Is Citrus Safe, Pros and cons of living in Citrus
Citrus Heights, California, offers a blend of suburban comfort and accessibility, situated just northeast of Sacramento. This city provides a unique lifestyle for its residents, balancing a sense of community with convenient access to urban amenities and the natural beauty of the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. Its establishment as a city in 1997 marks a relatively recent chapter in its history, evolving from a more rural past into a dynamic community.
The city is characterized by its family-friendly atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods, and a commitment to providing a good quality of life. With a population that hovers around 87,000, Citrus Heights maintains a manageable size while offering a vibrant local culture and a variety of recreational opportunities. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of what it’s like to live in Citrus Heights, covering its safety, cost of living, job market, and overall environment.
Is it Safe to Live in Citrus Heights?
Citrus Heights presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that are slightly above the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 21% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Citrus Heights (as reported by AreaVibes). This places Citrus Heights as safer than only 17% of cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).
While the overall crime rate is a concern, it’s important to note that property crime is more prevalent than violent crime. The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is approximately 1 in 44, with a rate of 23 per 1,000 population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Motor vehicle theft is notably high in Citrus Heights, with rates higher than the national average for this specific crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime also occurs at a rate higher than in many communities across America, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being 1 in 228 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Despite these statistics, residents often describe Citrus Heights as a welcoming community, and local law enforcement is considered responsive. Some analyses suggest that the eastern parts of Citrus Heights tend to report higher crime rates compared to the western areas. The cost of crime per resident is approximately $513 annually, which is slightly more than the national average (as reported by Niche).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Citrus Heights offers a compelling entry point into California real estate, though costs are higher than the national average. The median home value in Citrus Heights is approximately $454,600 (as reported by Niche), which is 1.37 times larger than the national average (as reported by Data USA). However, housing costs in Citrus Heights are 16% higher than the national average (as reported by Sacramento Movers). Recent trends show a slight decrease in home prices, with the median sale price in March 2026 being $452K, down 10.5% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in Citrus Heights are also a significant factor for potential residents. The average rent for an apartment in Citrus Heights is around $1,753 per month (as reported by RentCafe), which is about 2% lower than the national average rent price (as reported by Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $1,613 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), and for a two-bedroom apartment, it’s around $1,895 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes the city a more affordable option compared to many other areas in California.
The homeownership rate in Citrus Heights is 60.7% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a healthy balance between homeowners and renters. The housing market is described as very competitive, with homes often receiving multiple offers and selling quickly, although the average days on market has increased recently. For instance, in March 2026, homes sold after an average of 18 days on the market, compared to 11 days the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Job Market and Economic Outlook
Citrus Heights presents a diverse job market with key industries contributing to its economy. The most common employment sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Citrus Heights is approximately $72,000 a year (as reported by Sacramento Movers), while the median household income was $82,314 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Citrus Heights was 5% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons), which is 16% lower than the national average (as reported by MetroStatUSA). This indicates a relatively stable job market for residents. Major employers in the area include ITC Service Group, Quality First Home Improvement, and A-Applied Mailing Service (as reported by Sacramento Movers). Other notable companies with a presence in Citrus Heights include Costco Wholesale, Walmart, and Target (as reported by Indeed.com).
The projected economic growth for Citrus Heights over the next 10 years is estimated to be 34.1% (as reported by Sacramento Movers). This positive outlook suggests potential for job creation and economic development within the community. The income per capita in Citrus Heights is 6% higher than the national average (as reported by MetroStatUSA).
Climate and Environment
Citrus Heights experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around 61 degrees Fahrenheit, with daily averages ranging from 45 degrees in December and January to 76 degrees in July (as reported by Citrus Heights, CA – Official Website). The average daily high temperatures range from 53 degrees in winter to 93 degrees in July (as reported by Citrus Heights, CA – Official Website).
Precipitation is moderate, with an average of 22 inches per year, primarily falling between December and February (as reported by Citrus Heights, CA – Official Website). January typically sees the most rainfall, averaging about 3.7 inches (as reported by Citrus Heights, CA – Official Website). Summers are notably dry, with almost no rain from May through September, and August averaging 0.0 inches of rainfall (as reported by Citrus Heights Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature).
The city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, with approximately 268 sunny days per year (as reported by Citrus Heights, CA – Official Website). July and August are the sunniest months. Humidity remains comfortable year-round, and while the climate risk is rated as “Very High” (as reported by Citrus Heights, CA – Official Website), the pleasant weather patterns contribute to an appealing living environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Demographics and Community
Citrus Heights is home to a diverse population of approximately 87,000 residents (as reported by Data USA). The largest racial/ethnic groups include White individuals, making up about 65.6% of the population, followed by Hispanic individuals at 20.1%, and those identifying with Two or More races at 6.2% (as reported by MetroStatUSA). About 15.8% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
The median age in Citrus Heights is 38.7 years (as reported by Data USA), with a slightly higher proportion of females to males. The poverty rate in Citrus Heights is 8.56% (as reported by Data USA), which is lower than the national average. Citizenship is high, with 93.2% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
The community is often described as friendly and welcoming, with a strong sense of community. This diverse demographic makeup contributes to the vibrant cultural landscape of the city. While walkability is low, indicating a reliance on vehicles, the city offers numerous parks and green spaces for recreation (as reported by Citrus Heights, CA – Official Website).
Education and Schools
Citrus Heights is served by the San Juan Unified School District, which encompasses a number of public schools. In terms of academic performance, public schools in Citrus Heights show an average math proficiency score of 20% and a reading proficiency score of 33% (as reported by Niche). These scores are below the California public school averages of 34% for math and 47% for reading (as reported by Niche).
The schools in Citrus Heights have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of California public schools (as reported by Niche). The top-ranked public schools in the city include Cambridge Heights Elementary School, Woodside K-8, and Skycrest Elementary School (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment constitutes 58% of the student body, which is less than the state average (as reported by Niche).
While the public school system presents challenges, the community is generally considered family-friendly, with a variety of educational options available. Private schools also serve a portion of the student population in Citrus Heights. Families considering a move to the area often look into the specific school ratings and performance data to make informed decisions about their children’s education.
Pros and Cons of Living in Citrus Heights
Living in Citrus Heights offers several advantages, including a more manageable cost of living compared to many other California cities. Housing costs, while above the national average, are significantly lower than the California state average (as reported by Sacramento Movers). The city provides a family-friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of community, making it an attractive place for those seeking a suburban lifestyle. Its proximity to Sacramento also offers convenient access to employment opportunities and urban amenities.
However, there are also drawbacks to consider. The crime rate in Citrus Heights is higher than the national average, with a particular concern for property crimes and vehicle theft (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). Educational outcomes in the public school system are also below state averages, which may be a concern for families with school-aged children (as reported by Niche).
The climate, while generally pleasant with sunny days, includes hot and dry summers that can be intense. Additionally, the city’s walkability is low, emphasizing a car-dependent lifestyle. Despite these challenges, Citrus Heights remains a popular choice for those seeking affordability and a community-oriented environment within the greater Sacramento area.