The comparison of living in Fort Worth, Texas, versus Long Beach, California, is a study of contrasts. While Fort Worth is part of the sun-belt with a cost-friendly environment and a rich cultural heritage, Long Beach is a Pacific Coast city known for its diverse environment, harbors and beautiful beaches. The choice between the two would largely depend on personal priorities and lifestyle considerations, including factors such as weather, cost of living, cultural and sports scenes, as well as economic opportunities.
Distance between
Fort Worth, TX and
Long Beach, CA : 1,203.1 miles
Fort Worth's population is larger by 105%. Its population has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) since 2000. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
The crime rate in Fort Worth, TX, is routinely higher than the national average, predominantly driven by property crimes such as theft and burglary. Initiatives for community policing and crime-watch programs, however, are making a positive difference in neighborhood safety. On the other hand, Long Beach, CA, reports a lower crime rate compared to the national average. Nevertheless, both cities are investing heavily in safety and crime prevention measures. The perception of safety could vary depending on the neighborhood one chooses to live or visit.
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 3,152 registered sex offenders living in Fort Worth and 834 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fort Worth is 272 to 1; the ratio in Long Beach is 564 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Fort Worth than in Long Beach.
Cost of Living
Fort Worth, TX, is known for its affordability. Housing, groceries, and general expenses are significantly lower in Fort Worth than the national average. On the contrary, Long Beach, CA, is much more expensive. Housing is the primary driver of the cost of living difference. High expenses in Long Beach are, in part, offset by the higher average incomes in California.
Income Tax
No state income tax in Texas is a key advantage for residents of Fort Worth. California, however, levies a state income tax which varies depending on income; this is something Long Beach residents need to contend with in their annual budgets.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are relatively high in Texas, and Fort Worth is no exception. In contrast, California's state laws cap property taxes, resulting in relatively lower rates for Long Beach residents. However, the overall tax burden should be weighed against cost of living and income considerations.
Sales Tax
Fort Worth has a total sales tax rate of 8.25%, in line with the Texas state average. Long Beach has a notably higher rate at 10.25%, reflecting California's overall higher tax structure.
Income
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Estimated median household income
$68,235
$73,905
Estimated per capita income
$34,106
$37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
95.4
142
If you make $50,000 in Fort Worth, you will have to make $74,423 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Fort Worth's landscape is mostly flat, part of the Great Plains, making it excellent for outdoor activities like biking and hiking. Long Beach, meanwhile, offers varied geography with its sandy beaches, cityscape, and close proximity to mountains, appealing to a wide range of outdoorsy types.
Fort Worth is home to well-regarded schools and universities such as Texas Christian University and the Fort Worth Independent School District. On the other side, Long Beach is known for its strong education system, with the nationally recognized Long Beach Unified School District and California State University, Long Beach. Both cities have dedicated resources towards advancing their public school systems and offer good options for higher education.
The Fort Worth economy is diversified with industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and education providing many jobs. Long Beach's economy, on the other hand, is dominated by industries such as healthcare, education, and trade owing to the presence of a large port. Both cities offer growth opportunities, with abundant jobs and expanding industries.
Biggest Employers
Some of the largest employers in Fort Worth include American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and Texas Health Resources. On the other hand, some of the biggest employers in Long Beach include: Long Beach Unified School District, City of Long Beach, and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
There were 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011) compared to 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011).
In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Fort Worth
Long Beach
2020
49.3%
71.0%
49.1%
26.9%
1.6%
2.1%
2016
43.2%
72.0%
51.8%
22.5%
5.0%
5.5%
2012
41.4%
69.7%
57.1%
27.8%
1.4%
2.4%
2008
43.8%
69.2%
55.5%
28.8%
0.7%
1.9%
2004
37.0%
63.3%
62.5%
35.7%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
36.9%
63.6%
60.9%
32.4%
2.3%
4.0%
1996
41.6%
59.3%
50.9%
31.0%
7.5%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Fort Worth
Long Beach
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
17.3%
1.0%
33.3%
9.0%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
36.1%
1.9%
4.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.2%
0.7%
0.9%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
0.9%
1.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.6%
2.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
0.8%
1.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.5%
0.1%
3.1%
Weather
Fort Worth experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. On the flip side, Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, damp winters. Long Beach's consistent and mild climate might appeal to those who enjoy outdoor activities all year round, while Fort Worth's distinctly seasonal weather would meet the preferences of those who enjoy a range of weather variations.
Weather and climate
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Temperature - Average
65°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.4%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34.1%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82.1%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
63%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.1 mph
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Long Beach
Long Beach
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Fort Worth
Long Beach
2018
67
124
N/A
0.37
5.8
17.2
27.1
22.1
0.008
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
13.5
N/A
0.7
2017
67
122
N/A
0.36
6.2
18.1
27.2
23.2
0.007
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
0.8
2016
56
115
N/A
0.36
6.3
18.5
25.5
21.9
0.007
N/A
24.1
N/A
N/A
11.6
N/A
0.9
2015
61
111
N/A
0.38
6.5
19.9
24.8
22.5
0.005
N/A
25.0
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
0.9
2014
56
127
0.22
0.50
6.8
20.3
26.6
22.0
0.007
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
14.3
N/A
1.3
2013
64
126
0.25
0.48
6.4
20.0
26.5
24.7
0.005
N/A
32.3
N/A
N/A
14.6
N/A
1.0
2012
87
132
0.26
0.48
7.8
19.3
30.3
24.4
0.004
N/A
30.8
N/A
N/A
14.1
N/A
0.6
2011
79
119
0.23
0.43
7.9
20.2
30.7
23.4
0.006
N/A
28.4
N/A
N/A
15.6
N/A
1.2
2010
70
115
0.23
0.38
8.5
20.8
27.7
22.7
0.011
N/A
24.1
N/A
N/A
11.9
N/A
0.7
2009
81
132
0.25
0.50
8.7
21.0
29.5
22.0
0.008
N/A
27.7
N/A
N/A
13.1
N/A
1.1
2008
69
124
0.25
0.53
9.6
20.8
25.8
23.2
0.008
N/A
27.2
N/A
N/A
21.6
N/A
1.0
2007
75
109
0.30
0.60
10.6
20.3
24.6
21.1
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2006
90
119
0.34
0.76
10.2
21.4
29.7
19.9
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2005
102
108
0.34
0.74
10.9
24.3
28.4
20.5
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
0.9
2.7
2004
78
125
0.39
0.56
10.6
28.0
25.4
22.9
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
2003
82
130
0.40
0.83
11.1
28.1
27.2
22.4
0.032
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
2002
94
120
0.37
0.90
11.8
29.6
25.8
22.2
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
2001
16
124
0.48
0.81
N/A
30.3
N/A
21.5
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2000
17
142
0.55
0.71
N/A
31.5
N/A
19.6
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
249.6%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
562.8%
6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
23%
57%
Transportation
Both cities have effective public transportation systems. Fort Worth's is growing, with buses and a new TEXRail commuting line connecting to Dallas. Long Beach offers multiple options including buses, light rail (Metro Blue Line), and ferries. However, as with many western cities, cars remain the predominant mode of transport.
Transport
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
2
312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
19
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Bicycle
0.1%
0.5%
Bus
0.4%
3.3%
Carpooled
11%
9.8%
Car alone
85.8%
81.8%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.5%
Walked
1.3%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Average
28.5 min
30.7 min
Other means
25.3 min
28.5 min
Public transportation
41.8 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.6%
89.7%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.5%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The housing market in Fort Worth offers more affordability compared to the national average, with a diverse selection of styles and price points. Conversely, the real estate market in Long Beach is high with a median home price well above the national average. Long Beach offers a variety of housing options, from beachfront properties to apartments in the city center.
Neighborhoods
Fort Worth neighborhoods vary from upscale, urban dwellings in areas like Downtown Fort Worth to the traditional, cozy homes in Tanglewood. Long Beach boasts a mix of neighborhoods like Belmont Shore known for its beachfront homes, and Bixby Knolls known for its charming, suburban feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Houses
361,341
179,856
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.8
Median year apartment built
1991
1964
Median year house/condo built
1995
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.2 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
334,286 (92.5%)
172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners
185,197 (55.4%)
69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
149,089 (44.6%)
103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,068
$1,057
Median monthly housing costs
$1,328
$1,692
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$288,576
$520,992
Estimated median house or condo value
$249,000
$693,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
4.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
5.5
Median house price - detached houses
$279,885
$900,658
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$823,515
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$337,081
$495,928
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$298,062
$488,399
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,470
$333,777
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$279,957
$634,684
Median house price - All housing units
$279,281
$805,766
Median house age
29
62
Renting percentage
40.8%
58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,235.2
3,565.7
House value disparities
31.8%
21.3%
Household income disparities
43.6%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$106,170
$116,421
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,147
$79,392
Housing units without a mortgage
2,986 (2.4%)
394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,696 (3%)
3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
121,099 (97.6%)
49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
66 (0.1%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,171 (4.2%)
3,709 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.8%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fort Worth
Long Beach
One, detached
65.4%
40.2%
One, attached
2.9%
4.9%
Two
1.6%
5.3%
3 or 4
4.1%
8.8%
5 to 9
5.8%
10.4%
10 to 19
6.5%
10.8%
20 to 49
4.6%
8.0%
50 or more
7.0%
10.6%
Mobile homes
2.1%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
27,257
18,532
State government workers
8,587
6,550
Unpaid family workers
392
178
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Fort Worth include technology, distribution, and manufacturing. Long Beach's economy, however, focuses more on trade, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. Both cities have growing industries; Fort Worth in logistics and technology, and Long Beach in international trade.
The health care sector is prominent in both cities. In Fort Worth, the Texas Health Resources is among the leading providers, while Long Beach has top-notch facilities like Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Fort Worth’s infrastructure is solid, boasting a good highway system connecting it to the rest of Texas and beyond. It also has a developing public transit system. Long Beach, in contrast, has well-developed infrastructure with excellent roads and convenient public transit. Additionally, the Port of Long Beach is a significant part of the city's infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Fort Worth
Long Beach
Hospitals
76
17
TV stations
25
5
Arenas or stadiums
7
2
Bank branches located here
175
67
Bank institutions located here
42
18
Main business address for public companies
24
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
3
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fort Worth
Long Beach
1999
3,575
1,159
2000
2,473
710
2001
2,109
677
2002
1,701
708
2003
2,183
1,861
2004
3,202
2,162
2005
4,261
3,065
2006
4,161
3,591
2007
2,871
2,287
2008
1,256
887
2009
585
475
Culture and Food
Both cities have vibrant cultural scenes. Fort Worth is known for its rodeos and Western heritage along with a burgeoning food scene centered around BBQ and Tex-Mex cuisine, while Long Beach offers a more diverse mix of cultural festivals and a distinct food scene influenced by its multicultural population.
Sports Teams
Fort Worth sports fans enjoy proximity to teams like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and Texas Rangers (MLB). As for Long Beach, it's in the vicinity of Los Angeles, offering access to a host of professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) and Los Angeles Lakers (NBA).
Fort Worth, TX
Long Beach, CA
