Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gonzales, CA
Considering a move to Gonzales, CA? With a welcoming population of around 8,600 and a median home price of $493,000, Gonzales offers affordable living for the Central Coast. Residents benefit from mild Mediterranean weather with 73% sunny days, average rents around $1,390, and short 24-minute commutes. The city has a lower crime rate than many California towns, family-friendly schools, and is just a quick drive to Salinas and Monterey. Explore the cost of living, housing market, and community amenities below to see if Gonzales is your next home!
Demographics - Gonzales, CA
Demographics - Gonzales, CA
Gonzales is a vibrant city of 8,647 residents, notable for its youthful median age of 29.1 and a dynamic, predominantly Hispanic/Latino community. The city features a high population density and a significant proportion of non-English speakers, making it a culturally rich environment for families and newcomers.
Population:
8,647
Density:
7,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.1
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
63%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
90.8% (Mostly Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gonzales, CA?
Living in Gonzales is moderately affordable for California, with a median home value of $493,000 and average rent at $1,390. The overall cost of living index is above the national average, mainly due to housing and transportation expenses, but utilities and groceries remain relatively accessible.
Median House Value:
$493,000
Gross Rent:
$1,390
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,800
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
119.8
Grocery:
112.4
Housing:
132.7
Utilities:
103.5
Transportation:
124.9
Health Care:
108.7
Miscellaneous:
102.1
Crime
Is Gonzales, CA a safe place to live?
Gonzales maintains a lower crime rate compared to many California communities, with 315 violent crimes and 1,130 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 317 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to a generally safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
315
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,130
Crime Index:
1,445
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 317
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Gonzales, CA year-round?
Gonzales enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers with highs around 77°F and cool, comfortable winters that rarely dip below 39°F. With about 73% sunny days annually and just over 13 inches of rainfall, outdoor activities can be enjoyed nearly year-round.
Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Gonzales are close-knit, with a median household income of $68,600 and a poverty rate of 16.8%. The area has a diverse, largely bilingual population, and most residents enjoy short commute times of about 24 minutes, though higher education attainment is limited.
Median Income:
$21,800
Household Income:
$68,600
Family Income:
$69,400
Per Capita Income:
$17,100
Income Male:
$26,000
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
16.8%
Non English Speakers:
63%
Rent:
$1,390
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
55.2%
Bachelors or More:
6.8%
Education
How are the schools in Gonzales, CA?
Gonzales is served by public schools like Gonzales High School and Fairview Middle School, offering supportive learning environments and reasonable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Hartnell College and California State University, Monterey Bay are located within a short drive, providing local access to college-level programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Gonzales High School
Street:
501 5th St
Phone:
831-675-2495
Students:
1,160
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.3
Name:
Fairview Middle School
Street:
401 4th St
Phone:
831-675-3663
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.6
Colleges
Name:
Hartnell College
City:
Salinas
State:
CA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
15,800
Name:
California State University, Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
31 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare nearby, including Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and Natividad Medical Center, both offering emergency services. The city boasts strong health insurance coverage at 93.5% and a physician density that ensures reliable medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
Address:
450 East Romie Lane, Salinas, CA 93901
Phone:
(831) 757-4333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Natividad Medical Center
Address:
1441 Constitution Blvd, Salinas, CA 93906
Phone:
(831) 755-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gonzales, CA?
The housing market in Gonzales is stable, with a median home price of $493,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of nearly 56%. Rentals are in demand, reflected by a low 3.2% vacancy rate and steady home appreciation, making it an attractive option for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$493,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,390
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Gonzales are managed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Salinas. Residents can access registration, licensing, and other DMV services both in person and online.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
260 E Laurel Dr, Salinas, CA 93906
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.