Is Woodland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Woodland

Woodland, California, is a city nestled in the heart of the Sacramento Valley, offering a blend of small-town charm and proximity to major metropolitan areas. It serves as the county seat of Yolo County and is a part of the larger Sacramento metropolitan area, located approximately 15 miles northwest of the state capital. The city’s origins trace back to 1850, coinciding with California’s statehood, and its fertile land quickly drew people into agriculture, a sector that continues to be a significant part of its economy.

This community provides a distinct lifestyle, influenced by its agricultural roots and its strategic location. Woodland retains a strong sense of community while benefiting from its accessibility to the economic and cultural hubs of Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its development has seen a shift from purely agricultural to a more diversified economy, incorporating industrial and retail sectors over the years.

Is it Safe to Live in Woodland?

Woodland’s overall crime rate is reported to be 20% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This translates to approximately 2.84 daily crimes within the city, with a breakdown of 0.46 violent crimes and 2.38 property crimes. Violent crimes in Woodland are 23.5% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 19.4% lower than average (according to AreaVibes).

Despite these lower-than-average statistics, Woodland’s crime rate is considered slightly higher than the average US city, earning it a C- grade for safety. This means it is safer than 33% of cities but less safe than 67% of cities nationwide. Residents often consider the southern part of the city to be the safest, with chances of being a crime victim varying significantly by neighborhood, from 1 in 11 in the northeast to 1 in 57 in the south (according to CrimeGrade.org and AreaVibes).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Woodland is considered very competitive. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $605,000, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year (according to Redfin). Homes in Woodland typically receive about two offers and sell in approximately 15 days. The median home value is estimated at $555,610, with a slight decrease of 1.1% over the past year (according to Zillow).

The cost of living in Woodland is generally higher than the national average. Overall, Woodland’s cost of living is approximately 20% higher than the U.S. national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are notably higher, being 27% above the national average, while utility prices are significantly higher at 63% above the national average. Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are also elevated, running 34% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).

Median Home Prices and Rent

The median home value in Woodland is around $519,014 (according to Livability.com), with Zillow reporting the average home value at $555,610 as of March 2026. Redfin indicates a median sale price of $605,000 in March 2026, up 13.6% from the prior year. The median list price for a home is approximately $599,000 (according to Realtor.com).

Rental prices in Woodland vary. The average rent for an apartment is around $1,806 per month (according to Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,395 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,883 per month (according to Zumper). Houses for rent can be more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,900 (according to Zumper). Apartments.com notes the average rent in Woodland is $1,395 per month as of May 2026, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,395.

Economy and Job Market

Woodland’s economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, with Yolo County being a major producer of crops in California. However, the city has diversified its economic base to include the transportation, industrial, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Proximity to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area also contributes to its economic appeal for businesses.

The average annual salary in Woodland is approximately $51,733 (as of April 26), which breaks down to about $24.87 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). This figure is within a range, with the 25th percentile of salaries around $34,935 and the 75th percentile at $65,354 annually. Some of the highest-paying professions include Anesthesiologist, Neurologist, and Orthodontist Private Practice.

Major Employers

Key employers in Woodland contribute significantly to the local job market. According to the city’s 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, major employers include the Woodland Joint Unified School District, the City of Woodland, and Woodland Healthcare. Other significant employers in the broader Yolo County area include Pacific Coast Producers, Target Distribution Center, and Walmart Supercenter (according to LaborMarketInfo).

The industrial and manufacturing sectors are also represented by companies such as Kellanova and Schwan’s Company, which are listed among manufacturing companies in the area (according to Indeed.com). Retail giants like Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and Target also have a presence, providing numerous employment opportunities.

Climate and Environment

Woodland experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, relatively wet winters. This climate is typical of California’s Sacramento Valley, with the rainy season generally occurring from October through April.

During the hottest months, such as July, the average high temperature can reach 94°F, while in January, the average high is around 56°F. Average low temperatures range from 58°F in July to 38°F in December and January. January is typically the wettest month, receiving about 3.92 inches of rain. Snowfall is extremely rare in Woodland. The city experiences comfortable evenings due to the “Delta Breeze” that blows in from the Carquinez Strait during the summer.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Annual average temperatures in Woodland range from 37°F to 95°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 93°F and lows of 60°F. The coolest month is December, with average lows of 40°F and highs of 55°F. Over the course of the year, temperatures rarely drop below 30°F or exceed 102°F.

Woodland receives an average of about 20 inches of precipitation annually (according to myPerfectWeather and Livability.com). The wettest month is typically January, with approximately 3.92 inches of rain. The majority of the rainfall occurs between November and April. August is generally the driest month, with virtually no rainfall.

Education and Demographics

Woodland is served by the Woodland Joint Unified School District. This district educates approximately 9,306 students across 19 public schools, with a student-to-teacher ratio that varies by school. While the district has received an overall B+ rating (according to Niche), there are mixed reviews regarding resources and teacher retention.

Public schools in Woodland have average math proficiency scores of 25% and reading proficiency scores of 37%, which are below the California state averages. The schools are ranked on average as 4/10, placing them in the bottom 50% of California public schools (according to School Ratings). Minority enrollment makes up a significant portion of the student body, at 83%, with Hispanic students forming the majority.

Population and Diversity

As of the 2020 census, Woodland had a population of 61,032. Current estimates place the population slightly higher, around 61,854 (according to Census Dots). The city’s population is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino demographic, making up 50.1% of the population (according to Census Dots). White residents constitute 33.5% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 8.6%.

The median age in Woodland is 37.0 years (according to Wikipedia). The gender distribution shows slightly more females than males, with a ratio of 94.9 males for every 100 females. The population is distributed across various age groups, with 24.2% under 18, 27.2% between 25 and 44, and 15.0% aged 65 and older.