Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Argus, CA
Considering a move to Argus, CA? This small desert community of about 1,175 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $1,050. Enjoy abundant sunshine (84% sunny days), short commute times (24 minutes), and a slower pace of life. While education and incomes are modest, you'll find basic healthcare and schools nearby, plus easy access to Mojave Desert adventures. Review the local housing, cost of living, and safety info below to help plan your move.
Demographics - Argus, CA
Argus is a small community of approximately 1,175 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 36.5. The population is predominantly White with significant diversity, and about one in four residents speak a language other than English at home. The population density provides a close-knit, small-town atmosphere ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
1,175
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.2%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
36.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Argus, CA?
Argus offers a relatively affordable cost of living, with median home values at $185,000 and average monthly rent around $1,050. While overall expenses are just above the national average, housing costs remain accessible, and state taxes range widely, reflecting California's tax structure. Residents benefit from reasonable utility and grocery costs compared to other areas in the state.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$415
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
105.4
Grocery:
104.1
Housing:
98.4
Utilities:
109.7
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
107.4
Miscellaneous:
102.2
Crime
Is Argus, CA a safe place to live?
Argus experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 310 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,950 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 51, making awareness and local safety measures important. Overall, residents enjoy a community where crime is present but not excessive for the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
310
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,950
Crime Index:
2,260
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Argus, CA year-round?
The weather in Argus is characterized by hot, dry summers with highs reaching 107°F and mild winters with lows around 32°F. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, with 84% of days being sunny, and receives minimal rainfall—just 3.5 inches annually. This climate is ideal for those who prefer warm, sunny conditions and desert landscapes.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
107°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
3.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
84%
Neighbors
Residents of Argus typically enjoy a median household income of $41,800, though the community faces a higher-than-average poverty rate at 22.8%. Educational attainment is modest, with most adults completing high school, and commute times average about 24 minutes. The local lifestyle is shaped by a small-town feel, low public transit use, and a diverse population.
Median Income:
$28,400
Household Income:
$41,800
Family Income:
$48,600
Per Capita Income:
$17,200
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$25,200
Poverty Rate:
22.8%
Non English Speakers:
23.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
8.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.7%
Bachelors or More:
8.6%
Education
How are the schools in Argus, CA?
Education in Argus is provided through local public schools like Trona Elementary, which maintains manageable class sizes, and nearby access to higher education at Cerro Coso Community College, located 25 miles away. While there are no private schools in town, local options support basic educational needs for families. The community values accessible schooling, with higher education opportunities available in the surrounding area.
Public Schools
Name:
Trona Elementary School
Street:
83600 Trona Rd
Phone:
760-372-2824
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.9
Colleges
Name:
Cerro Coso Community College
City:
Ridgecrest
State:
CA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Argus residents have access to essential healthcare services, including the nearby Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, which offers emergency and general care. The area has 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 87.1%. While healthcare options are basic, most needs can be addressed locally or in neighboring communities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
Address:
1081 N China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone:
(760) 446-3551
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.1%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Argus, CA?
The housing market in Argus is stable and affordable, with median home prices at $185,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,050. Homeownership is common, with nearly 60% of residents owning their homes, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Modest appreciation and low new construction rates reflect a steady, accessible market for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Argus residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Victorville. Services such as licensing, registration, and vehicle titling can be accessed both in person and online through the California DMV website. This ensures convenient access to essential motor vehicle services for local drivers.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
14855 Cahuenga Rd, Victorville, CA 92394
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.