Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Arroyo Grande, CA
Considering a move to Arroyo Grande, CA? This coastal city of about 18,500 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle, mild Mediterranean climate with 71% sunny days, and a median home price around $805,000. Property and violent crime rates are low for California, and average commutes are a breezy 21 minutes. With highly rated schools, strong healthcare options, and easy access to beaches and wine country, Arroyo Grande is a great fit for those seeking a friendly, scenic Central Coast community.
Demographics - Arroyo Grande, CA
Demographics - Arroyo Grande, CA
Arroyo Grande is home to roughly 18,500 residents, with a population density of about 2,900 people per square mile. The city has a median age of 45, a predominantly White and Hispanic community, and a balanced gender ratio, making it a welcoming place for families and retirees alike.
Population:
18,500
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
76.0%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
3.3%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Arroyo Grande, CA?
Living in Arroyo Grande comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $805,000 and average rents around $2,200 per month. While housing costs are significant, utilities and healthcare remain closer to national averages, and California’s state income tax ranges from 1% to 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$805,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$190
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
157.0
Grocery:
113.4
Housing:
224.0
Utilities:
110.9
Transportation:
122.7
Health Care:
108.2
Miscellaneous:
109.3
Crime
Is Arroyo Grande, CA a safe place to live?
Arroyo Grande enjoys relatively low crime rates compared to many California cities, with a violent crime rate of just 174 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,465 per 100,000. Residents benefit from a strong sense of safety, as the chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 575.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
174
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,465
Crime Index:
1,639
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 575
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Arroyo Grande, CA year-round?
Arroyo Grande boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, with winter lows around 42°F and summer highs peaking near 78°F. Residents enjoy approximately 71% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 16.5 inches, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of about $92,100 and a low poverty rate of 6.9%. Most residents have completed high school, and commute times average a convenient 21 minutes, supporting a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$92,100
Family Income:
$110,800
Per Capita Income:
$45,700
Income Male:
$52,500
Income Female:
$42,800
Poverty Rate:
6.9%
Non English Speakers:
13.7%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
20.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.7%
Bachelors or More:
38.8%
Education
How are the schools in Arroyo Grande, CA?
Arroyo Grande offers quality educational opportunities, including well-rated public schools like Arroyo Grande High and Paulding Middle, along with private options. Nearby colleges such as Cuesta College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are easily accessible for higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Arroyo Grande High School
Street:
495 Valley Rd
Phone:
805-474-3200
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Paulding Middle School
Street:
600 Crown Hill St
Phone:
805-474-3500
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick's Catholic School
Street:
900 W Branch St
Phone:
805-489-1210
Students:
220

Colleges
Name:
Cuesta College
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
10,400
Name:
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
22,300
Healthcare
Arroyo Grande offers excellent healthcare access, with two major hospitals nearby and a physician density of 2.5 per 1,000 people. Approximately 95% of residents are covered by health insurance, ensuring comprehensive local medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital
Address:
345 S Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Phone:
(805) 489-4261
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
French Hospital Medical Center
Address:
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
(805) 543-5353
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Arroyo Grande, CA?
The housing market in Arroyo Grande is robust, with a median home price of $805,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 61%. Rental vacancies remain low, and home values have appreciated by nearly 4% in the past year, reflecting stable demand.
Median Home Price:
$805,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration, licensing, and other DMV services for Arroyo Grande residents are provided by the California DMV, with the nearest office located in San Luis Obispo. Residents can access services both in person and online for added convenience.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3190 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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.