Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Bragg, CA
Considering a move to Fort Bragg, CA? This welcoming coastal city of just under 7,000 residents offers a relaxed pace, with median home prices at $432,000 and typical 2-bedroom rents around $1,340. The area boasts a mild, ocean-influenced climate with 69% sunny days and short average commutes of 16 minutes. While crime rates are higher than average, Fort Bragg is known for its scenic beauty, charming downtown, and community vibe. Local schools and a regional hospital provide key amenities, making it an inviting choice for those seeking small-town living on California’s North Coast.
Demographics - Fort Bragg, CA
Demographics - Fort Bragg, CA
Fort Bragg is a small coastal city with a population of nearly 7,000 and a median age of 43, reflecting a mature, diverse community. The city features a balanced gender ratio and an ethnic mix led by a majority White population, with a significant Hispanic or Latino presence. About one in five residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the area's cultural richness.
Population:
6,983
Density:
2,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
20.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.4%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
0.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Bragg, CA?
Living costs in Fort Bragg are moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 118. Median home values hover around $432,000 and typical monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,340, reflecting the city's desirable coastal location. Essentials like groceries and utilities are also slightly above average, making budgeting important for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$432,000
Gross Rent:
$1,340
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
118
Grocery:
112
Housing:
126
Utilities:
108
Transportation:
115
Health Care:
110
Miscellaneous:
107
Crime
Is Fort Bragg, CA a safe place to live?
Fort Bragg experiences higher than average crime rates, with property crimes notably more common than violent offenses. The chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 39, while violent crime risk is lower at around 1 in 320. Residents should stay vigilant but will find the community remains tight-knit and proactive about safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
312
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,570
Crime Index:
2,882
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 320
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Bragg, CA year-round?
Fort Bragg enjoys a mild, ocean-influenced climate with cool summers and gentle winters; average highs range from 57°F in winter to 66°F in summer. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 69% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities year-round. This pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
66°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Fort Bragg residents benefit from a small-town atmosphere with a median household income of $48,500 and an average commute of just 16 minutes. The community faces a higher poverty rate at 20%, but most adults have at least a high school diploma. Public transportation use is low, reflecting the city’s compact size and ease of getting around.
Median Income:
$33,200
Household Income:
$48,500
Family Income:
$54,100
Per Capita Income:
$24,400
Income Male:
$31,500
Income Female:
$29,900
Poverty Rate:
20.2%
Non English Speakers:
20.5%
Rent:
$1,340
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.4%
Commute Time:
15.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.6%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Bragg, CA?
Fort Bragg offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Fort Bragg High and Dana Gray Elementary, each serving several hundred students. The city is also home to Mendocino College’s Coast Center, providing local access to higher education. Education levels in the community indicate most residents have completed high school, with opportunities for further learning close by.
Public Schools
Name:
Fort Bragg High School
Street:
300 Dana St
Phone:
707-961-2880
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Dana Gray Elementary School
Street:
1197 E Chestnut St
Phone:
707-961-2850
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Private Schools
Name:
Three Rivers Charter School
Street:
1211 Del Mar Dr
Phone:
707-961-0170
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Mendocino College - Coast Center
City:
Fort Bragg
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
200
Name:
College of the Redwoods
City:
Fort Bragg (extension)
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
150
Healthcare
Healthcare in Fort Bragg is anchored by Adventist Health Mendocino Coast, which provides general and emergency services to the community. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of locals have health insurance coverage. Access to essential healthcare is reliable for a city of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Mendocino Coast
Address:
700 River Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone:
(707) 961-1234
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Bragg, CA?
The housing market in Fort Bragg features a median home price of $432,000 and an average rent of $1,340 for a two-bedroom unit. Homeownership rates are just under 47%, and the area has stable appreciation with low vacancy and foreclosure rates. This market suits buyers and renters seeking a coastal setting with steady property values.
Median Home Price:
$432,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,340
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Fort Bragg's DMV services are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 410 S. Franklin Street, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient for residents. The local office offers access to all standard DMV functions, supported by a state-wide website and customer service line. This ensures residents can easily manage their transportation needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
410 S. Franklin Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone:
(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.