Moving to Stockton, California is something most residents of the US do every year. This is probably why the city is one of the most densely populated cities in San Joaquin County, the 11th most populous city in California, and the 58th most populous city in the United States. Let’s find out why it is so!
Nestled in the central region of California, Stockton is renowned for its agricultural production, international import, and export at the San Joaquin River, Stockton’s inland port, a beautiful waterfront, the University of Pacific, historic landmarks, noteworthy museums, and yearlong festivals and events.
If you want to settle in Stockton, this blog post has all the necessary research and compiled information! Keep reading.
Quick facts before moving to Stockton, California
Where is Stockton , CA located?
Stockton, California, is in the northern part of the state, situated in the San Joaquin Valley.
It lies along the San Joaquin River, approximately 40 miles south of Sacramento.
The city is also 93 miles east of San Francisco and 48 miles south of Sacramento.
Population in Stockton , CA
Stockton, California, has a population of 317,818 residents as of 2023.
The median age in Stockton, California, is 33 years.
Diversity in Stockton , CA
According to a U.S. News and World Report study, Stockton population’s racial composition comprises of:
- White: 45%
- Asian: 22%
- Black: 12%
- Hispanic: 42%
Cost of living in Stockton , CA
Stockton’s cost of living index is 124.7, indicating that housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities are 24.7% higher than the U.S. average.
- The average annual household income in Stockton is reported to be $83,774.
- To live comfortably in Stockton, a recommended minimum annual income is $81,720 for a family and $45,200 for a single person.
- The average cost of living in Stockton, California, is $2131 per month.
The cost of living index for Stockton, California, is broken down into several categories:
| Category | Cost (Compared to National Average=100) |
|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living | 23% higher |
| Cost of Living Index | 124.7 |
| Housing | 39% higher |
| Utilities | 42% higher |
| Transportation | 31% higher |
| Food & Grocery | 17% higher |
| Healthcare | 6% higher |
Housing market in Stockton , CA
The housing market in Stockton, California, is highly competitive, scoring 79 out of 100. Have a look at the housing and rental market before moving to
- The median sale price of a home in Stockton was $447,000 last month, indicating a 4.0% increase since last year.
- Stockton’s median sale price per square foot is $275, up 1.5% compared to last year.
- The homeownership rate in Stockton is around 51.7%, out of which 48.83% of occupied housing units in Stockton have renters.
- Stockton’s average home rental price is about $1,600, with the median rent for all property types at $1,850.
Specific property types have the following average rental prices in Stockton:
- Studio apartment: $1,110
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,280
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,600
- 3-bedroom home: $2,355
- 4-bedroom home: $3,400 per month.
Job market in Stockton , CA
Stockton’s job market is considered less healthy than similarly sized metro areas. Manufacturing and advanced industries have decreased, while service-sector sectors have grown. Let’s see the jobs and salary stats of the city before moving to
Stockton has diverse manufacturing, distribution, medicine, education, and agriculture job opportunities.- Predicted future job growth in Stockton over the next ten years is 33.6%, slightly higher than the US average of 33.5%.
- Job growth in
Stockton has been over 3% for five years and is expected to slow in the coming years. - The unemployment rate in Stockton as of 2023 was 7.10%, lower than the long-term average of 12.07%.
- The average annual salary in Stockton is $55,191, with a median household income of $63,916, and the average income per resident is $19,927 annually.
- Various professions in Stockton have typical annual salaries ranging from $50,342 for arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media to $109,195 for management.
- The average male salary is $27,291, and the female average wage is $21,705.
Top employers in Stockton , CA
- Amazon Fulfillment Center
- Dameron Hospital
- Foster Care Services
- Leprino Foods Co
- Safeway Distribution Center
- San Joaquin County Public Offices
- San Joaquin General Hospital
- Stockton Police Department
- Stockton Unified School District
- Walmart Supercenter
Most Common jobs in Stockton , CA
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Office Assistant
- Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Crew Member
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Highest paying jobs in Stockton , CA
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Unarmed Security Officer
- Speech Therapist
- Government Contracts Administrator
- Aviation Quality Inspector
- Aviation Operations Specialist
- Registered Nurses
- Clinical Evaluators
Is it safe to live in Stockton , CA
Stockton’s crime rate is 2.0 times higher than the U.S. average, and its violent crime rate exceeds the national rate.
- The total crime rate is 5,340 per 100,000 people, resulting in a 1 in 19 chance of being a victim of a crime.
- The violent crime rate is 1,397 per 100,000 people, giving you a 1 in 72 chance of being a victim of violent crime.
- The property crime rate is 3,944 per 100,000 people, meaning a 1 in 25 chance of being a victim of property crime.
Safest neighborhoods in Stockton , CA
- Spanos Park
- Weston Ranch
- Brookside
- Lincoln Village West
- Southeast Stockton
How fast can you commute in Stockton , CA?
Stockton ranks as the third-worst city in the United States for average commute time.
The average one-way commute time in Stockton, California, is around 35.2 minutes, exceeding the national average of 26.4 minutes.
About 90.8% of Stockton workers drive to work, and 12.2% carpool. Only 1.6% use public transportation, while 5.2% work from home.
21.9% of Stockton workers commute over an hour, contributing to the high average.
The available public transportation in
- San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) runs 45 bus routes in Stockton, including BRT Express, Commuter, Local, and Hopper services.
- Amtrak operates a train station in Central Stockton, offering train services.
- Greyhound provides bus services to and from Stockton, with the bus station located at the San Joaquin Regional Transit District Downtown Transit Center.
- Metro Express bus service in Stockton facilitates transportation from North Stockton to Downtown Stockton.
How is the weather in Stockton , CA?
The city has four seasons, with the hot season lasting from June 4 to September 26 and the winter season from November 23 to February 14.
- In the hot season, the average daily high temperature is above 86°F, reaching its peak in July at 93°F.
- The incredible season sees an average daily high temperature below 62°F, with December being the coldest month at 56°F.
- Most of Stockton’s rainfall occurs in the winter, with 95% of the annual precipitation falling from October through April.
- The wetter season lasts from November 5 to April 10, with February having the dampest days.
- The drier season spans from April 10 to November 5, with August being the driest month.
- Snowfall in Stockton is rare, and the city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, averaging 257 sunny days per year.
- June has the most daily hours of sunshine, averaging 12.73 hours.
- The best time to visit
Stockton , is spring to autumn.
Education system in Stockton , CA
Education in
- The Stockton Unified School District has 55 schools, serving 36,202 students, with a student-teacher ratio 24:1, higher than the state average.
- Performance-wise, 27% of elementary and middle school students are proficient in reading, while 21% excel in math. The high school sees 50% proficient in reading and 27% in math.
- Stockton High School ranks between 1,268th and 1,536th in California.
- Annunciation Catholic School’s tuition ranges from $6,480 to $22,353 for four children.
- Public schools spend $10,673 per student, slightly below the US average of $12,383.
- Stockton University’s flat rate tuition for undergraduates is $6,498.
Best middle schools in Stockton , CA
- Elkhorn School
- Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle
- Sierra Middle School
- Christa McAuliffe Middle School
- Pacific Law Academy
- Brookside School
- Peyton Elementary & Middle Schools
Best elementary schools in Stockton , CA
- Rio Calaveras Elementary
- Primary Years Academy
- Elkhorn School
- Brookside School
- John F. Cruikshank Jr. Elementary
- John Muir Elementary
- Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy
Best High Schools in Stockton , CA
- Stockton Unified Early College Academy
- Stockton Collegiate International Secondary
- Pacific Law Academy
- Middle College High School
- Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory
- Health Careers Academy
Best universities and colleges in Stockton
- University of the Pacific
- Humphreys University – Stockton and Modesto Campuses
- San Joaquin Delta College
- Teachers College of San Joaquin
What are the best things to do in Stockton ?
The attractions to explore and things to see in
- Explore art and history at the Haggin Museum, a cultural haven in Stockton.
- Attend diverse performances at the Historic Bob Hope Theatre, a venue for concerts, plays, and films.
- Catch a game at Banner Island Ballpark, home to the Stockton Ports minor league baseball team.
- Experience entertainment at Stockton Arena, hosting concerts, sporting events, and family shows.
- Discover the beautiful campus of the University of the Pacific, a private university with various events.
- Attend the Weber Point Event Center’s outdoor events featuring concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Best neighborhoods in Stockton , CA
The best places to live in Stockon, CA, are:
- Brookside
- Weston Ranch
- Stonewood
- Lincoln Village West
- Spanos Park
- Downtown Stockton
- Pacific
- Valley Oak
- Morada
- Trinity/Spanos Area
Pros and cons of living in Stockton , CA
Before you pack up your bags and move to
| Pros of Living in Stockton | Cons of Living in Stockton |
| Affordable cost of living compared to other extensive metro areas | Growing crime rate |
| Diverse community and cuisine | High housing costs |
| High-speed internet and a solid commitment to increasing technological infrastructure | High taxes |
| Favorable climate with low humidity and milder temperatures | Quiet reading and math proficiency scores for the city’s elementary schools |
| Excellent recreational opportunities such as parks and nature reserves | Higher than average daily utility rates, transportation costs, and food prices |
| the public art scene and cultural events throughout the year | – |
| Beautiful waterfront and historical landmarks | – |
Conclusion
Stockton, the most populous city in California, is a beautiful and luxurious place to call home. If you’re considering moving to California, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of relocating to
Photo Credit: Randy von Liski