Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Descanso, CA
Considering a move to Descanso, CA? This peaceful rural community of about 1,600 residents offers scenic living with a median home price of $605,000 and rents around $1,900. Descanso boasts low crime rates, a sunny climate with 70% clear days, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Commute times average 33 minutes, and you'll find a close-knit feel plus quick access to major hospitals and colleges. If you value tranquility, great weather, and small-town charm within reach of San Diego, Descanso could be your perfect fit.
Demographics - Descanso, CA
Demographics - Descanso, CA
Descanso is a small rural community of about 1,600 residents, featuring a median age of 48.5 and a population density of 85 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White (81%), with a Hispanic population of 13%, and nearly 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The balanced gender ratio and mature age profile contribute to a tranquil, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
1,600
Density:
85 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Descanso, CA?
The cost of living in Descanso is higher than the national average, with an index of 148 and a median home value of $605,000. Monthly rents average $1,900, and utilities such as electricity typically cost $180 per month. While housing is the largest expense, overall living costs reflect the desirable rural location and proximity to San Diego.
Median House Value:
$605,000
Gross Rent:
$1,900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
148.0
Grocery:
117.0
Housing:
170.0
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
138.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Descanso, CA a safe place to live?
Descanso experiences low crime rates, with violent crimes at 130 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 900 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with a 1 in 770 chance of being affected by violent crime. This peaceful environment makes the community a reassuring choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
130
Property Crimes Per 100k:
900
Crime Index:
1,030
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 770
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 180
Weather
What is the weather like in Descanso, CA year-round?
Descanso offers a mild climate with warm, dry summers reaching up to 89°F and cool winters with lows around 35°F. The area enjoys 70% sunny days annually and receives about 22 inches of rainfall, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities year-round. The comfortable seasonal shifts make it ideal for those who appreciate an abundance of sunshine.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Households in Descanso benefit from a median income of $63,000 and a family income averaging $102,000, with a low poverty rate of 7.5%. Nearly 94% of adults hold a high school diploma or higher, and the community enjoys a low unemployment rate and minimal reliance on public transportation. The average commute time is 33 minutes, fostering a balance between rural living and access to nearby urban centers.
Median Income:
$63,000
Household Income:
$95,000
Family Income:
$102,000
Per Capita Income:
$44,500
Income Male:
$55,000
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,900
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
33 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
38.0%
Education
How are the schools in Descanso, CA?
Descanso is served by a local elementary school with a low student-teacher ratio, fostering individualized attention for its 115 students. For higher education, residents can access Cuyamaca College just 15 miles away and San Diego State University within a 32-mile drive, offering a range of academic and career opportunities. The community's commitment to education is reflected in its high graduation and college attendance rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Descanso Elementary School
Street:
25077 Viejas Blvd
Phone:
619-445-1456
Students:
115
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Colleges
Name:
Cuyamaca College
City:
El Cajon
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
9,000
Name:
San Diego State University
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major medical facilities, including Grossmont Hospital and Sharp Memorial Hospital, both offering full emergency services within a short drive. Healthcare coverage is high with nearly 93% insured, and there are 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality medical care is readily available. Descanso’s healthcare environment supports a healthy and well-served population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Grossmont Hospital
Address:
5555 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone:
(619) 740-4401
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sharp Memorial Hospital
Address:
7901 Frost St, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone:
(858) 939-3400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Descanso, CA?
Descanso’s housing market is characterized by a high owner-occupancy rate of 75.5% and a median home price of $605,000. Average rent for a two-bedroom home is $1,900, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, indicating a stable and desirable real estate market. Modest annual home appreciation and limited new construction reflect steady demand in this rural community.
Median Home Price:
$605,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Descanso residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby El Cajon. The local DMV offers full services and resources, with support available both in-person and online. Easy access to DMV facilities ensures smooth vehicle registration and licensing processes.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1450 Graves Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021
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.