Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Garberville, CA
Considering a move to Garberville, CA? This small Humboldt County town of about 810 residents offers a tranquil lifestyle with mild coastal climate, median home prices near $367,000, and average rents around $1,180. Commutes are short (under 20 minutes), and outdoor recreation abounds. While the cost of living is above the national average and property crime is comparatively high, the community features essential amenities, a local hospital, and access to public schools. Garberville’s charm lies in its close-knit feel, natural beauty, and relaxed pace—ideal for those seeking a quieter Northern California lifestyle.
Demographics - Garberville, CA
Demographics - Garberville, CA
Garberville is a small community of around 810 residents, with a population density of 740 people per square mile and a median age of 45.3 years. The town has a predominantly White population, and just over 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting modest cultural diversity.
Population:
810
Density:
740 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.3
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
14.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Garberville, CA?
Living in Garberville comes with a higher-than-average cost of living index of 125.4, with median home values at $367,000 and typical rents around $1,180 per month. Utilities and groceries are also above national averages, but the area offers a peaceful lifestyle in exchange for these costs.
Median House Value:
$367,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,525
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,525
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
125.4
Grocery:
112.1
Housing:
131.5
Utilities:
115.2
Transportation:
119.0
Health Care:
106.3
Miscellaneous:
108.5
Crime
Is Garberville, CA a safe place to live?
Garberville experiences higher property crime rates, with the chance of property crime at 1 in 47, while violent crime remains less common at 1 in 266. Residents should be mindful of security, as overall crime rates are elevated compared to many small towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
376
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,526
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 266
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Garberville, CA year-round?
The climate in Garberville is mild year-round, with summer highs reaching about 80°F and winter lows around 37°F. The area enjoys roughly 61% sunny days and abundant annual rainfall, ideal for those who appreciate lush landscapes and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn about $41,000 annually, with a relatively high poverty rate of 26.8% and a 7.1% unemployment rate. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commutes are short, averaging just over 18 minutes.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$31,500
Income Female:
$26,200
Poverty Rate:
26.8%
Non English Speakers:
10.7%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.3%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Garberville, CA?
Garberville families have access to public schools such as Redway Elementary, with a student-teacher ratio of about 20:1, and higher education opportunities at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, roughly 66 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Redway Elementary School
Street:
344 Humboldt Ave, Redway, CA 95560
Phone:
707-923-2526
Students:
275
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.6

Colleges
Name:
College of the Redwoods
City:
Eureka
State:
CA
Distance:
66 miles
Students:
5,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Garberville is anchored by Jerold Phelps Community Hospital, providing general and emergency services. About 87.5% of residents have health insurance coverage, and physician access is comparable to other rural areas.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Jerold Phelps Community Hospital
Address:
733 Cedar St, Garberville, CA 95542
Phone:
(707) 923-3921
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Garberville, CA?
The housing market features a median home price of $367,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 55%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $1,180, and the area has a moderate vacancy rate and steady home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$367,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Garberville residents are served by the California DMV office in nearby Fortuna, making vehicle registration and licensing accessible within a reasonable drive. The state DMV offers convenient online services and regional support.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1485 Sandy Prairie Ct, Fortuna, CA 95540
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.