Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Garey, CA
Considering Garey, CA for your next move? This peaceful rural community of about 900 residents offers affordable rents around $1,750 and a median home price of $565,000. You’ll enjoy mild, sunny weather, a low violent crime rate (210 per 100K), and a short 27-minute average commute. Local schools are small and welcoming, and the area is close to wine country and the amenities of Santa Maria. Explore cost of living, education, and healthcare options in this tranquil Central Coast enclave.
Demographics - Garey, CA
Garey, CA is a close-knit rural community of around 900 residents with a median age of 39.2 years. The population is predominantly White, but features a diverse mix, and nearly 29% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, contributing to its small-town feel.
Population:
900
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
28.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
36.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Garey, CA?
Living in Garey means contending with a cost of living index of 136.4, driven by a median home value of $565,000 and average rents near $1,750. While housing costs are above the national average, everyday expenses for groceries, utilities, and healthcare remain fairly manageable for the Central Coast region. California’s variable state tax rates also play a role in the local affordability.
Median House Value:
$565,000
Gross Rent:
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$830
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
136.4
Grocery:
119.8
Housing:
169.2
Utilities:
109.2
Transportation:
128.7
Health Care:
109.5
Miscellaneous:
110.3
Crime
Is Garey, CA a safe place to live?
Garey maintains a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a sense of safety and security. Property crime is more common, but overall, the community is considered safer than many similarly sized areas. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are 1 in 475, supporting a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,320
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Garey, CA year-round?
Garey enjoys mild, Mediterranean-style weather with warm, dry summers and cool winters, rarely dipping below 39°F or rising above 75°F. The area receives about 14.8 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny skies nearly 70% of the year. This pleasant climate encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Residents of Garey benefit from a median household income of $68,500 and a relatively low unemployment rate of 5.9%. The community is diverse, with nearly 29% non-English speakers and a poverty rate of 13.9%. Most people commute about 27 minutes for work, and public transportation usage is minimal due to the rural setting.
Median Income:
$32,200
Household Income:
$68,500
Family Income:
$76,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$38,300
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
13.9%
Non English Speakers:
28.5%
Rent:
$1,750
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.1%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Garey, CA?
Education in Garey is anchored by small, community-focused public schools like Blochman Elementary, with a student-teacher ratio of 16.7, and access to larger private and charter options nearby. College-bound students benefit from proximity to Allan Hancock College, just 10 miles away in Santa Maria. The area’s schools are noted for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Blochman Elementary School
Street:
4949 Foxen Canyon Rd
Phone:
805-937-1148
Students:
150
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Private Schools
Name:
Orcutt Academy Charter School
Street:
610 Pinal Ave
Phone:
805-938-8550
Students:
1,500
Colleges
Name:
Allan Hancock College
City:
Santa Maria
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
13,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Garey is strong, with major medical centers like Marian Regional and Lompoc Valley Medical Center nearby, offering emergency and surgical services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, locals have reliable options for medical care. The area’s healthcare index of 78.4 reflects good overall accessibility and quality.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Marian Regional Medical Center
Address:
1400 E Church St, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone:
(805) 739-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lompoc Valley Medical Center
Address:
1515 E Ocean Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436
Phone:
(805) 737-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Garey, CA?
Garey’s housing market features a median home price of $565,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 65.4%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $1,750, and the area has low foreclosure and vacancy rates, indicating stable demand. Home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year, reflecting a steadily growing market.
Median Home Price:
$565,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Garey residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Santa Maria, offering a full range of licensing and registration services. The DMV is easily accessible both in person and online, making vehicle-related tasks convenient for locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
523 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, CA 93454
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.