Everything You Should Know Before Moving to California Valley, CA
Considering a quiet, rural escape? California Valley, CA is a small, remote community of around 500 residents, offering very affordable housing with median home prices near $170,000 and average rents at $1,050. Cost of living is lower than the state average, and you'll enjoy over 80% sunny days annually and wide-open spaces. Crime rates are low, but amenities like schools and healthcare require a drive—nearest hospitals and colleges are 45+ miles away. If you’re seeking rural tranquility, mild winters, and a low-key lifestyle, California Valley could be your ideal move.
Demographics - California Valley, CA
Demographics - California Valley, CA
California Valley is a sparsely populated rural community with about 500 residents and a very low density of 2 people per square mile. The population is predominantly White, with a median age of 49, and a slight male majority, making it a tranquil area ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Population:
500
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.0
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
13.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in California Valley, CA?
The cost of living in California Valley is moderately affordable, with median home values around $170,000 and average rent at $1,050. While utilities and groceries are slightly above the national average, overall expenses remain lower than in many parts of California.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
90.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
104.0
Health Care:
109.0
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is California Valley, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in California Valley are low, with a violent crime rate of just 205 per 100,000 people and a 1 in 487 chance of experiencing violent crime. Residents can enjoy peace of mind in this quiet and safe rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,280
Crime Index:
1,485
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 487
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 78
Weather
What is the weather like in California Valley, CA year-round?
California Valley experiences mild winters with lows around 36°F and warm summers reaching up to 96°F. With only about 9.5 inches of rainfall annually and 81% sunny days, the area offers a dry, sun-filled climate ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
96°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
81%
Neighbors
Local households in California Valley earn a median income of $46,000, with a poverty rate of 15.8%. Most residents commute over 36 minutes for work, and public transportation is nearly nonexistent, reflecting the area's remote, self-reliant lifestyle.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$46,000
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
14.0%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
36.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.6%
Bachelors or More:
16.3%
Education
How are the schools in California Valley, CA?
Education options are limited locally, with a small elementary school serving just 39 students. For higher education, residents typically commute 45–55 miles to larger institutions like Cuesta College or Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.
Public Schools
Name:
Carrisa Plains Elementary School
Street:
9640 Carrisa Hwy
Phone:
805-475-2244
Students:
39
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Colleges
Name:
Cuesta College
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
55 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access requires a drive, with the nearest major hospitals located in San Luis Obispo and Templeton, both offering emergency services. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and the physician availability is in line with rural norms.
Major Hospitals
Name:
French Hospital Medical Center
Address:
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
(805) 543-5353
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Twin Cities Community Hospital
Address:
1100 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton, CA 93465
Phone:
(805) 434-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.4%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in California Valley, CA?
California Valley's housing market is very affordable for California, with a median home price of $170,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 71%. The area has a stable market with modest home appreciation and ample rental opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office in Sacramento and comprehensive services available online. Vehicle registration, licensing, and other DMV needs can be managed through the state website or by phone.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2415 First Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818
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.