Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carpinteria, CA
Considering a move to Carpinteria, CA? This charming coastal city of 13,289 offers a relaxed vibe, excellent weather with 79% sunny days, and an average commute time of just 22 minutes. Home prices are high, with a median of $1,230,000, and rents average $2,450, reflecting its desirable location. Carpinteria boasts low violent crime rates (108 per 100K), quality local schools, and easy access to healthcare. Enjoy small-town friendliness, stunning beaches, and a laid-back California lifestyle.
Demographics - Carpinteria, CA
Demographics - Carpinteria, CA
Carpinteria is a close-knit coastal city of 13,289 residents, characterized by a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 42.1 years. The community features a diverse population, with over a third identifying as Hispanic or Latino, and about 28% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density provides a welcoming small-town feel with a multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
13,289
Density:
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
27.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
58.0%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
3.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carpinteria, CA?
Living in Carpinteria comes with a high cost of living, reflected by a median home value of $1,230,000 and average rents around $2,450 per month. The overall cost of living index is 180.2, significantly above the national average, mainly due to steep housing and transportation expenses. Residents should also consider state income taxes, which can range up to 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$1,230,000
Gross Rent:
$2,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$920
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
180.2
Grocery:
124.5
Housing:
330.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
134.1
Health Care:
108.7
Miscellaneous:
116.9
Crime
Is Carpinteria, CA a safe place to live?
Carpinteria offers a safe environment with low violent crime rates of 108 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime risks are comparatively modest at 1,010 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are about 1 in 925, making it a reassuring choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. The city's overall crime index remains well below many urban areas in California.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
108
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,010
Crime Index:
1,118
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 925
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 99
Weather
What is the weather like in Carpinteria, CA year-round?
Carpinteria enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with winter lows averaging 42°F and summer highs around 77°F. The city receives about 18.5 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 79% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents benefit from comfortable year-round weather, perfect for enjoying the coast and local parks.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
77°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Households in Carpinteria enjoy a median income of $92,400, and the poverty rate is relatively low at 9.4%. Residents are well-educated, with nearly 89% holding a high school diploma or higher, and about 34% earning a bachelor's degree or more. The average commute time is a manageable 22 minutes, supporting a balanced work-life lifestyle.
Median Income:
$48,200
Household Income:
$92,400
Family Income:
$104,000
Per Capita Income:
$40,700
Income Male:
$49,800
Income Female:
$44,900
Poverty Rate:
9.4%
Non English Speakers:
27.5%
Rent:
$2,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.9%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.3%
Bachelors or More:
33.9%
Education
How are the schools in Carpinteria, CA?
Carpinteria provides a solid educational environment, featuring well-regarded public schools such as Carpinteria Senior High with a favorable student-teacher ratio. Private and charter school options are also available, and higher education is close by with Santa Barbara City College just 12 miles away. The community values education, with strong high school graduation rates and a range of academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Carpinteria Senior High School
Street:
4810 Foothill Rd
Phone:
805-684-4107
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Canalino Elementary School
Street:
1480 Linden Ave
Phone:
805-684-6669
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0

Private Schools
Name:
Howard Carden School
Street:
5315 Foothill Rd
Phone:
805-745-8448
Students:
90

Colleges
Name:
Santa Barbara City College
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
17,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including nearby major facilities like Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% of the population insured, the area supports comprehensive medical needs. Carpinteria’s healthcare index indicates services are accessible and reliable for individuals and families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cottage Hospital - Santa Barbara
Address:
400 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone:
(805) 682-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carpinteria, CA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,230,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,550. Homeownership is slightly higher than renting, with about 54% owner-occupied units, and rental vacancies are low at just 2.7%. The market has seen healthy appreciation, growing 6.2% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$1,230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Carpinteria residents are served by the California DMV, with the closest office located in Santa Barbara. The DMV offers all standard vehicle registration and licensing services both in person and online. Local access makes handling driving or registration needs straightforward for newcomers.
State:
California
Department:
California DMV
Address:
118 E. Figueroa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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.