Is Livermore Safe, Pros and cons of living in Livermore

Livermore, California, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, nestled in the eastern reaches of the San Francisco Bay Area. This city is known for its pleasant climate, a burgeoning wine region, and its significant role in scientific research, being home to national laboratories. It presents a unique living experience for those seeking a balance between a strong sense of community and proximity to major metropolitan centers.

The city’s character is shaped by its history as a railroad town and its evolution into a hub for innovation and viticulture. Livermore’s appeal lies in its diverse offerings, from its family-friendly atmosphere and good schools to its economic opportunities and recreational pursuits. This exploration delves into the various facets of life in Livermore, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Livermore?

Livermore’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a total crime rate that is 21% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by CityRating.com). The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Livermore is 1 in 39 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). In 2023, Livermore’s crime rates ranked among US cities with a population of 50,000 and above, with its crime rate being higher than 83% of California’s cities and towns (as reported by FBI UCR data and Beautify Data).

However, when examining specific crime categories, Livermore’s violent crime rate is 34.6% lower than the national average (as reported by CityRating.com). Property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, are more prevalent, with a rate of 2326 per 100,000 residents, which is 32.1% higher than the national average (as reported by CityRating.com). The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Livermore is 1 in 43 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Availability

Median Home Prices

The median home price in Livermore is approximately $1.1 million as of March 2026, marking a 6.3% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This median sale price per square foot is $681, reflecting a 2.8% decrease year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). In contrast, the Downtown Livermore area saw a more significant year-over-year decrease in median home prices, down 28.4% to $385,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

The South Livermore area presents a higher median home price, reaching $2.2 million in March 2026, an increase of 7.7% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in this desirable area sell quickly, with a median of 8 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). Northside Livermore’s housing market also experienced a year-over-year decrease in median sale prices, down 9.09% to $950,000 in March 2026, with homes selling in an average of 22 days (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market

The average rent in Livermore, CA, is approximately $2,706 as of April 28, 2026, which is 35.3% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). The Zillow Observed Rent Index indicates that the average rent in Livermore was $2,939 as of March 31, 2026, with a month-over-month change of 2% and a year-over-year change of 0.4% (as reported by Zillow). Trulia reports a slightly higher average rent of $2,850 per month as of April 2026, which is 50% higher than the national average (as reported by Trulia).

Rental prices vary by property type and number of bedrooms. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment in Livermore averages $2,700 per month, while a four-bedroom house can rent for approximately $4,992 per month (as reported by Zillow). As of November 16, 2024, there were 168 rentals available in Livermore (as reported by Airbtics).

Cost of Living

Livermore’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, with Payscale reporting it as 52% higher. ERI Economic Research Institute estimates Livermore to be 39% more expensive than the national average, and 1% more expensive than the average city in California. This higher cost is largely driven by housing expenses, which are 95% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Other essential expenses also contribute to Livermore’s elevated cost of living. Utility prices are 47% higher than the national average, and transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 37% higher (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices in Livermore are also above the national average, by approximately 12% (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Employment and Unemployment

The employment rate in Livermore, CA, is currently reported at 96.68% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). However, the unemployment rate in Livermore was 4.2% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons), which is higher than the long-term average of 3.99% (as reported by YCharts). This figure is also higher than the national average, though some sources indicate it is 55% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Major employers in Livermore include Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which employs about 6,800 people, and Sandia National Laboratories, with approximately 1,150 employees (as reported by Wikipedia). Other significant companies in the area include FormFactor, Inc., Costco Wholesale, and the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (as reported by Zippia and Indeed.com).

Average Salary and Income

The average salary for jobs in Livermore, California, is approximately $82,025 per year, or $39 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). ZipRecruiter indicates a slightly higher average annual pay of $82,444 as of April 28, 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources provide different figures, with one indicating an average annual salary of $55,400 as of April 26, 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The median household income in Livermore was reported as $160,775 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and Point2Homes). This reflects a positive shift from the previous year, with a 4.7% increase noted (as reported by Point2Homes). The income per capita in Livermore is also substantially higher, being 90% above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Climate and Weather

Temperatures and Seasons

Livermore experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The temperature typically ranges from 39°F to 88°F throughout the year, with rare occurrences below 31°F or above 98°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season lasts from mid-June to early October, with daily high temperatures averaging above 81°F.

July is the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 87°F and lows of 58°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cool season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 62°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures of 40°F and highs of 57°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation

Livermore receives relatively low annual precipitation due to its location in the rain shadow of the Diablo Range (as reported by Wikipedia). Winters are the wettest period, with occasional rainfall contributing to the cool, partly cloudy conditions (as reported by Weather Spark). The average monthly precipitation data from 1930-2005 indicates that Livermore receives an annual average of approximately 15 inches of precipitation (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center).

Education System

School District Ratings

The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) is recognized for its quality education. It is ranked as the 10th best school district in Alameda County and the 26th best in the Bay Area (as reported by Niche). Nationally, LVJUSD is ranked as the 112th best public school district in California (as reported by Niche).

The district received an overall grade of A- from Niche, with specific strengths in academics and college preparation, both earning an A grade. Teachers and diversity within the district also received favorable ratings of A- (as reported by Niche). Within the district, Granada High School and Livermore High School both received strong overall grades of A and A- respectively (as reported by Niche).

Individual School Performance

Niche provides detailed rankings for individual schools within Livermore. Foothill High School is rated 3.87 out of 5, serving 2,208 students (as reported by Niche). Harvest Park Middle School also receives a high rating of 4 out of 5, with 1,051 students (as reported by Niche).

Livermore High School has a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1, with 36% of students proficient in math and 58% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). Granada High School is rated 3.84 out of 5 based on 319 reviews (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Population and Age

Livermore, California, has a population of approximately 85,522 residents as of the most current US Census data, making it the 100th most populated city in California (as reported by US Census Bureau and Data Commons). The projected population for 2026 is 83,929, indicating a slight annual decline (as reported by Data Commons). The median age of Livermore residents is 40.7 years, with a nearly equal distribution between males and females (as reported by Data Commons and Point2Homes).

Race and Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Livermore is White, comprising 52.5% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 21.9%, and Asian at 17% (as reported by US Census Bureau and Point2Homes). Other racial groups, including Black or African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiracial populations, represent smaller percentages of the total population (as reported by various sources).

Income and Poverty

The median household income in Livermore was $160,775 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and Point2Homes). This figure is notably higher than the national average, reflecting a strong economic base within the city. Despite the high median income, 2.4% of Livermore families live below the poverty line (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and Point2Homes).