Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Monte Rio, CA
Considering a move to Monte Rio, CA? This charming riverside town of about 1,120 residents offers tranquil living with a median home price of $525,000 and average rents around $1,650. Monte Rio boasts a mild coastal climate with 69% sunny days each year and easy access to Sonoma County’s natural beauty. While the cost of living is above national averages, you'll enjoy a relaxed pace, close-knit community, and a short commute to Santa Rosa. Monte Rio Union School serves local families, and major hospitals are just a short drive away, making it a peaceful yet connected place to call home.
Demographics - Monte Rio, CA
Demographics - Monte Rio, CA
Monte Rio is a small, close-knit community of around 1,120 residents, with a median age of 54.3, reflecting a mature population. The majority of residents are White, and about 12% speak languages other than English at home, offering some cultural diversity. With a balanced gender ratio and moderate population density, the town is peaceful and welcoming for newcomers.
Population:
1,120
Density:
640 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.3
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.6%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
13.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Monte Rio, CA?
Monte Rio’s cost of living is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 137.0. The median home value stands at $525,000, and average rents are about $1,650 per month, making housing the largest expense for most residents. Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also trend above average, reflecting the town’s desirable location in Sonoma County.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
137.0
Grocery:
120.4
Housing:
162.5
Utilities:
112.3
Transportation:
124.1
Health Care:
113.0
Miscellaneous:
110.5
Crime
Is Monte Rio, CA a safe place to live?
Monte Rio experiences relatively low violent crime, with about 210 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime rates are higher, with a 1 in 41 chance of being affected. Overall, the town offers a generally safe environment but residents should remain cautious regarding property security. The community maintains a friendly and watchful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,420
Crime Index:
2,630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Monte Rio, CA year-round?
Monte Rio enjoys a mild, coastal-influenced climate with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and cool winters with lows around 39°F. The area receives about 56 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 69% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal changes are gentle, offering comfortable year-round living.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
55.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Residents of Monte Rio have a median household income of $57,100 and a poverty rate of 14.2%. Most adults are well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma and nearly 30% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community enjoys a relaxed pace of life, with an average commute time of just over 32 minutes.
Median Income:
$39,200
Household Income:
$57,100
Family Income:
$72,400
Per Capita Income:
$34,850
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$37,900
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
11.9%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
32.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
29.8%
Education
How are the schools in Monte Rio, CA?
Monte Rio Union School, a small public school with a favorable student-teacher ratio, serves local families. For higher education, residents have access to Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University, both within a short drive. These options provide quality educational opportunities from early learning through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Monte Rio Union School
Street:
20700 Foothill Dr
Phone:
707-865-2266
Students:
90
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Colleges
Name:
Santa Rosa Junior College
City:
Santa Rosa
State:
CA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
21,000
Name:
Sonoma State University
City:
Rohnert Park
State:
CA
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
8,600
Healthcare
Healthcare access is reliable, with major hospitals like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and Sonoma West Medical Center located nearby. About 93% of residents have health insurance, and there are 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality care. Emergency services are available, making healthcare convenient and accessible.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
Address:
30 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone:
(707) 576-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sonoma West Medical Center
Address:
501 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone:
(707) 823-8511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Monte Rio, CA?
Monte Rio’s housing market features a median home price of $525,000 and an average rent of $1,650 for a two-bedroom unit. Homeownership is common, with 61.5% of residents owning their homes, and the market shows steady growth with a 3.9% appreciation rate over the past year. Rental options are available, but vacancy rates remain moderate, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Monte Rio residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in Santa Rosa, located at 2570 Corby Ave. The DMV offers all standard motor vehicle services, and assistance is available by phone or online. Its convenient location makes vehicle registration and licensing straightforward for locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2570 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
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.