Is Davis Safe, Pros and cons of living in Davis
Davis, California, is a vibrant city nestled in the Sacramento Valley, known for its strong connection to the University of California, Davis. This university town offers a unique blend of academic energy, a commitment to sustainable living, and a rich cultural scene. With its extensive network of bike paths and tree-lined streets, Davis has earned its reputation as the “Bicycle Capital of America.”
The city’s character is deeply influenced by UC Davis, contributing to a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment. Life in Davis often revolves around its lively downtown district and the sprawling university campus. The community embraces a lifestyle that values environmental consciousness and active living, making it an attractive place for students, professionals, and families alike.
Is it Safe to Live in Davis?
Davis presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with overall crime rates slightly higher than the national average. The crime rate is reported at 35.57 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes). However, your chance of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 11 in the southeast to 1 in 40 in the north (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes, such as theft and vehicle-related offenses, are more common than violent crimes in Davis (as reported by AreaVibes).
While the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, it’s important to note that violent crimes in Davis are actually 48.1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The city’s property crime rate is 25.6% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Many residents consider the northern part of the city to be the safest (as reported by AreaVibes). Understanding these nuances is key to assessing personal safety within the city.
Housing Costs and Rental Market
The housing market in Davis is notably competitive, with homes selling quickly. The median sale price of a home in Davis was $685,000 last month, a decrease of 16.2% since last year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price for homes in Davis is currently $773,000 (as reported by Realtor.com).
Renting in Davis also comes with a significant cost. The average rent for an apartment in Davis is $2,650 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is 32.5% higher than the national average rent of $2,000 per month (as reported by Zillow). The median rental price is around $2.2K per month, indicating steady demand in the rental market (as reported by YCharts).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Davis is significantly influenced by its status as a university town. The largest employer by a considerable margin is the University of California, Davis, with over 25,000 employees (as reported by Wikipedia). Other major employers include the Davis Joint Unified School District and Sutter Health (as reported by Wikipedia).
Employment in Davis grew at a rate of 1.14% from 2023 to 2024, with the most common employment sectors being educational services, professional, scientific, and technical services, and healthcare and social assistance (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Davis was 4.1% as of 2026 (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Davis experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, typical of California’s Central Valley (as reported by Wikipedia). Summer days can be hot, ranging from 85 to 105°F (29 to 41°C), but nights generally cool down considerably (as reported by Wikipedia). The Delta Breeze, a cool marine air current, often provides relief in the evenings during the summer months (as reported by Wikipedia).
Winter temperatures typically range from 45 to 65°F (7 to 18°C) during the day, with nights averaging around 35 to 40°F (2 to 4°C), occasionally dipping below freezing (as reported by Wikipedia). The majority of the annual precipitation, which totals about 20 inches, falls between mid-November and mid-March (as reported by Wikipedia, Livability.com). Tule fog, a dense ground fog, is common during late fall and winter, which can significantly reduce visibility and contribute to road accidents (as reported by Wikipedia).
Education and School Ratings
Davis is served by the Davis Joint Unified School District, which is highly regarded. The district has received an overall A grade from Niche.com, earning particular praise for college preparation and academics (as reported by Patch). Davis Senior High School is a top-performing school, ranked in the 98th percentile statewide (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Other well-regarded schools within the district include Oliver Wendell Holmes Junior High School, which excels in mathematics, and Cesar Chavez Elementary School, noted for strong academic results and low chronic absenteeism (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district is recognized for its dedicated teachers and strong academic focus, making it a desirable location for families prioritizing education (as reported by Patch).
Demographics and Population
As of the most recent data, Davis has a population of approximately 66,978 residents (as reported by Point2Homes, Data USA). The city has a relatively young median age of 26.4 years (as reported by Data USA, ERI Economic Research Institute). A significant portion of the population, around 27.8%, falls within the 18 to 24 age group, largely due to the presence of UC Davis (as reported by Wikipedia).
The racial makeup of Davis is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group at approximately 49.9%, followed by Asian residents at 24.2% (as reported by LivingCost.org, Data USA). Hispanic residents make up about 15.1% of the population (as reported by LivingCost.org). The city has a notable percentage of residents born outside the country, around 18.9% (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Davis is significantly higher than the national average. Overall, it is estimated to be 53% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are particularly high, being 158% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Transportation costs are also above the national average, at 34% higher, and utility prices are 63% higher (as reported by Payscale). The median household income in Davis was $90,045 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes), which helps to offset some of the higher living costs, though a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Davis
Davis offers a high quality of life, particularly for those who value a strong sense of community and an active, outdoor lifestyle. The city is renowned for its extensive bike paths and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, earning it the title of “Bicycle Capital of America” (as reported by Wikipedia). The presence of UC Davis fosters a vibrant, intellectual atmosphere, and the city boasts highly-rated public schools, making it attractive for families (as reported by Niche.com).
However, the cost of living in Davis is a significant drawback, with housing expenses being substantially higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The job market, while stable, is heavily dominated by the university and related institutions. Additionally, the Mediterranean climate, while pleasant for much of the year, brings hot, dry summers and a significant risk of tule fog during the winter months, which can impact daily life and safety (as reported by Wikipedia).