Is Pleasant Hill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill, California, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the broader San Francisco Bay Area. This city in Contra Costa County is known for its pleasant climate and community-focused atmosphere, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between urban amenities and a more relaxed pace of life.
The city’s location provides residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation and easy commutes to major employment centers. Pleasant Hill is a well-established community with a diverse population and a range of housing options, catering to various lifestyles and preferences. Its accessibility and family-friendly environment contribute to its enduring appeal.
Is it Safe to Live in Pleasant Hill?
Pleasant Hill’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a rate of 43 crimes per 1,000 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). This means your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Pleasant Hill is approximately one in 23. Within California, more than 97% of communities have a lower crime rate than Pleasant Hill (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Pleasant Hill occurs at a rate of 2 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America (according to NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is 1 in 422 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime in Pleasant Hill is also a concern, with a rate of 40 per 1,000 population, meaning your chance of becoming a victim of property crime is one in 25 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
What is the Cost of Living in Pleasant Hill?
The cost of living in Pleasant Hill, California, is significantly higher than the national average. Overall living expenses are estimated to be 37% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). This elevated cost is largely driven by housing expenses, which are 62% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
Utility prices in Pleasant Hill are also above the national average, at 47% higher (according to Payscale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are 37% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Grocery prices are approximately 12% higher than the national average (according to Payscale), and healthcare costs are about 21% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
Housing Costs and Rental Market
Housing is the most significant factor contributing to the high cost of living in Pleasant Hill. The median home value in Pleasant Hill is $938,968 (according to Livability.com), and the median listing price is around $900,000 (according to realtor.com®). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Pleasant Hill is approximately $2,645 per month (according to Zumper), which is 36% higher than the national average (according to Zumper).
For context, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the median owner-occupied home value in Pleasant Hill at $1,077,100 for the period of 2020-2024 (as reported by The Renee White Team). Renters can expect to pay around $2,350 per month for an apartment, with one-bedroom units averaging $2,175 and two-bedroom units averaging $2,865 (according to Zumper).
Income and Employment
The median household income in Pleasant Hill is $145,029 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). This figure is substantially higher than both the California state average of $99,122 and the national average of $80,734 (as reported by Census Reporter). The per capita income in Pleasant Hill is $68,493 (as reported by Census Reporter).
Despite the high cost of living, the median after-tax salary is sufficient to cover living expenses for approximately 1.9 months (according to LivingCost.org). The most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). The highest paying industries include Utilities, Information, and Public Administration (according to Data USA).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Pleasant Hill was 4.4% in 2026 (according to Data Commons). This figure is slightly higher than the long-term average of 4.43% (according to YCharts). The unemployment rate in April 2026 was 4.60%, compared to 4.30% the previous month and 4.50% the previous year (according to YCharts).
While higher than the long-term average, this rate is comparable to surrounding areas. For context, Antioch, CA, has an unemployment rate of 5.50% (according to Data Commons).
What are the Job Opportunities in Pleasant Hill?
Pleasant Hill’s economy supports a diverse range of industries, with major employers including retail giants, healthcare providers, and educational institutions. Companies like Target and Starbucks have a significant presence, offering numerous retail and service positions (according to Indeed.com). John Muir Health and Diablo Valley College are also substantial employers, contributing to the healthcare and education sectors, respectively (according to Zippia).
Other notable employers include Michaels Stores, offering various retail and operational roles (according to job openings at Michaels Stores), and GEICO, providing opportunities in the insurance sector (according to Zippia). The job market is robust, with a variety of roles available across different skill levels and industries.
What is the Climate Like in Pleasant Hill?
Pleasant Hill experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of 40°F in December to a high of 87°F in July and August (according to Livability.com). The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with approximately 3,454 hours annually, and the sunniest months typically see over 80% clear skies (according to myPerfectWeather).
Annual precipitation is moderate, with about 19 inches of rain, primarily falling during the winter months (according to myPerfectWeather). December is the wettest month, with an average of 3.5 inches of precipitation distributed over 12 rainy days (according to Weather & Climate). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of just 0.1 inches per year (according to myPerfectWeather).
What are the Schools Like in Pleasant Hill?
Pleasant Hill is served by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, which includes several public schools with varying performance ratings. Schools in Pleasant Hill have an average ranking of 8/10, placing them in the top 30% of California public schools (according to Niche). The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools, with notable institutions like Sequoia Elementary School often receiving high marks for academic performance and low chronic absenteeism (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Pleasant Hill Elementary School, for instance, is rated B+ by Niche and has a student-teacher ratio of 31 to 1 (according to Niche). Math proficiency is at 59%, and reading proficiency is at 55% (according to Niche). College Park High School is recognized for its strong academic programs and excellent graduation rate (according to SchoolDigger.com).
What is the Demographics of Pleasant Hill?
Pleasant Hill has a population of approximately 34,235 residents, making it the 242nd most populated city in California (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The racial and ethnic composition of Pleasant Hill is diverse, with White residents making up about 55.4% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 16.6%, and Hispanic residents at 14.7% (according to Census Dots). Other racial groups include Multiracial (7.8%), Black (4.0%), and Native American/Other (1.6%) (according to Census Dots).
The median age in Pleasant Hill is 42 years (according to Data Commons). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, with roughly 50% of each (according to Niche). A significant portion of the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, with 25% having a master’s degree or higher and 30% holding a bachelor’s degree (according to Niche).