Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Big Pine, CA
Considering a move to Big Pine, CA? This small, friendly town of about 1,700 residents offers affordable homes with a median price of $285,000 and average rents around $950. Enjoy sunny weather most of the year (78% sunny days), low commute times of just under 18 minutes, and a relaxed pace of life. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and the local schools maintain small class sizes. Perfect for those seeking a quiet, scenic lifestyle in California's Eastern Sierra region.
Demographics - Big Pine, CA
Demographics - Big Pine, CA
Big Pine is a close-knit community of about 1,700 residents, with a median age of 47, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White, but nearly 30% identify as other ethnicities, and 14.5% speak a language other than English at home. Population density is low, offering a spacious, rural atmosphere ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
1,700
Density:
160 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
29.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Big Pine, CA?
Big Pine offers a cost of living slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 112.5. Median home values are relatively affordable at $285,000 and average rent is $950, making housing accessible compared to many parts of California. Utilities and transportation costs are a bit higher, but overall expenses remain manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.5
Grocery:
109.2
Housing:
96.5
Utilities:
122.1
Transportation:
110.4
Health Care:
106.7
Miscellaneous:
104.8
Crime
Is Big Pine, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Big Pine are moderate, with about 217 violent crimes and 2,020 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 460 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 49 chance of property crime, which is typical for small towns in the region. The community maintains a generally safe environment, especially for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
217
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,020
Crime Index:
2,237
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 460
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Big Pine, CA year-round?
Big Pine enjoys a sunny climate with 78% of days filled with sunshine annually. Summers are warm, reaching up to 95°F, while winters are mild, with lows around 22°F. With only about 5 inches of average annual rainfall, the area is ideal for those who prefer dry, sunny weather.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
95°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
5.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Residents of Big Pine typically earn a median household income of $51,200, with a poverty rate of about 15%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and a fifth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a friendly and well-educated community. Public transport use is minimal, and commute times are short, averaging just under 18 minutes.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$51,200
Family Income:
$60,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$42,100
Income Female:
$38,200
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
19.4%
Education
How are the schools in Big Pine, CA?
Big Pine offers quality education with small class sizes, including an elementary school and a high school, both conveniently located on Main Street. For higher education, Cerro Coso Community College is just 15 miles away in Bishop, providing residents with easy access to college-level courses. The local schools foster a supportive learning environment within a close-knit community.
Public Schools
Name:
Big Pine Elementary School
Street:
500 S Main St
Phone:
760-938-2005
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Big Pine High School
Street:
500 S Main St
Phone:
760-938-2222
Students:
85
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Colleges
Name:
Cerro Coso Community College
City:
Bishop
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Big Pine is supported by nearby Northern Inyo Hospital, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. There are 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 92% of the population has health insurance coverage. The town provides reliable healthcare resources for both routine and urgent needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Inyo Hospital
Address:
150 Pioneer Ln, Bishop, CA 93514
Phone:
(760) 873-5811
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Big Pine, CA?
The housing market in Big Pine is stable, with a median home price of $285,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom home at $950. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a strong sense of community and investment in the area. Home appreciation rates are modest, making Big Pine attractive for long-term residents seeking affordability.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Big Pine residents can access DMV services at the nearby California Department of Motor Vehicles office in Bishop. The DMV provides licensing, registration, and vehicle services both in-person and online for added convenience. Support is readily available by phone or through the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1115 W Line St, Bishop, CA 93514
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.