Everything You Should Know Before Moving to California City, CA
Thinking of moving to California City, CA? With around 15,000 residents, this desert city offers affordable housing, with median home prices at $270,000 and rents near $1,100. Expect plenty of sunshine—about 80% of the year is sunny—and a low cost of living compared to many California communities. Commute times average 33 minutes, and while crime rates are higher than the national average, the city features access to local schools, a nearby college, and a relaxed, open atmosphere.
Demographics - California City, CA
Demographics - California City, CA
California City has a population of nearly 15,000, with a median age of 34.6 years and a diverse community where about 40% are White, 22% Black, and a quarter speak a language other than English at home. The city’s moderate density and balanced gender ratio offer residents a small-town vibe with multicultural influences.
Population:
14,973
Density:
220 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.6
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
39.5%
Black:
22.0%
Asian:
3.7%
Others:
34.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in California City, CA?
With a cost of living index slightly below the national average, California City provides affordable options, including a median home value of $270,000 and typical rents around $1,100. Utilities and transportation costs run a bit higher than average, but residents benefit from relatively low housing expenses and varied state tax rates.
Median House Value:
$270,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.0
Grocery:
103.0
Housing:
85.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is California City, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in California City are higher than national averages, with about 515 violent crimes and 2,200 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 45, the community works to maintain a safe, family-friendly environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
515
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,715
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 194
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in California City, CA year-round?
California City enjoys a sunny, desert climate with mild winters in the 30s to upper 50s and hot summers reaching the high 90s. Residents experience about 80% sunny days each year and very little annual rainfall, making it ideal for those who love dry, bright weather.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
99°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
80%
Neighbors
Local residents have a median household income of $52,167, but the area faces a higher poverty rate at nearly 25%. Most adults have a high school diploma, with longer commute times averaging 33 minutes and low public transit use, reflecting the city’s spread-out, car-dependent lifestyle.
Median Income:
$27,150
Household Income:
$52,167
Family Income:
$59,420
Per Capita Income:
$19,356
Income Male:
$40,800
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
24.8%
Non English Speakers:
25.0%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
9.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.5%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in California City, CA?
California City offers public education through local schools like California City Middle and High School, both with manageable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is readily available with Cerro Coso Community College located just two miles away, supporting lifelong learning in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
California City Middle School
Street:
9736 Redwood Blvd
Phone:
760-373-4664
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
California City High School
Street:
8567 Raven Way
Phone:
760-373-4760
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.4
Colleges
Name:
Cerro Coso Community College - East Kern/Edwards Center
City:
California City
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
500
Name:
Antelope Valley College
City:
Lancaster
State:
CA
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in California City is accessible, with two major hospitals nearby and almost 90% of residents having health insurance. Although there are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, medical care and emergency services are within easy reach.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley
Address:
1100 Magellan Dr, Tehachapi, CA 93561
Phone:
(661) 823-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Antelope Valley Hospital
Address:
1600 W Ave J, Lancaster, CA 93534
Phone:
(661) 949-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in California City, CA?
The housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $270,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $1,100. A majority of residents own their homes, and vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a stable and approachable real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with a nearby office in Adelanto offering standard licensing and registration services. The DMV provides convenient access both online and in person for all vehicle-related needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
14855 Cactus Rd, Adelanto, CA 92301
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.