Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mad River, CA
Thinking of moving to Mad River, CA? This small rural community of about 360 people offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $245,000 and average rents near $1,050. You'll enjoy a mild climate with 60% sunny days and abundant natural beauty nearby. Commute times average 32 minutes, and crime rates are low for a remote area. While schools are small and community-focused, and amenities are limited, Mad River provides a peaceful lifestyle for those who appreciate privacy and access to Northern California’s outdoors.
Demographics - Mad River, CA
Demographics - Mad River, CA
Mad River, CA is a small rural community with around 360 residents and a low population density of 10 people per square mile. The median age is 48.5, indicating a mature population, and the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers.
Population:
360
Density:
10 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.5
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
13.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mad River, CA?
The cost of living in Mad River is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $245,000 and average rent of $1,050 for a two-bedroom. Utilities and transportation costs are notably higher, but housing remains affordable compared to many California locations.
Median House Value:
$245,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,310
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.2
Grocery:
108.0
Housing:
96.0
Utilities:
120.5
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Mad River, CA a safe place to live?
Mad River experiences lower violent crime rates, with about 232 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 431 chance of being a victim. Property crime is more common, but overall, the town maintains a relatively safe environment for its size and rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
232
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,980
Crime Index:
2,212
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 431
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Mad River, CA year-round?
Residents of Mad River enjoy a mild climate, with summer highs reaching 84°F and winter lows averaging 34°F. The area receives significant rainfall—over 54 inches annually—and about 60% of days are sunny, offering a balance of lush scenery and outdoor opportunities.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn around $41,000 per year, with a poverty rate near 19.5%. Most residents commute about 32 minutes for work, and educational attainment is solid, as nearly 85% have completed high school or higher.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
32.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Mad River, CA?
Education in Mad River features small, close-knit public schools like Southern Trinity High School and Van Duzen Elementary, both offering low student-teacher ratios. Higher education is available within driving distance at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, which enrolls about 5,700 students.
Public Schools
Name:
Southern Trinity High School
Street:
600 Van Duzen Rd
Phone:
707-574-6232
Students:
70
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Name:
Van Duzen Elementary School
Street:
600 Van Duzen Rd
Phone:
707-574-6232
Students:
60
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Colleges
Name:
Cal Poly Humboldt
City:
Arcata
State:
CA
Distance:
46 miles
Students:
5,700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Mad River is supported by nearby hospitals such as Mad River Community Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. About 89% of residents have health insurance, and there are 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring basic medical needs are met within the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mad River Community Hospital
Address:
3800 Janes Rd, Arcata, CA 95521
Phone:
(707) 822-3621
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Joseph Hospital Eureka
Address:
2700 Dolbeer St, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone:
(707) 445-8121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mad River, CA?
Mad River’s housing market is affordable, with median home prices at $245,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. The owner-occupied rate is 62.5%, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, indicating stable housing for those seeking to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access full DMV services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in Eureka, located at 3227 Broadway St. The office provides vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services for Mad River locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3227 Broadway St, Eureka, CA 95501
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.