Is Upland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Upland

Is it Safe to Live in Upland?

Upland, California, presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are notably higher than the national average. The overall crime rate in Upland is approximately 32.40 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by AreaVibes). This places Upland in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 29% of U.S. cities, but less safe than 71% (as reported by AreaVibes).

While the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, there are variations within the city. Residents often consider the northern parts of Upland to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 25 in the southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 49 in the north (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident in Upland is estimated at $424 annually, which is slightly less than both the national and California state averages (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs in Upland

Median Home Prices

The housing market in Upland is competitive, with homes selling quickly. The median sale price of a home in Upland was approximately $769,000 as of March 2026, showing a slight decrease of 0.41% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $428, which has also seen a decrease of 6.6% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

More recently, as of March 31, 2026, the median list price for a home in Upland was $835,000, while the median sale price was $772,667 (as reported by Zillow). The median home value in Upland is reported as $825,789 as of March 31, 2026, showing no change from the previous year (as reported by Zillow). Another source indicates a median home value of $665,322 (as reported by Livability.com), and yet another reports a median listing price of $827.5K (as reported by Upland, CA Housing Market). The median home value in Upland is generally above the national average, which was $281,900 (as reported by Kurby AI).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Upland offers a range of options. The average rent for an apartment in Upland is approximately $2,299 per month, which has seen a slight increase of 0.1% over the past year (as reported by RentCafe). Another report states the average rent is $2,450 per month, with a month-over-month decrease of $150 (as reported by Zillow).

Studio apartments in Upland typically rent for around $1,728 per month, while one-bedroom units average $2,002 per month (as reported by RentCafe). Two-bedroom apartments can be expected to cost about $2,507 monthly, and three-bedroom apartments average $3,079 per month (as reported by RentCafe). The largest share of rentals in Upland falls between $2,001 and $2,500 per month (as reported by RentCafe).

Cost of Living and Economic Factors

Cost of Living

Upland’s cost of living is higher than the national average. The overall cost of living in Upland is approximately 30% more expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). It is also noted as being 5% less expensive to live in than the average city in California (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Monthly expenses for a single person in Upland are estimated at $2,629, and for a family of four, around $5,750. These figures are driven by higher costs in housing, transportation, and food (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are particularly notable, being 6.6% higher than the national average.

Salaries and Employment

The average annual salary in Upland is reported to be around $50,678 as of April 26, 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Another source estimates the average salary for jobs in Upland to be $72,760 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Upland is $105,830 (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Upland was 4.3% in 2026 (as reported by Data USA). For California as a whole, the unemployment rate was 5.4% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). The median individual income in Upland was $45,612 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).

Major Employers and Job Market

Upland is home to a variety of employers, contributing to its job market. San Antonio Community Hospital is a significant employer, founded in 1907 and offering a wide range of medical and surgical services (as reported by Zippia). Firstservice Residential California, Inc. and Southern California Risk Management Associates, Inc. are also noted as major companies in the area (as reported by Zippia).

While specific comprehensive lists of major employers for Upland are not readily available in the search results, the presence of healthcare facilities and service providers indicates key sectors. Information on major employers for San Bernardino County, which includes Upland, is available through the California Labor Market Information Division, though specific Upland company data may require more targeted research (as reported by CA.gov).

Climate and Weather

Upland experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average temperature typically ranges from 43°F to 93°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 36°F or exceeding 101°F (as reported by Wikipedia). The hottest month is August, with average highs around 93°F and lows of 65°F.

The city receives an average of 17 inches of rainfall annually, with the majority occurring during the winter months. February is typically the wettest month, while June is the driest (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Wikipedia). Snowfall is nonexistent in Upland (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Upland

School Ratings

Upland Unified School District serves the city, encompassing 14 public schools. Public schools in Upland show strong performance in math and reading proficiency compared to the California state average. Upland public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% and a reading proficiency score of 48% (as reported by Niche). The schools in Upland generally receive an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of California public schools (as reported by Niche).

Among the highly-rated schools are Pepper Tree Elementary School, Magnolia Elementary School, and Valencia Elementary School (as reported by Niche). Upland High School is also recognized, ranking among the top high schools in California (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Upland

Upland is home to a population of approximately 79,040 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Upland is 36.1 years (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial makeup of Upland includes a significant Hispanic or Latino population, accounting for 38.0% of residents in 2010 and 43.4% in 2024 (as reported by Wikipedia and Data USA).

White residents (Non-Hispanic) constitute a significant portion of the population, making up 44.2% in 2010 and 27.1k people in 2024 (as reported by Wikipedia and Data USA). Other racial groups include Asian, African American, and smaller percentages of Native American and Pacific Islander populations (as reported by Wikipedia and Data USA). The city has a slightly higher percentage of females, with approximately 92.6 males for every 100 females (as reported by Wikipedia).