efforts (as reported by the Rancho Cordova Police Department), and its diverse population contributes to a rich cultural tapestry.
The climate is generally favorable, with plenty of sunshine and mild winters, making it attractive for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Its proximity to Sacramento also provides access to a wider range of amenities, job opportunities, and cultural attractions.
Disadvantages
Despite improvements, the overall crime rate in Rancho Cordova remains higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of living, particularly for housing and utilities, is also above the national average (as reported by PayScale and Salary.com).
While some schools are highly rated, the quality of education can be inconsistent across the city, presenting a challenge for families prioritizing educational outcomes. The job market, while diverse, may not offer the highest salaries compared to other areas, with an average salary that is moderate within the state (as reported by ZipRecruiter and Salary.com).