
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
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.
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.
Hercules is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 26,786 people. In Hercules, there are 4,179 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. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Hercules offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 42 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Hercules could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Hercules and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Hercules to California and the national average.
Hercules, CA receives 72/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #202 in California and #5,803 in the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Hercules scores well for crime (A+) and housing (A+) On a less positive note, Hercules does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 168 crimes per 100,000 residents, Hercules has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Hercules, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Hercules excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
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 $1,032,133, which is 41.1% 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 6.2, which is 19.5% lower than the California average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Hercules | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 42min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 67.4% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.0% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 10.8% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.1% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.8% | 5.4% | 4.6% |