Everything You Should Know Before Moving to California, MO
Thinking of moving to California, MO? This small city of 4,278 residents offers an affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $146,000 and average rents at just $690. Commute times are short at under 19 minutes, and the area boasts 61% sunny days each year. While crime rates are moderate, California, MO features quality local schools, a friendly community, and convenient access to healthcare and colleges nearby. Explore the city’s affordable lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere for your next move!
Demographics - California, MO
Demographics - California, MO
California, MO is a close-knit community of about 4,278 residents with a predominantly White population and a median age of 39.7 years. The city's balanced gender ratio and moderate diversity, with 3.9% non-English speakers, create a friendly, small-town atmosphere appealing to families and retirees alike.
Population:
4,278
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in California, MO?
Living in California, MO is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values at $146,000. Affordable rents and utilities help residents keep expenses manageable, making it an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$146,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$445
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
62.8
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
88.7
Health Care:
94.6
Miscellaneous:
85.5
Crime
Is California, MO a safe place to live?
California, MO experiences moderate crime levels, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 51 and violent crime at 1 in 305. While these rates are present, the community remains vigilant, supporting a generally safe environment for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
327
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,980
Crime Index:
2,307
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 305
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in California, MO year-round?
Residents enjoy a variety of seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 89°F and winters dipping to lows of 21°F. The city receives about 41 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 61% sunny days, making it great for those who appreciate both sunshine and seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in California, MO typically earn a median income of $53,700, with a low unemployment rate of 3.5% and an average commute time of under 19 minutes. The area has a high rate of high school graduates and a friendly, hard-working community vibe.
Median Income:
$30,400
Household Income:
$53,700
Family Income:
$66,800
Per Capita Income:
$25,750
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
11.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.9%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in California, MO?
Families benefit from quality public and private school options, such as California Elementary and High School, as well as California Christian Academy. Higher education opportunities are readily available nearby, with Lincoln University and State Technical College both within a 20-mile radius.

Public Schools
Name:
California Elementary School
Street:
101 S Owen St
Phone:
573-796-2161
Students:
560
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
California High School
Street:
1501 W Buchanan St
Phone:
573-796-4911
Students:
427
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Private Schools
Name:
California Christian Academy
Street:
208 S Oak St
Phone:
573-796-3000
Students:
80

Colleges
Name:
Lincoln University
City:
Jefferson City
State:
MO
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
State Technical College of Missouri
City:
Linn
State:
MO
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Healthcare access is convenient, supported by nearby facilities like St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City and a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.4%. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, locals benefit from solid medical care options close to home.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Mary's Hospital-Jefferson City
Address:
2505 Mission Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone:
(573) 681-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
70.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in California, MO?
The housing market in California, MO is accessible, with a median home price of $146,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 67.5%. Home appreciation remains steady, and rental options are affordable, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$146,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services for California, MO residents are provided by the Missouri Department of Revenue, with a main office in nearby Jefferson City and accessible online resources. Residents can easily manage vehicle and driver licensing needs within a short drive.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing
Address:
301 W High St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone:
1-573-526-3669
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.