Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Boulder Creek, CA
Thinking of moving to Boulder Creek, CA? With a close-knit population of about 5,400 and median home prices around $860,000, this charming town offers a tranquil lifestyle nestled in the redwoods. Expect a higher-than-average cost of living and rents near $2,350, but enjoy low crime rates, a strong owner-occupied housing market, and a mild climate with plenty of sunshine. Boulder Creek's public schools are well-rated, and the town is a short drive from Santa Cruz and local colleges, making it a great choice for those seeking community, nature, and access to education.
Demographics - Boulder Creek, CA
Demographics - Boulder Creek, CA
Boulder Creek is home to around 5,400 residents, with a median age of 44 and a nearly even gender balance. The community is predominantly White (85%), with a diverse mix of other backgrounds and about 11% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and mature age profile create a friendly, small-town atmosphere ideal for families and professionals.
Population:
5,400
Density:
370 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.0
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
12.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Boulder Creek, CA?
Living in Boulder Creek comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a cost of living index of 164 and median home values around $860,000. Renters can expect monthly rates near $2,350, while daily expenses like utilities and groceries are above the national average. These costs are offset by a scenic setting and proximity to amenities for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$860,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$890
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
164.0
Grocery:
118.0
Housing:
234.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
133.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Boulder Creek, CA a safe place to live?
Boulder Creek enjoys relatively low crime rates, with just 183 violent crimes and 1,480 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 546, making the area safer than many similar-sized communities. Residents appreciate the sense of security and community focus.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
183
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,663
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 546
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Boulder Creek, CA year-round?
Residents experience mild, comfortable weather year-round, with summer highs averaging 84°F and winter lows around 38°F. Boulder Creek receives about 49.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 61% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities among the redwoods. Seasonal changes are gentle, contributing to an inviting climate.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Household incomes in Boulder Creek are strong, with a median of $108,000 and a relatively low poverty rate of 6.4%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and nearly half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community. The average commute is 34 minutes, and public transportation is lightly used, highlighting the town's residential appeal.
Median Income:
$48,000
Household Income:
$108,000
Family Income:
$120,000
Per Capita Income:
$48,000
Income Male:
$56,000
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
6.4%
Non English Speakers:
10.8%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
34.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.2%
Bachelors or More:
44.0%
Education
How are the schools in Boulder Creek, CA?
Boulder Creek offers quality public schooling, with Boulder Creek Elementary and nearby San Lorenzo Valley Middle School serving local families. The area is also close to higher education institutions like Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz, making continuing education accessible. Private school options and a highly educated population contribute to a strong academic environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Boulder Creek Elementary School
Street:
400 W Park Ave
Phone:
831-338-6413
Students:
575
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
San Lorenzo Valley Middle School
Street:
7179 Hacienda Way, Felton, CA
Phone:
831-335-4452
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.0
Private Schools
Name:
Forest School
Street:
21900 Mayfield Ave
Phone:
831-338-4444
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
University of California, Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
19,000
Healthcare
Healthcare is accessible, with major hospitals like Dominican Hospital and Watsonville Community Hospital nearby, and the area has about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 94% of locals have health insurance, ensuring most residents receive regular medical care. The region's healthcare index of 78.2 suggests solid, reliable services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dominican Hospital
Address:
1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone:
(831) 462-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Boulder Creek, CA?
The Boulder Creek housing market is robust, with a median home price of $860,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $2,350, and home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a stable, in-demand real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$860,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents access DMV services at the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Santa Cruz, located at 4200 Capitola Rd. The DMV provides all standard vehicle registration and licensing services, and can be reached at 1-800-777-0133 or via their website. This convenient location serves the needs of Boulder Creek drivers efficiently.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4200 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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.