Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Aptos, CA
Considering a move to Aptos, CA? This coastal community of about 6,200 residents features a relaxed lifestyle, excellent weather with 66% sunny days, and top-rated schools. Housing is costly, with median home prices around $1.15 million and average rents at $2,650, but incomes and education levels are high. Crime rates are low, commute times are under 30 minutes, and access to beaches, redwoods, and higher education make Aptos a standout destination for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Aptos, CA
Aptos is home to approximately 6,200 residents, with a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature and stable community. The population is predominantly White, with Hispanic or Latino and Asian groups also present, and about 12.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, making it appealing for those seeking a close-knit yet diverse environment.
Population:
6,200
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
76.5%
Asian:
4.7%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Aptos, CA?
Living in Aptos comes at a premium, with a median house value of $1,155,000 and average rents around $2,650 per month. The overall cost of living index is notably high at 196.3, driven by housing and daily expenses, though utilities and healthcare are moderately priced for the region. Residents should also consider California’s variable state tax rates when budgeting for a move.
Median House Value:
$1,155,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$190
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$870
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
196.3
Grocery:
122.6
Housing:
330.2
Utilities:
110.7
Transportation:
131.1
Health Care:
119.5
Miscellaneous:
113.0
Crime
Is Aptos, CA a safe place to live?
Aptos boasts a low crime rate, with only 161 violent crimes and 1,412 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of encountering violent crime is just 1 in 621, making it a relatively safe community by national standards. Residents can enjoy peace of mind while living and raising families here.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
161
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,412
Crime Index:
1,573
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 621
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Aptos, CA year-round?
Aptos offers a mild coastal climate, with winter lows around 41°F and summer highs reaching 73°F. The town enjoys about 66% sunny days throughout the year and receives moderate rainfall, averaging just over 30 inches annually. This pleasant weather makes outdoor activities appealing year-round.

Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
63°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
73°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
30.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
The typical household in Aptos has a strong median income of $115,300, and the area enjoys a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Educational attainment is high, with over half of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment remains low at 3.7%. Residents benefit from a well-educated, affluent, and stable community with reasonable commute times averaging 27 minutes.
Median Income:
$48,600
Household Income:
$115,300
Family Income:
$135,800
Per Capita Income:
$59,700
Income Male:
$63,500
Income Female:
$53,600
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.1%
Bachelors or More:
53.8%
Education
How are the schools in Aptos, CA?
Aptos offers strong educational opportunities, with highly rated public schools such as Aptos High School and Mar Vista Elementary serving local families. Private options and proximity to Cabrillo College, as well as UC Santa Cruz just 12 miles away, provide diverse pathways for lifelong learning. The community’s high educational attainment reflects the quality and accessibility of local education resources.

Public Schools
Name:
Aptos High School
Street:
100 Mariner Way
Phone:
831-728-7832
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Mar Vista Elementary School
Street:
6860 Soquel Dr
Phone:
831-761-6177
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2

Private Schools
Name:
Aptos Academy
Street:
1940 Bonita Dr
Phone:
831-688-1074
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,400
Name:
UC Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
19,000
Healthcare
Aptos residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Dominican Hospital and Watsonville Community Hospital, both offering full emergency services nearby. With 3.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 94% health insurance coverage, the community benefits from robust healthcare options. The overall healthcare index of 77.1 indicates quality care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Dominican Hospital
Address:
1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone:
(831) 462-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Aptos, CA?
The Aptos housing market is highly competitive, with the median home price at $1,155,000 and owner-occupied homes making up over three-quarters of the market. Rent averages $2,750 for a two-bedroom, while the low vacancy and foreclosure rates suggest strong demand and housing stability. Home values have appreciated by nearly 4% in the past year, reflecting ongoing desirability.
Median Home Price:
$1,155,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For driver services and vehicle registration, Aptos residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in Capitola, just a short drive away. The DMV provides comprehensive licensing and motor vehicle services both in person and online. Residents can find more information or schedule appointments through the official California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4200 Capitola Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.