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Oakland

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Oakland

America’s Best Places Rank: 48th
Population: 398,793
Mayor: Jean Quan

Why it’s ranked: Oakland scores well with large numbers of restaurants, good air quality, and a high median income. The city, however, has the highest violent crime rate and the highest unemployment among cities on this list. That’s why Oakland did not rate higher, despite great parks and good schools.

How it ranked:
Percent with bachelor's degrees: 36.3
Percent under poverty level: 17.5
Median household income: $49,695
Violent crime rate: 1,679.1
Property crime rate: 4,986.5
School score: 65.81
Pro sports teams: 3
Foreclosure rate: .0179
Percent Unemployment: 15.9
Park acres per 1,000 residents: 12.8
Bars: 84
Restaurants: 828
Museums: 43
Colleges: 10
Libraries: 24
Air Quality Index: 88