Hercules 72 Excellent
Hercules Livability #202 ranked city in California#5,803 ranked city in the USARanks better than 80% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Hercules

PROS
  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

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What's it like Living in Hercules?

Hercules, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 26,090 people. In Hercules, there are 4,069 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (27%) and Asian (44%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Hercules. Something to be aware of when living in Hercules are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 42 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Hercules can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Hercules, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing and more.

Hercules, CA receives 70/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #246 in California and #6,117 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Hercules ranks very well for crime (A+) and housing (A). Hercules does not do well for the following: amenities (F), cost of living (F) and education (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Hercules shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 141 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Hercules, the unemployment rate stands at 2.39%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Hercules can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Hercules is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Hercules come in at $564,600, which is 37.9% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Hercules, the home price to income ratio is 5.1, which is 20.3% lower than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Hercules

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Hercules?

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Compare Hercules, CA Livability

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      Hercules transportation information

      Statistic Hercules California National
      Average one way commute42min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work67.4%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.0%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit10.8%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.1%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home7.8%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Hercules, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).