Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Ross, CA
Considering a peaceful move to Fort Ross, CA? Nestled on the scenic Sonoma Coast with a tiny population of about 30, Fort Ross offers tranquility, striking ocean views, and a mild climate with 65% sunny days. Median home prices are around $675,000, and rents average $2,000, reflecting the area's desirability and rural charm. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a 35-minute average commute, and access to top Sonoma County schools and hospitals. If you value quiet living and coastal beauty, Fort Ross is a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Fort Ross, CA
Demographics - Fort Ross, CA
Fort Ross is a tiny, close-knit community of about 30 residents, with a median age of 55, indicating a mature population. The area has a low population density and is predominantly White, with small representations from other ethnic groups. About 8% of residents speak languages other than English at home, adding some cultural diversity.
Population:
30
Density:
5 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
4.0%
Others:
12.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Ross, CA?
Living in Fort Ross comes with a high cost of living index of 165, with median home values around $675,000 and average rent at $2,000 per month. Utility and transportation expenses are above the national average, reflecting the area's rural setting and California's higher state taxes. While housing costs are significant, residents benefit from the region's desirable coastal location.
Median House Value:
$675,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$165
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
165.0
Grocery:
127.0
Housing:
201.0
Utilities:
122.0
Transportation:
142.0
Health Care:
116.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Fort Ross, CA a safe place to live?
Fort Ross is a safe community with low crime rates, including only 120 violent crimes and 1,450 property crimes per 100,000 people. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 830, making it a peaceful place for residents. These figures contribute to the area's reputation for tranquility and security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Ross, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging 72°F and winter lows around 39°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 65% of the year. These pleasant conditions make Fort Ross ideal for outdoor activities and scenic living.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
72°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
The surrounding area features a median household income of $59,000 and a poverty rate of 13.4%. Most adults have at least a high school education, and the average commute is 35 minutes, reflecting the rural lifestyle. Public transportation use is minimal, so most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$59,000
Family Income:
$68,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
12.0%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
35.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.3%
Bachelors or More:
36.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Ross, CA?
Education options in Fort Ross include a small public elementary school with about 30 students and a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention. For higher education, residents are within driving distance of Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. The community values learning, with access to quality schools and colleges.

Public Schools
Name:
Fort Ross Elementary School
Street:
30600 Seaview Rd
Phone:
707-847-3390
Students:
30
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.0

Colleges
Name:
Santa Rosa Junior College
City:
Santa Rosa
State:
CA
Distance:
37 miles
Students:
26,000
Name:
Sonoma State University
City:
Rohnert Park
State:
CA
Distance:
50 miles
Students:
8,600
Healthcare
Fort Ross residents have access to quality medical care at nearby hospitals like Sonoma Valley and Santa Rosa Memorial, both offering emergency services. The area has about 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people, and 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are reliable, with a favorable local healthcare index.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sonoma Valley Hospital
Address:
347 Andrieux St, Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone:
(707) 935-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
Address:
1165 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone:
(707) 546-3210
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Ross, CA?
The housing market is characterized by a median home price of $675,000 and an average rent of $2,000 for a two-bedroom. About 66% of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a 4.9% appreciation rate over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering some opportunities for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Fort Ross residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located in Santa Rosa. The DMV provides a full range of motor vehicle services, including licensing and registration. More information can be found on the official DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2550 Victoria Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
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.