Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fortuna, CA
Considering a move to Fortuna, CA? This friendly city of 12,500 offers affordable living with a median home price of $356,000 and average rent around $1,125. Enjoy short average commutes of 17 minutes, a mild coastal climate with 62% sunny days, and convenient access to local schools and healthcare. While property crime rates are above average, Fortuna’s small-town charm, scenic beauty, and relaxed pace make it a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community on California’s North Coast.
Demographics - Fortuna, CA
Demographics - Fortuna, CA
Fortuna, CA is home to about 12,500 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a community that is predominantly White and Hispanic. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, making it feel like a close-knit yet vibrant place to live. Around 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
12,516
Density:
1,950 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.1%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fortuna, CA?
Living in Fortuna offers relatively affordable housing, with a median home value of $356,000 and average rents at $1,125 per month. The overall cost of living is slightly above the national average, mainly due to housing and utilities, but daily expenses like groceries and healthcare also remain manageable. State taxes vary widely, but day-to-day costs are accessible for many families.
Median House Value:
$356,000
Gross Rent:
$1,125
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,755
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.8
Grocery:
108.9
Housing:
114.7
Utilities:
118.5
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Fortuna, CA a safe place to live?
Fortuna experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a 1 in 34 chance, while violent crime remains less common at a rate of 410 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents benefit from a generally safe environment, though staying alert to property safety is advisable. The city's overall crime index suggests safety is an important consideration for new arrivals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,950
Crime Index:
3,360
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Fortuna, CA year-round?
Fortuna enjoys a mild coastal climate with cool, wet winters and pleasant summers, rarely exceeding 70°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate moderate temperatures year-round. Seasonal changes are gentle, offering comfortable outdoor living throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Fortuna’s households earn a median income of $54,900, with approximately 17.6% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the typical commute is a convenient 17 minutes. The community's low public transport usage highlights its small-town feel and reliance on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$28,400
Household Income:
$54,900
Family Income:
$66,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,100
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$26,200
Poverty Rate:
17.6%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,125
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.3%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Fortuna, CA?
Fortuna offers a mix of public and private schools, including Fortuna High School and St. Joseph Catholic School, and is within easy reach of College of the Redwoods just 17 miles away. The city's public schools maintain manageable student-teacher ratios, supporting effective learning environments. Educational opportunities cater to families at all stages, from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Fortuna High School
Street:
379 12th St
Phone:
707-725-4461
Students:
655
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Ambrosini Elementary School
Street:
3850 Ross Hill Rd
Phone:
707-725-4688
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
735 Oak St
Phone:
707-725-1711
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
College of the Redwoods
City:
Eureka
State:
CA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Residents have access to local medical care at Redwood Memorial Hospital, which offers emergency services and general care. With about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, the city provides solid healthcare options for its size. Fortuna's healthcare environment supports the needs of families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Redwood Memorial Hospital
Address:
3300 Renner Dr, Fortuna, CA 95540
Phone:
(707) 725-3361
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.6%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fortuna, CA?
Fortuna's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $356,000 and owner occupancy at 56%. Rental options are available, with typical two-bedroom apartments renting for $1,125, and the area has a low foreclosure rate. Modest home appreciation indicates a steady real estate market without rapid fluctuations.
Median Home Price:
$356,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,125
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Fortuna residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Eureka, located at 1106 2nd St. The local DMV offers all standard licensing and vehicle services, accessible both in-person and online. This convenient access makes vehicle registration and licensing straightforward for new and current residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1106 2nd St, Eureka, CA 95501
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.