Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Morro Bay, CA
Thinking of moving to Morro Bay, CA? This relaxed coastal city of 10,600 offers gorgeous weather with 70% sunny days, cool ocean breezes, and mild temperatures year-round. Housing is on the pricey side, with a median home value of $789,000 and average rent around $2,100, while cost of living and utilities trend above national averages. Residents enjoy short 18-minute commutes, access to quality healthcare, and a low crime rate (violent crime: 211 per 100K). Top schools, scenic nature, and a welcoming small-town vibe make Morro Bay an appealing spot for your next move.
Demographics - Morro Bay, CA
Demographics - Morro Bay, CA
Morro Bay is a small coastal city with a population of 10,600, notable for its older median age of 53.4 and a predominantly White community. The population density is moderate at 1,150 per square mile, and about 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This demographic mix creates a peaceful, close-knit atmosphere ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
10,600
Density:
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.4
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.4%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
15.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Morro Bay, CA?
Living in Morro Bay comes with higher-than-average expenses, highlighted by a median home value of $789,000 and average rents of $2,100 per month. The overall cost of living index sits at 154.6, with housing and transportation costs notably elevated compared to national figures. Residents should budget accordingly for utilities, groceries, and state taxes, which range from 1% to 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$789,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,860
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$890
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
154.6
Grocery:
115.2
Housing:
220.4
Utilities:
113.5
Transportation:
131.1
Health Care:
109.0
Miscellaneous:
106.7
Crime
Is Morro Bay, CA a safe place to live?
Morro Bay boasts a low crime rate, with only 211 violent crimes and 1,340 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 474, making the city a safe choice for families and retirees. This sense of security adds to the overall quality of life in the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
211
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,340
Crime Index:
1,551
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 474
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Morro Bay, CA year-round?
The city enjoys a mild coastal climate, with temperatures rarely exceeding 70°F in the summer and seldom dropping below 44°F in winter. Morro Bay receives about 18.5 inches of rainfall annually and is sunny around 70% of the year. The pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities and a relaxed, beachside lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Residents in Morro Bay typically experience a comfortable lifestyle, with a median household income of $72,300 and a per capita income of $44,900. The area’s low unemployment rate of 4.1% and short average commute of under 18 minutes contribute to its ease of living. High educational attainment and a low poverty rate foster a friendly and engaged community.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$72,300
Family Income:
$87,400
Per Capita Income:
$44,900
Income Male:
$48,700
Income Female:
$40,200
Poverty Rate:
11.1%
Non English Speakers:
12.1%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
39.7%
Education
How are the schools in Morro Bay, CA?
Morro Bay is served by well-rated public schools, including Del Mar Elementary and Morro Bay High School, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Nearby higher education options include Cuesta College and California Polytechnic State University, both located within 15 miles. The city also has access to private schooling, providing families with diverse educational choices.
Public Schools
Name:
Del Mar Elementary School
Street:
501 Sequoia St
Phone:
805-771-1855
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Morro Bay High School
Street:
235 Atascadero Rd
Phone:
805-771-1845
Students:
830
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
Coast Christian School
Street:
2840 Juniper Ave
Phone:
805-772-1155
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Cuesta College
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
10,600
Name:
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is strong, with major hospitals like French Hospital Medical Center and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center located nearby in San Luis Obispo. Morro Bay offers approximately 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 93.7%. These resources help ensure comprehensive medical care for locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
French Hospital Medical Center
Address:
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
(805) 543-5353
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Morro Bay, CA?
The housing market in Morro Bay is competitive, with a median home price of $789,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,100. About 57% of residents own their homes, and the area has a low vacancy and foreclosure rate, reflecting steady demand. Home values have appreciated by 3.4% over the past year, making real estate a significant investment consideration.
Median Home Price:
$789,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Morro Bay residents are managed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby San Luis Obispo. The DMV offers comprehensive licensing, registration, and titling services. Residents can access information and schedule appointments online or by calling the official DMV hotline.
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.