Is Susanville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Susanville
Susanville, California, nestled in the scenic Lassen County, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. It’s a place where the pace of life slows down, surrounded by mountains and forests, yet it maintains a connection to broader opportunities. The city is known for its role as a county seat and its position along U.S. Route 395, serving as a gateway to various destinations.
This community presents a distinct lifestyle for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers. Understanding the various facets of life in Susanville, from its safety and economic conditions to its climate and community, is essential for anyone considering a move. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what it’s like to live in this Northern California city.
Is it Safe to Live in Susanville?
Susanville’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with varying statistics depending on the source and the specific type of crime. Some reports indicate a total crime rate that is lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). However, other analyses suggest that Susanville’s crime rate is higher than the national average, with violent crimes being particularly above the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
When examining specific crime categories, data shows that while property crime rates may be lower than the national average, violent crime rates can be significantly higher (as reported by AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout). Residents might have a higher chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Susanville compared to national averages (as reported by AreaVibes). Neighborhood-level data suggests that safety can vary significantly within the city, with some areas being perceived as safer than others (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living and Housing Market
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Susanville is generally considered to be lower than the national average and significantly less expensive than the average city in California (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert, AreaVibes). This affordability extends to housing, with median home values reported around $235,500 (as reported by Niche) and median listing prices around $198,500 (as reported by Realtor.com®). Recent data indicates that median home prices have seen slight fluctuations, with some reports showing a decrease of 1.3% year-over-year, selling for a median price of $185,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in Susanville are also generally more affordable than the national average. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is reported around $1,300 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper), with specific averages for one-bedroom apartments around $750 and two-bedroom apartments around $1,400 (as reported by Zumper). Other sources place the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $900 and a two-bedroom at $1,050 (as reported by Zillow).
Overall Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Susanville is approximately 2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This is further supported by data suggesting it is 29% less expensive to live in than the average city in California (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation, and healthcare are generally in line with national averages (as reported by AreaVibes).
However, some specific cost categories show variation. Transportation costs in Susanville are noted as being more expensive than the United States average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Conversely, housing costs are considered more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers and Employment Rate
Susanville’s economy has historically been influenced by correctional facilities and public administration. The California Correctional Center, a significant employer, has undergone deactivation, impacting the local job market (as reported by Lassen County Economic Forecast). Other key sectors include government, with the Sierra Army Depot also being a notable employer (as reported by Lassen County Economic Forecast).
The unemployment rate in Susanville has seen fluctuations. Recent data indicates an unemployment rate of 5.5% (as reported by Niche), while other sources cite a county-level unemployment rate of 3.3% (as reported by Susanville Authority). The job market has been impacted by closures and economic shifts, with forecasts predicting a decline in total employment in Lassen County over the coming years (as reported by Lassen County Economic Forecast).
Average Salary and Income
The average annual salary in Susanville is approximately $63,256 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This breaks down to about $30.41 per hour. Salaries in Susanville typically range between $37,752 and $87,032 annually, depending on occupation and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The median household income in Susanville was reported as $61,641 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). This figure is below the California state median household income, which was $96,021 (as reported by Susanville Authority). A notable percentage of Susanville families live in poverty, with figures around 11.7% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey) and 17.6% (as reported by Susanville Authority).
Climate and Weather
Temperatures and Seasons
Susanville experiences a climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The temperature typically varies from 25°F to 87°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 13°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Summers are warm, arid, and mostly clear, while winters are very cold, snowy, and partly cloudy (as reported by Weather Spark).
The average high temperature in the summer can reach around 87°F, while winter lows can dip to around 25°F (as reported by Weather Spark, myPerfectWeather). The average annual temperature is around 55°F (as reported by Time and Date).
Rainfall and Snowfall
Susanville experiences significant seasonal variation in monthly rainfall. The rainy period typically lasts for about nine months, from mid-September to mid-June, with February being the wettest month, averaging 3.1 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier season spans from mid-June to mid-September, with August receiving the least amount of rain, averaging only 0.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).
Annual snowfall in Susanville is moderate, with averages around 14 inches (as reported by Livability.com) or more significantly, 62 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January is typically the snowiest month, receiving about 16.3 inches of snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Total annual precipitation is around 12 inches (as reported by Livability.com) to 20 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), primarily falling as rain and snow during the winter months.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Information regarding specific school ratings for Susanville is not readily available through the provided search results. However, Lassen Community College is mentioned as a key educational institution in the area, awarding 508 degrees in 2023 (as reported by Data USA).
Further research into local school district performance and individual school ratings would be necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape. Resources like Niche or GreatSchools.org often provide detailed reviews and data on K-12 schools.
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Susanville had a population of 16,728 (as reported by Wikipedia). However, more recent projections estimate the population to be around 10,340 in 2026, indicating a declining trend (as reported by 2026). The population density is approximately 2,112.7 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia).
The racial composition of Susanville includes a majority White population, followed by Hispanic and Black or African American residents. Specific figures show White residents at 52.3%, Hispanic at 27.1%, and Black or African American at 10.1% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Data USA). The median age in Susanville is around 36.8 years (as reported by Livability.com, U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).
Pros and Cons of Living in Susanville
Pros
Susanville offers a lower cost of living compared to both the national average and the California state average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert, AreaVibes). This affordability extends to housing, with median home prices and rents being more accessible than in many other parts of the state and country (as reported by Niche, Redfin, Zumper). The city’s location provides access to natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, characteristic of Northern California’s diverse landscape.
The community atmosphere of a smaller city can be appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle and a stronger sense of local connection. Additionally, certain job sectors, particularly within government and public administration, provide stable employment opportunities (as reported by Lassen County Economic Forecast).
Cons
Despite its affordability, Susanville faces challenges with its job market, which has been impacted by economic shifts and the closure of major employers like the California Correctional Center (as reported by Lassen County Economic Forecast). This has contributed to a declining population trend (as reported by 2026). Crime rates, particularly violent crime, are a concern, with some statistics indicating they are higher than national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes).
The climate, while offering distinct seasons, includes very cold winters with significant snowfall (as reported by Weather Spark, myPerfectWeather), which may not appeal to everyone. Furthermore, the availability of diverse educational and specialized employment opportunities may be more limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.