Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bishop, CA
Considering a move to Bishop, CA? With a friendly small-town population of 3,785, Bishop offers affordable housing with a median home price of $350,000 and average rents around $1,225. Residents enjoy short 14-minute commutes, abundant sunshine (83% sunny days), and access to local schools and healthcare. Crime rates are moderate, and the cost of living is below California’s urban average, making Bishop a relaxed, outdoor-focused community perfect for those seeking a slower pace and stunning mountain scenery.
Demographics - Bishop, CA
Demographics - Bishop, CA
Bishop, CA is home to about 3,785 residents, with a median age of 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White (71%), with a notable 21% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting a diverse small-town community.
Population:
3,785
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
71.4%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
25.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bishop, CA?
Living in Bishop is moderately priced, with a median home value of $350,000 and average rent of $1,225 per month. The overall cost of living index is 18% above the national average, largely due to higher housing expenses, but everyday essentials like groceries and utilities remain relatively affordable compared to larger California cities.
Median House Value:
$350,000
Gross Rent:
$1,225
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
1% (property tax)
|
High:
13.3% (income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
118.0
Grocery:
110.0
Housing:
126.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
108.0
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Bishop, CA a safe place to live?
Bishop experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 49 and violent crime at 1 in 285. While these rates are not unusually high for small towns, residents should remain vigilant, particularly regarding property safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,400
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Bishop, CA year-round?
Bishop enjoys abundant sunshine, with 83% of days being sunny, and receives just over 5 inches of annual rainfall. The city has cold winters and hot summers, with temperatures ranging from 22°F in winter to highs near 97°F in summer, making it ideal for those who appreciate dramatic seasonal changes and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
97°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
5.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
83%
Neighbors
Bishop’s households typically earn around $53,600, with a per capita income of $27,400 and a modest poverty rate of 14%. Most residents experience short commutes (under 14 minutes) and a strong sense of community, while educational attainment is solid, with nearly 88% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$53,600
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
21.3%
Rent:
$1,225
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
13.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
24.5%
Education
How are the schools in Bishop, CA?
Families in Bishop benefit from a selection of public and private schools, including Bishop Union High School and Bishop Creek Christian School, along with local access to Cerro Coso Community College. Student-teacher ratios are favorable, supporting a personalized educational environment for both K-12 and college students.

Public Schools
Name:
Bishop Union High School
Street:
301 N Fowler St
Phone:
760-872-2521
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Bishop Elementary School
Street:
800 W Grove St
Phone:
760-872-1278
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8

Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Creek Christian School
Street:
1290 Barham Dr
Phone:
760-872-7189
Students:
75

Colleges
Name:
Cerro Coso Community College - Eastern Sierra Campus
City:
Bishop
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
650
Healthcare
Residents have access to general and emergency care at Northern Inyo Hospital, supported by a physician rate of 2.0 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at nearly 92%, ensuring that most locals have access to essential medical services.

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:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bishop, CA?
The Bishop housing market features a median home price of $350,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,225. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen steady appreciation at 4.2% annually, offering stability for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,225
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Bishop drivers are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located at 1115 W Line St, with comprehensive services for licensing, registration, and vehicle needs. Residents can access DMV resources online or by phone for added convenience.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1115 W Line St, Bishop, CA 93514
Phone:
(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.