Report highlights strong job market, quality of life despite higher housing costs
Many around now are buzzing as Folsom has once again earned statewide recognition, this time claiming the top spot as the best place to live in California in a newly released report by U.S. News & World Report.
The national publication ranked Folsom No. 1 among California cities in its latest Best Places to Live analysis, with several other Sacramento Valley communities also placing within the top tier. The rankings evaluated 250 cities nationwide and scored them across multiple quality-of-life indicators.
Folsom received an overall score of 6.1 out of 10 in the California rankings. The study examined five primary categories: quality of life, value, desirability, job market and net migration. While the city performed strongly in employment and overall livability metrics, its higher-than-average housing costs impacted its value score.
According to the report, Folsom’s median home value stands at $665,841 — significantly higher than the national median of just over $370,000. Median monthly rent in the city was listed at $2,032. Those figures resulted in a value index score of 2.1 out of 10, the lowest among the evaluated categories for Folsom.
Even so, the city’s economic indicators outpaced national averages. Folsom earned a 6.8 out of 10 score for its job market, reflecting strong employment stability and higher household earnings. The median household income was reported at $141,000, well above national averages. Approximately 4% of residents are unemployed, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, according to the findings.
Other regional communities also received recognition in the statewide rankings. Rocklin placed ninth, followed by Elk Grove at No. 10. Roseville came in at No. 12, while Rancho Cordova ranked 25th. Clovis was listed at No. 32.
Despite leading California, Folsom ranked No. 119 nationally among the 250 cities evaluated. The top-ranked city in the nation was Johns Creek, Georgia, while Texas had three cities place within the national top 10. Palo Alto was the second-highest-ranked California city in the report.
Located approximately 15 miles northeast of Sacramento, Folsom continues to gain national attention for its balance of suburban living, employment opportunities and outdoor lifestyle amenities. The city’s extensive trail systems, proximity to Folsom Lake, highly rated schools and growing business sector were among the lifestyle factors contributing to its strong showing.
U.S. News & World Report, which describes itself as a digital media company utilizing data and technology to inform consumer decisions, publishes annual rankings in areas including education, health care, money, travel and local communities. Its Best Places to Live report draws from public data sources and weighted metrics to generate comparative rankings.
While rising housing costs remain a challenge throughout California, the report underscores Folsom’s continued appeal as a destination community in the Sacramento region, particularly for professionals and families seeking strong earnings potential and quality-of-life amenities.
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