Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dos Palos, CA
Thinking of moving to Dos Palos, CA? With a close-knit population of 5,800 and affordable median home prices around $285,000, Dos Palos blends small-town charm with lower living costs. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (77% sunny days), short 25-minute commutes, and a modest cost of living. While crime rates are a bit higher than average and educational attainment is lower, the community offers local schools, easy access to healthcare in nearby Los Banos, and a relaxed Central Valley lifestyle.
Demographics - Dos Palos, CA
Demographics - Dos Palos, CA
Dos Palos is home to about 5,800 residents with a median age of 33, reflecting a young and diverse population. The city has a high percentage of non-English speakers at 41%, and about half the population identifies as White, with a significant number of residents from other ethnic backgrounds. This diversity contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere in a moderately dense small town.
Population:
5,798
Density:
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
41.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.1%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
44.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dos Palos, CA?
Dos Palos offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $285,000 and average rent around $1,050. Housing is particularly affordable compared to many California cities, making it attractive for families and first-time buyers. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly higher than average, but overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.0
Grocery:
97.4
Housing:
82.1
Utilities:
110.6
Transportation:
106.5
Health Care:
103.0
Miscellaneous:
99.2
Crime
Is Dos Palos, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Dos Palos are somewhat higher than national averages, with a 1 in 286 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 51 chance of property crime. While these rates may be a concern, most residents find the community generally safe, especially when taking standard precautions. It's important for newcomers to be aware and practice typical safety measures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,950
Crime Index:
2,300
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 286
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Dos Palos, CA year-round?
Dos Palos enjoys mild winters and warm, dry summers, with average summer highs near 96°F and winter lows around 38°F. The city receives about 10 inches of rain annually and boasts 77% sunny days, making outdoor activities possible nearly year-round. This Central Valley climate appeals to those who appreciate plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
96°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
77%
Neighbors
The city has a median household income of $49,900 and a poverty rate of 22.7%, reflecting a working-class community. Commute times average just over 25 minutes, and only a small portion of residents use public transportation. Educational attainment is lower than the state average, with about 66% having completed high school and under 9% holding a bachelor's degree.
Median Income:
$33,800
Household Income:
$49,900
Family Income:
$56,400
Per Capita Income:
$17,300
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
22.7%
Non English Speakers:
41.0%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
8.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
25.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
65.5%
Bachelors or More:
8.6%
Education
How are the schools in Dos Palos, CA?
Dos Palos offers public education through schools like Dos Palos High and Bryant Middle School, with student-teacher ratios around 20:1. While there are currently no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Merced College’s Los Banos campus, located 15 miles away. The community values its local schools and nearby college options for continued learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Dos Palos High School
Street:
1701 E Blossom St
Phone:
209-392-0200
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Bryant Middle School
Street:
16695 Bryant Ave
Phone:
209-392-0240
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.0
Colleges
Name:
Merced College – Los Banos Campus
City:
Los Banos
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Dos Palos is supported by nearby facilities like Memorial Hospital Los Banos, just a short drive away. The city has a physician rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents and nearly 88% of the population has health insurance. While healthcare resources are somewhat limited locally, essential services and emergency care are readily available close by.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Hospital Los Banos
Address:
520 W I St, Los Banos, CA 93635
Phone:
(209) 826-0591
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.9%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dos Palos, CA?
Housing in Dos Palos is relatively affordable, with a median home price at $285,000 and a healthy home appreciation rate of 6.1% over the past year. Over half of residents own their homes, and the rental vacancy rate is 7.2%, offering options for both buyers and renters. The steady market and low foreclosure rate make for a stable residential environment.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Dos Palos access motor vehicle services through the California DMV. The closest full-service DMV office is in Ventura, and most services, including licensing and registration, can be handled online at dmv.ca.gov or via the statewide helpline. California's DMV provides comprehensive resources for new and current drivers.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
800 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009
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.