Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Los Osos, CA
Considering a move to Los Osos, CA? This charming coastal community of 15,600 residents offers a mild climate with over 70% sunny days, a median home price around $770,000, and average rents near $2,100. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short 22-minute commutes, and strong schools with high graduation rates. With abundant outdoor recreation and proximity to San Luis Obispo, Los Osos is ideal for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle on California’s Central Coast.
Demographics - Los Osos, CA
Demographics - Los Osos, CA
Los Osos is a close-knit community of about 15,600 people, with a median age of 51, reflecting a mature population. The city is predominantly White, with 80% of residents, and about 11% speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate density and balanced gender ratio make it an inviting place for families and retirees alike.
Population:
15,600
Density:
1,450 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
80.2%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
16.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Los Osos, CA?
Living in Los Osos comes with a higher cost of living, boasting a median home value of $770,000 and average rents around $2,100 per month. The overall cost of living index stands at 154, well above the national average, mainly due to elevated housing costs. Residents should also budget for above-average utilities and transportation expenses.
Median House Value:
$770,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
154.2
Grocery:
117.4
Housing:
210.1
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
138.0
Health Care:
120.7
Miscellaneous:
110.5
Crime
Is Los Osos, CA a safe place to live?
Los Osos offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,390 per 100,000. The chances of experiencing violent crime are low, at about 1 in 555, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing safety. The overall crime index indicates lower risk compared to many other California communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,390
Crime Index:
1,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 72
Weather
What is the weather like in Los Osos, CA year-round?
Los Osos features a mild coastal climate with average winter lows in the low 40s and summer highs in the mid-70s. The area enjoys about 72% sunny days annually and receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall, providing pleasant weather year-round. This makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who prefer a temperate environment.

Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
64°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
74°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Residents of Los Osos typically enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, with a median household income of $77,450 and a family income of $95,200. The community is well-educated, with nearly 95% holding at least a high school diploma, and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Commute times are short, averaging just over 22 minutes, contributing to a laid-back, neighborly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$40,300
Household Income:
$77,450
Family Income:
$95,200
Per Capita Income:
$39,650
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$41,100
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
10.8%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.9%
Bachelors or More:
40.7%
Education
How are the schools in Los Osos, CA?
Families in Los Osos benefit from quality public schools, including Baywood Elementary and Los Osos Middle School, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. The community is also close to higher education institutions, with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cuesta College located within a short drive. This proximity to strong educational resources makes Los Osos appealing for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Baywood Elementary School
Street:
1330 9th Street
Phone:
805-534-2856
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Los Osos Middle School
Street:
1555 El Moro Ave
Phone:
805-534-2835
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1

Colleges
Name:
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
22,300
Name:
Cuesta College
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Los Osos residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with two major hospitals located nearby in San Luis Obispo and a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.6%. The city has 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring timely medical care. Emergency services and general surgical care are readily available within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center
Address:
1010 Murray Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone:
(805) 546-7600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
French Hospital Medical Center
Address:
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
(805) 543-5353
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Los Osos, CA?
The Los Osos housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $770,000 and an average rent of $2,100 for a two-bedroom. Around 67% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are low, reflecting strong demand. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, indicating a healthy and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$770,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Los Osos residents can access DMV services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby San Luis Obispo. The DMV offers a full range of licensing, registration, and vehicle-related services both online and in person. For more information or to schedule appointments, visit the official California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3190 S. Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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.