Comparing two culturally rich and diverse cities such as Fort Worth, TX and Sacramento, CA offers an interesting perspective on American city life. From safety to cost of living, education, work opportunities, to housing and cultural experiences, there is a lot to consider when looking at these two cities. While Fort Worth presents a characteristic Texan appeal with a stable economy and affordable living, Sacramento, as the capital of California, lures with its Mediterranean climate and dynamic lifestyle.
Distance between
Fort Worth, TX and
Sacramento, CA : 1,408.7 miles
Fort Worth's population is larger by 78%. Its population has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
In terms of crime and safety, Sacramento has a higher crime rate than Fort Worth. While both cities are investing in measures to increase safety, Fort Worth’s crime rate is less than the national average, making it a safer choice. However, for visitors, it is generally advisable to research on safe neighborhoods and be aware of their surroundings in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,166 registered sex offenders living in Fort Worth and 2,168 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fort Worth is 270 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 228 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Fort Worth is near to than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Fort Worth is significantly lower than in Sacramento. Certain factors such as groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation tend to be more affordable in Fort Worth. Especially housing in Sacramento is considerably pricier than in Fort Worth which is an important factor to consider when contemplating relocation.
Income Tax
Texas, including Fort Worth, benefits from no state income tax, and this is a considerable advantage when compared to Sacramento, where California state income tax can go up to 13.3%, depending on income level.
Property Tax
Texas, and therefore Fort Worth has relatively high property taxes compared to the national average. Conversely, California has in place a property tax rate below the national average, which is true for Sacramento too.
Sales Tax
Sacramento, like the rest of California, has a relatively high sales tax rate standing at 8.75%, while Fort Worth has a lower sales tax at 8.25%. The rate difference, while not significant, might affect purchasing power over the long run.
Income
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$68,235
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$34,106
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
95.4
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Fort Worth, you will have to make $53,931 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Fort Worth is flat, a characteristic of the Great Plains, with few natural barriers. In contrast, Sacramento is located in the Central Valley, near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and two significant rivers; it is essentially flatter but has more natural landmarks around.
Sacramento boasts a strong education sector with many reputable schools and universities such as the University of California, Sacramento State University, and others. On the other hand, Fort Worth also has several higher-education facilities, including Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Education is strong in both areas but Sacramento may offer more diverse opportunities.
Both cities present fairly stable economic conditions. Fort Worth's economy is strongly based on transportation, government, and manufacturing industries, while Sacramento's economy is diversified with government, education, healthcare, and professional services being the driving sectors. The unemployment rate in both cities is on par with the national average.
Biggest Employers
In Sacramento, the biggest employers are the State of California, Sacramento County, and Sutter Health. Conversely, in Fort Worth, the biggest employers are American Airlines, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and Texas Health Resources.
There were 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Fort Worth
Sacramento
2020
49.3%
61.4%
49.1%
36.1%
1.6%
2.5%
2016
43.2%
58.0%
51.8%
33.8%
5.0%
8.3%
2012
41.4%
58.1%
57.1%
39.1%
1.4%
2.8%
2008
43.8%
58.4%
55.5%
39.4%
0.7%
2.2%
2004
37.0%
49.8%
62.5%
49.6%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
36.9%
49.4%
60.9%
45.4%
2.3%
5.2%
1996
41.6%
49.8%
50.9%
40.8%
7.5%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Fort Worth
Sacramento
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
17.3%
1.7%
33.3%
8.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
16.2%
1.9%
5.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.2%
0.9%
0.9%
1.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
0.9%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
1.6%
2.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
0.8%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
0.9%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.7%
Weather
The weather in these two cities varies significantly. Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, and cool, wet winters. On the other hand, Fort Worth has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters. For those who enjoy sunshine, Sacramento brings more sunnier days in comparison to Fort Worth.
Weather and climate
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
65°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.4%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34.1%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82.1%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
45%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Fort Worth
Sacramento
2018
67
121
N/A
0.32
5.8
9.7
27.1
24.7
0.002
N/A
28.9
N/A
N/A
12.7
N/A
N/A
2017
67
117
N/A
0.33
6.2
9.0
27.2
25.2
0.002
N/A
22.1
N/A
N/A
8.8
N/A
N/A
2016
56
103
N/A
0.44
6.3
8.0
25.5
25.3
0.002
N/A
14.0
N/A
N/A
9.0
N/A
N/A
2015
61
105
N/A
0.25
6.5
9.7
24.8
24.9
0.002
N/A
16.2
N/A
N/A
10.9
N/A
N/A
2014
56
99
0.22
0.24
6.8
10.2
26.6
24.9
0.002
N/A
15.6
N/A
N/A
9.6
N/A
N/A
2013
64
102
0.25
0.29
6.4
11.1
26.5
23.2
0.002
N/A
21.3
N/A
N/A
11.9
N/A
N/A
2012
87
107
0.26
0.31
7.8
10.5
30.3
25.2
0.002
N/A
15.2
N/A
N/A
7.9
N/A
N/A
2011
79
106
0.23
0.29
7.9
11.2
30.7
24.0
0.002
N/A
17.7
N/A
N/A
10.8
N/A
N/A
2010
70
109
0.23
0.29
8.5
11.2
27.7
22.8
N/A
N/A
16.9
N/A
N/A
9.3
N/A
0.5
2009
81
118
0.25
0.40
8.7
12.4
29.5
23.3
0.003
N/A
20.6
N/A
N/A
11.4
N/A
0.5
2008
69
130
0.25
0.40
9.6
14.9
25.8
25.4
N/A
N/A
24.3
N/A
N/A
13.6
N/A
0.5
2007
75
129
0.30
0.39
10.6
14.8
24.6
23.7
0.005
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
13.5
N/A
0.6
2006
90
124
0.34
0.49
10.2
15.4
29.7
22.7
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
13.0
N/A
0.5
2005
102
125
0.34
0.42
10.9
15.9
28.4
20.0
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
11.3
13.5
0.9
0.6
2004
78
119
0.39
0.49
10.6
15.8
25.4
19.1
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
13.3
N/A
0.6
2003
82
119
0.40
0.47
11.1
16.8
27.2
20.3
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2002
94
114
0.37
0.50
11.8
18.1
25.8
21.2
0.004
N/A
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2001
16
111
0.48
0.43
N/A
18.0
N/A
21.2
0.004
N/A
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2000
17
107
0.55
0.55
N/A
17.9
N/A
19.5
0.004
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
249.6%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
562.8%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
23%
18%
Transportation
While both cities offer public transportation options, Sacramento's public transit system is considered more efficient and extensive. On the other hand, Fort Worth has recently made improvements to their public transport system, including an increase in bus service routes.
Transport
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
2
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
19
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.1%
1.1%
Bus
0.4%
1%
Carpooled
11%
12%
Car alone
85.8%
80%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.3%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Average
28.5 min
28.5 min
Other means
25.3 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
41.8 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.6%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.5%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Home prices in Sacramento are significantly higher than in Fort Worth. However, Sacramento does offer a higher average income which somewhat compensates for elevated property costs. In both cities, housing options range from downtown apartments to suburban single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
Both Sacramento and Fort Worth have a wide array of neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles. In Fort Worth, neighborhoods like Tanglewood and Mistletoe Heights are popular, while in Sacramento, areas like Midtown and Land Park have a distinct charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Houses
361,341
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.6
Median year apartment built
1991
1977
Median year house/condo built
1995
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.2 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
334,286 (92.5%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
185,197 (55.4%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
149,089 (44.6%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,068
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,328
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$288,576
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$249,000
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$279,885
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$337,081
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$298,062
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,470
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$279,957
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$279,281
$481,210
Median house age
29
44
Renting percentage
40.8%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,235.2
2,168.8
House value disparities
31.8%
25.5%
Household income disparities
43.6%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$106,170
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,147
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
2,986 (2.4%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,696 (3%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
121,099 (97.6%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
66 (0.1%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,171 (4.2%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.8%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fort Worth
Sacramento
One, detached
65.4%
61.7%
One, attached
2.9%
6.8%
Two
1.6%
1.8%
3 or 4
4.1%
4.8%
5 to 9
5.8%
6.9%
10 to 19
6.5%
4.9%
20 to 49
4.6%
3.5%
50 or more
7.0%
7.6%
Mobile homes
2.1%
1.9%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
27,257
12,891
State government workers
8,587
40,274
Unpaid family workers
392
755
Industries and Occupations
Leading industries in Sacramento are the government sector, education, healthcare, and technology while in Fort Worth, the central sectors are aeronautics, technology, healthcare, and logistics. Both cities offer diverse job markets, but the main industries are much different.
Both cities provide robust healthcare facilities. Sacramento has UC Davis Medical Center, which is routinely rated among the nation's best hospitals. Similarly, Fort Worth houses the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, offering excellent healthcare services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
In terms of infrastructure, both cities are well developed. However, Fort Worth boasts a more extensive road network, ensuring easier commuting. Sacramento, in contrast, has made more investments into green and sustainable infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Fort Worth
Sacramento
Hospitals
76
17
TV stations
25
23
Arenas or stadiums
7
1
Bank branches located here
175
127
Bank institutions located here
42
31
Main business address for public companies
24
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
3
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fort Worth
Sacramento
1999
3,575
1,003
2000
2,473
1,155
2001
2,109
983
2002
1,701
1,197
2003
2,183
2,258
2004
3,202
3,872
2005
4,261
4,610
2006
4,161
4,276
2007
2,871
2,386
2008
1,256
1,381
2009
585
647
Culture and Food
Both cities are culturally rich and diverse, offering a wide variety of entertainment, music, and food. Fort Worth has a strong cowboy culture with famous rodeos and barbecues, while Sacramento, as a part of California, has an array of multicultural cuisine, including excellent farm-to-table options due to its closeness to fertile farmlands.
Sports Teams
Fort Worth residents are devoted to their local teams such as the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Texas Rangers (MLB), and the Dallas Stars (NHL). Sacramento is home to the Sacramento Kings (NBA) and also has a large base of San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and San Francisco Giants (MLB) fans.