Is Vacaville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Vacaville

Is it Safe to Live in Vacaville?

Vacaville’s overall crime rate is 4% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). The city experiences approximately 5.72 daily crimes, with 0.82 of those being violent crimes and 4.89 being property crimes. Violent crime in Vacaville is 18.4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime in Vacaville is 1.2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, when compared to California cities, Vacaville’s crime rate is higher than 71% of the state’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Despite this, the city’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average when compared to similarly sized communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This suggests that while Vacaville may have a higher crime rate than some California locales, it remains relatively safe when considered among cities of comparable population size nationwide.

Housing and Cost of Living

The median home price in Vacaville is approximately $608,239, reflecting a 1.6% decrease over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The average rent in Vacaville is $2,541 per month, which is 27.05% higher than the national average rent (as reported by Zillow and Zillow). Housing costs in Vacaville are 17.7% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by Salary.com).

The overall cost of living in Vacaville is 36% higher than the national average, though it is 14% lower than California’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This higher cost of living is primarily driven by elevated housing expenses, transportation costs, and food prices (as reported by Salary.com). For a single person, monthly living expenses are estimated at $3,187, while a family of four can expect to spend around $6,371 per month (as reported by LivingCost).

Job Market and Economy

Vacaville boasts a diverse and thriving local economy, with major industries including biotechnology, life sciences, and food manufacturing (as reported by the City of Vacaville). Key employers in these sectors include Genentech, Kaiser Permanente, and Pacific Coast Producers (as reported by the City of Vacaville). Travis Air Force Base, located just outside the city, is another significant employer, providing jobs for over 12,000 military and civilian personnel (as reported by the City of Vacaville).

The average annual salary in Vacaville is approximately $66,000, or $31.73 per hour (as reported by Zippia). The unemployment rate in Vacaville is currently 4.80%, which is consistent with the rate from the previous month and year (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 5.34% (as reported by YCharts).

Climate and Environment

Vacaville experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average temperature in Vacaville is around 64°F (as reported by National Weather Service). The city’s climate is influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Sacramento Valley.

Rainfall is most common during the winter months, with an average of 0.03 inches of rain per year (as reported by National Weather Service). Summers are typically hot and dry, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winters are generally mild, with average low temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit.

Education and Schools

Vacaville is served by the Vacaville Unified School District, which has received an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). The district operates 30 schools, serving approximately 20,413 students (as reported by Niche). Vacaville High School, a public school within the district, has a B+ rating from Niche and serves students in grades 9-12 (as reported by Niche).

State test scores indicate that 24% of students at Vacaville High School are proficient in math, and 50% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). The district is recognized for its diversity, with various schools focusing on different strengths, such as sports at Vacaville High School and arts at Will C. Wood High School (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

Vacaville has an estimated population of 104,140 residents, with a projected growth rate of 0.8% annually (as reported by US Census Bureau). The city’s racial composition is diverse, with White residents making up 44.3%, followed by Hispanic residents at 27.9%, and Asian residents at 11.0% (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median age in Vacaville is 38.2 years (as reported by US Census Bureau).

The median household income in Vacaville was $111,126 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau). Approximately 6.3% of Vacaville families live below the poverty line (as reported by US Census Bureau). The population density is approximately 1,026 people per square mile.