San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino CA scores 38/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 108% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 208 (100 = avg); violent crime index 259; property crime index 157. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in San Bernardino. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in San Bernardino is about $1,508/month (moderate). At $1,508/month for a typical unit, you need about $54,288+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $422,300.

Median household income is $67,415, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($67,415) clears the $54,288 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 86°F (highs near 95°F, lows near 76°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Who tends to thrive in San Bernardino: (1) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 95°F) (2) Households earning $54,288+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,508/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in San Bernardino who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 38/100) (2) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 95°F) (3) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (San Bernardino does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $54,288 household income for $1,508/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Moving to San Bernardino requires serious research first. Safety scores 38/100 which is significantly below average. If you have a specific reason to be here that justifies the tradeoff, go in with eyes open on neighborhood selection.