Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Castella, CA
Considering a move to Castella, CA? This small mountain community of around 160 residents offers a peaceful lifestyle, with median home prices near $320,000 and average rents at $1,150. Castella enjoys a mild climate with 70% sunny days and abundant natural beauty nearby. Violent crime is low, though property crime is on par with rural California averages, and commute times are short at just 24.5 minutes. While schools are limited locally, nearby options and a close-knit community make this a tranquil spot for those seeking a slower pace.
Demographics - Castella, CA
Demographics - Castella, CA
Castella is a small, close-knit community with about 160 residents and a median age of 54, reflecting a mature, slower-paced lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, with a slight male majority and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming place for those seeking a peaceful rural environment.
Population:
160
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
15.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Castella, CA?
Castella's cost of living is just above the national average, primarily driven by housing and utilities. Median home values are around $320,000 and average rents are $1,150, making it relatively affordable for Northern California, though utility costs tend to be higher than average.
Median House Value:
$320,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$205
Auto Insurance:
$1,360
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.0
Grocery:
102.0
Housing:
99.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
106.0
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Castella, CA a safe place to live?
Castella experiences low violent crime rates, with a 1 in 455 chance of being affected, which is reassuring for families and retirees. However, property crime is more common, aligned with rural California norms, so residents should take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,740
Crime Index:
1,960
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Castella, CA year-round?
Castella enjoys a mild mountain climate, with warm summers reaching up to 91°F and winters that rarely dip below 29°F. The area receives abundant rainfall—about 58 inches annually—and benefits from 70% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Residents in Castella have a median household income of $46,700 and a poverty rate of 16.7%, reflecting a modest, rural economy. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 90% holding a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging about 24 minutes.
Median Income:
$30,900
Household Income:
$46,700
Family Income:
$52,600
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$32,200
Income Female:
$28,300
Poverty Rate:
16.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Castella, CA?
Local public schools are small and offer low student-to-teacher ratios, fostering a personalized learning environment. While there are no private schools, higher education is accessible at College of the Siskiyous, just 24 miles away in Weed.

Public Schools
Name:
Dunsmuir High School
Street:
5805 High School Way
Phone:
530-235-4835
Students:
70
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5
Name:
Castle Rock Elementary
Street:
5635 Main St
Phone:
530-235-0101
Students:
80
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0

Colleges
Name:
College of the Siskiyous
City:
Weed
State:
CA
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is supported by nearby hospitals in Mt. Shasta and Redding, with emergency services available. Most residents have health insurance, and there are approximately 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, providing adequate coverage for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta
Address:
914 Pine St, Mt Shasta, CA 96067
Phone:
(530) 926-6111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Shasta Regional Medical Center
Address:
1100 Butte St, Redding, CA 96001
Phone:
(530) 244-5400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
65.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Castella, CA?
The housing market in Castella offers stability, with median home prices at $320,000 and owner occupancy rates above 70%. Home appreciation has been steady at 4.3% over the past year, and rental options are available, though vacancies remain low.
Median Home Price:
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services for Castella are managed through the California Department of Motor Vehicles in Redding, located about 30 miles away. Residents can access driver and vehicle services by phone, in person, or online at the official DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2135 Civic Center Dr, Redding, CA 96001
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.