Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mendocino, CA
Considering a move to Mendocino, CA? This charming coastal village has a population of about 932 and offers a relaxed lifestyle with cool, mild weather and 65% sunny days each year. The median home price is $863,000, and average rent for a 2-bedroom is around $1,650, reflecting a high cost of living but stunning ocean views. Mendocino boasts low commute times (16 minutes), a highly educated community, and access to quality healthcare nearby in Fort Bragg. With low violent crime rates and excellent schools, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking coastal beauty and a peaceful pace of life.
Demographics - Mendocino, CA
Demographics - Mendocino, CA
Mendocino is a small coastal community with about 932 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 55.2, reflecting a mature and close-knit atmosphere. The area has a moderate population density and a slightly higher number of females, with nearly 9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
932
Density:
339 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
9.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mendocino, CA?
Living in Mendocino comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $863,000 and a cost of living index of 146, well above the national average. Essentials like groceries and utilities are also pricier, but many are drawn here for the scenic ocean views and quiet lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$863,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
146
Grocery:
127
Housing:
208
Utilities:
130
Transportation:
128
Health Care:
120
Miscellaneous:
114
Crime
Is Mendocino, CA a safe place to live?
Mendocino enjoys a low crime rate, with violent crimes at just 205 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 488 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crime is also below state and national averages, contributing to the area's peaceful reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,460
Crime Index:
1,665
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 488
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Mendocino, CA year-round?
The climate in Mendocino is mild year-round, with cool summers that rarely exceed 66°F and winters that stay above 39°F. The area receives about 43 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys approximately 65% sunny days, ideal for those who appreciate a temperate coastal environment.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
66°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Mendocino’s residents have a median household income of $56,900 and a per capita income of $32,100, with a poverty rate of 13.5%. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a short 16 minutes, fostering a relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle.
Median Income:
$34,700
Household Income:
$56,900
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,100
Income Male:
$37,500
Income Female:
$28,800
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.9%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.4%
Bachelors or More:
43.7%
Education
How are the schools in Mendocino, CA?
Mendocino offers strong educational opportunities through its public K-8 and high school, both featuring low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. Higher education is accessible nearby at Mendocino College’s Coast Center in Fort Bragg, providing local options for continued education.

Public Schools
Name:
Mendocino K-8 School
Street:
44261 Little Lake Rd
Phone:
707-937-0515
Students:
285
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Name:
Mendocino High School
Street:
10700 Ford St
Phone:
707-937-5871
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7

Colleges
Name:
Mendocino College (Coast Center)
City:
Fort Bragg
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
650
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare at Mendocino Coast District Hospital in nearby Fort Bragg, with a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.6%. The community benefits from 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and a strong healthcare index, ensuring accessible medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mendocino Coast District Hospital
Address:
700 River Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone:
(707) 961-1234
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mendocino, CA?
Mendocino’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $863,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,650. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen steady appreciation, reflecting sustained demand for coastal properties.
Median Home Price:
$863,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services for Mendocino residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at the Fort Bragg office, located just a short drive away on South Franklin Street. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and other vehicle needs either in person or online via the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
410 S. Franklin St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
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.