Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bombay Beach, CA
Considering a move to Bombay Beach, CA? This quirky artist haven on the Salton Sea has a tiny population of about 230 and offers some of the most affordable housing in California, with median home prices around $78,000 and rents near $650. Expect a very sunny desert climate (90% sunny days!) and a laid-back lifestyle, though public services and job opportunities are limited. Commute times are short, but education and healthcare facilities are some distance away, and crime rates are higher than the national average. If you love unique desert communities, Bombay Beach could be an intriguing place to call home.
Demographics - Bombay Beach, CA
Demographics - Bombay Beach, CA
Bombay Beach is a small community of around 230 residents, with a median age of 56 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The population is predominantly White (68%), and nearly a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. The community offers a quiet, close-knit atmosphere with a diverse mix of backgrounds.
Population:
230
Density:
310 per sq mi
Median Age:
56
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
30%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68%
Black:
2%
Asian:
1%
Others:
29%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bombay Beach, CA?
Living in Bombay Beach is exceptionally affordable by California standards, with a median home value of $78,000 and typical rents around $650 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, though utilities and transportation costs can be somewhat higher due to the desert location. State taxes range widely, but everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare remain manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$78,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$250
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.0
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
90.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Bombay Beach, CA a safe place to live?
Bombay Beach experiences higher crime rates than many U.S. communities, with property crime being the most common concern. The chance of falling victim to property crime is about 1 in 38, while violent crime is less frequent at 1 in 263. Residents should be mindful of safety, but the small-town setting allows for community awareness and vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,650
Crime Index:
3,030
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Bombay Beach, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a classic desert climate, boasting 90% sunny days each year and minimal rainfall. Summers are hot, often exceeding 100°F, while winters remain mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F. The weather supports outdoor activities year-round, though summer heat can be intense.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
89°F
Summer
Min:
77°F
Max:
108°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
92°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
90%
Neighbors
Bombay Beach has a close-knit, modest-income community with a median household income of $18,500 and a relatively high poverty rate. Many neighbors are retirees or artists, and about 30% speak a language other than English. Unemployment stands at 17%, and public transportation is not available, but commutes are generally short.
Median Income:
$18,500
Household Income:
$18,500
Family Income:
$22,000
Per Capita Income:
$11,000
Income Male:
$20,000
Income Female:
$17,000
Poverty Rate:
47%
Non English Speakers:
30%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
17%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
24 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
65%
Bachelors or More:
8%
Education
How are the schools in Bombay Beach, CA?
Education options in Bombay Beach are limited but accessible, with public schools such as West Shores High and Elementary nearby, offering small class sizes. The closest community college, Imperial Valley College, is about 45 miles away and serves around 7,000 students. While higher education opportunities require travel, families benefit from a supportive local school environment.
Public Schools
Name:
West Shores High School
Street:
2381 Shore Hawk Ave
Phone:
760-358-1162
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
West Shores Elementary School
Street:
2398 Thermal Ave
Phone:
760-358-1162
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Colleges
Name:
Imperial Valley College
City:
Imperial
State:
CA
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Bombay Beach is limited, with the nearest major hospital located in Brawley. The area has a lower physician density of 1.2 per 1,000 residents, but 82% of locals have health insurance coverage. Residents may need to travel for comprehensive medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District
Address:
207 W Legion Rd, Brawley, CA 92227
Phone:
(760) 351-3333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
82%
Health Care Index:
69.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bombay Beach, CA?
The Bombay Beach housing market is marked by low prices, with a median home price of $78,000 and over 60% owner occupancy. Rental options are affordable and relatively available, though home appreciation remains modest. The market is stable, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a unique desert property.
Median Home Price:
$78,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
61%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
18%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.5%
DMV Information
Residents rely on the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in El Centro. Services include licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs, accessible both in person and online. The DMV is a short drive away, ensuring convenient access for Bombay Beach residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
331 E Main St, El Centro, CA 92243
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.