Everything You Should Know Before Moving to El Nido, CA
Considering a move to El Nido, CA? This small rural community of about 625 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents at $1,150. Commute times average 27 minutes, and the area enjoys warm, sunny weather with 78% sunny days each year. While crime rates are a bit higher than the national average, El Nido features a close-knit, diverse population and easy access to Merced’s schools, healthcare, and amenities—ideal for those seeking a quiet, budget-friendly lifestyle in California’s Central Valley.
Demographics - El Nido, CA
Demographics - El Nido, CA
El Nido is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 625 residents and a median age of 32.5 years. The area is notably diverse, with 70% of residents identifying as a race other than White, Black, or Asian, and over half of the population speaking a language other than English at home. Residents enjoy a balanced gender ratio and a moderately youthful demographic profile.
Population:
625
Density:
135 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.5
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
55.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
19.5%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
9.0%
Others:
70.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in El Nido, CA?
El Nido offers affordable living compared to much of California, with a median home value of $285,000 and average rents at $1,150 per month. The overall cost of living index is just above the national average, but housing and groceries remain relatively budget-friendly. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly higher, reflecting rural lifestyle factors.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
103.0
Grocery:
102.4
Housing:
97.2
Utilities:
110.1
Transportation:
108.0
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
98.3
Crime
Is El Nido, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in El Nido are somewhat higher than national averages, with a 1 in 285 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 63 chance of a property crime. While overall safety is comparable to many rural areas, residents should remain mindful of security for peace of mind. The community maintains a welcoming atmosphere despite these statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,590
Crime Index:
1,940
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in El Nido, CA year-round?
El Nido enjoys warm, sunny weather for much of the year, with 78% of days seeing sunshine. Winters are mild, averaging lows of 37°F, while summers can be hot, with highs reaching 97°F. Annual rainfall is moderate at around 11.7 inches, supporting the region's agricultural character.

Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
97°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Residents of El Nido experience a modest median household income of $48,500, with about 21% living below the poverty line. The community is characterized by a strong presence of non-English speakers and a high school graduation rate of 64.5%. Most people commute around 27 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is low.
Median Income:
$24,500
Household Income:
$48,500
Family Income:
$54,200
Per Capita Income:
$15,900
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$24,500
Poverty Rate:
21.0%
Non English Speakers:
55.0%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
64.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.2%
Education
How are the schools in El Nido, CA?
El Nido families have access to local public education through El Nido Elementary School, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 17:1. For higher education, Merced College and UC Merced are within 20 miles, offering a range of academic programs. The area’s educational opportunities support both young students and adults seeking further learning.

Public Schools
Name:
El Nido Elementary School
Street:
161 E El Nido Rd
Phone:
209-385-8420
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0

Colleges
Name:
Merced College
City:
Merced
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
UC Merced
City:
Merced
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
9,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access is anchored by Mercy Medical Center Merced, a major hospital just a short drive away, offering comprehensive services including emergency care. Most residents (over 90%) have health insurance, and there are approximately 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people. The area’s healthcare index reflects satisfactory service availability for a rural setting.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mercy Medical Center Merced
Address:
333 Mercy Ave, Merced, CA 95340
Phone:
(209) 564-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in El Nido, CA?
El Nido’s housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $285,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,150. About 52% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a modest home appreciation rate of 3.2% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access full DMV services at the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Merced, located at 1313 W 12th St. The office provides driver licensing, registration, and vehicle services, and can be reached at 1-800-777-0133 or via the official DMV website. This convenient location ensures essential transportation needs are met for El Nido locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1313 W 12th St, Merced, CA 95341
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.