Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Happy Camp, CA
Looking for a peaceful small-town vibe? Happy Camp, CA, with a population of just 905, offers affordable living—median home prices are around $157,000 and rents average $750. The area enjoys mild winters, hot summers, and about 67% sunny days each year. Commutes are short at 17 minutes, and local schools feature small class sizes. While crime rates are higher than average, the natural beauty, community feel, and lower housing costs make Happy Camp a unique spot for adventure seekers and those looking for a slower pace.
Demographics - Happy Camp, CA
Demographics - Happy Camp, CA
Happy Camp is a small, close-knit town of about 905 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature community. The population is predominantly White and Native American, and a modest 7.5% speak a language other than English at home. With a low population density, the town offers a relaxed, rural lifestyle.
Population:
905
Density:
165 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.2%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
8.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Happy Camp, CA?
Happy Camp offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $157,000 and average rents around $750 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, making housing and daily expenses more budget-friendly than in many parts of California. Utilities and groceries are reasonable, and state tax rates range based on income.
Median House Value:
$157,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
79.0
Utilities:
104.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Happy Camp, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Happy Camp are higher than the national average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 48 and violent crime at 1 in 192. While the overall crime index is elevated, many residents appreciate the small-town atmosphere and close community ties. It's important for newcomers to stay aware and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
520
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,620
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Happy Camp, CA year-round?
Happy Camp enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging 32–49°F and hot, dry summers reaching up to 94°F. The town boasts about 67% sunny days each year and receives a substantial 53 inches of rainfall, supporting lush natural surroundings. This climate is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and changing seasons.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
49°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
94°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents in Happy Camp enjoy a friendly, close-knit neighborhood with a median household income of $38,400. The poverty rate is higher than average at 21.7%, but commutes are short and the community values education, with 80% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. Most people rely on personal vehicles, and unemployment sits at 6.8%.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$38,400
Family Income:
$44,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,600
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$25,700
Poverty Rate:
21.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.1%
Bachelors or More:
12.3%
Education
How are the schools in Happy Camp, CA?
Happy Camp offers public education through its local elementary and high schools, featuring small class sizes and personalized attention—student-teacher ratios are as low as 10:1. For higher education, College of the Siskiyous is located 70 miles away in Weed, CA, providing access to community college programs. There are currently no private school options in town.
Public Schools
Name:
Happy Camp Elementary School
Street:
114 Park Way
Phone:
530-493-2267
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Happy Camp High School
Street:
234 Indian Creek Rd
Phone:
530-493-2697
Students:
60
Student Teacher Ratio:
10:1
Colleges
Name:
College of the Siskiyous
City:
Weed
State:
CA
Distance:
70 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Happy Camp is supported by nearby facilities like Fairchild Medical Center, offering general and emergency services. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people and 87% health insurance coverage, residents have reasonable access to medical care. The local healthcare index suggests services are adequate for a rural community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairchild Medical Center
Address:
444 Bruce St, Yreka, CA 96097
Phone:
(530) 842-4121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
66.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Happy Camp, CA?
The housing market in Happy Camp is affordable, with a median home price of $157,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $750. About 62.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are higher than average, offering plenty of options for buyers and renters. Home values have seen modest appreciation in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$157,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Happy Camp residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office in Redding. The DMV offers a full range of vehicle registration and licensing services both in-person and online, providing convenient options for drivers. For assistance, residents can visit the DMV website or call the state hotline.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4216 South Market Street, Redding, CA 96001
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.