Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Moss Beach, CA
Thinking about a move to Moss Beach, CA? With a small coastal population of around 3,200, this scenic enclave features mild, foggy weather and stunning Pacific views. Expect a higher cost of living with median home prices at $1.31 million and average rents near $3,300, but enjoy low violent crime rates (80 per 100k) and a well-educated community. Residents benefit from strong local incomes, quick access to healthcare, and a laid-back lifestyle just 30 minutes from San Francisco—perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty on the coast.
Demographics - Moss Beach, CA
Demographics - Moss Beach, CA
Moss Beach is a close-knit community of about 3,200 residents, with a median age of 47 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and other groups contributing to its diversity, and about 17% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This small town atmosphere appeals to those looking for a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Population:
3,200
Density:
1,125 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.5%
Asian:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Moss Beach, CA?
Living in Moss Beach comes with a high price tag, as the median home value is $1.31 million and average rents reach $3,300, reflecting its desirable coastal location. The overall cost of living index is nearly double the national average, with housing being the largest expense. While utilities and groceries are also above average, residents enjoy access to high local incomes and scenic surroundings.
Median House Value:
$1,310,000
Gross Rent:
$3,300
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
196.0
Grocery:
120.5
Housing:
295.0
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Moss Beach, CA a safe place to live?
Moss Beach is a generally safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 and a property crime chance of 1 in 88. Most residents experience a strong sense of security, making it attractive for families and retirees. The overall crime index sits well below national urban averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,220
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Moss Beach, CA year-round?
Moss Beach enjoys a mild, temperate climate year-round, with summer highs averaging 67°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 43°F. The area receives about 23 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 60% sunny days, though coastal fog is frequent. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the comfortable conditions and Pacific breezes.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
67°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Moss Beach tend to be affluent, with a median income of $153,000 and a low poverty rate under 5%. The community is well-educated—over half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and enjoys a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most residents commute about 33 minutes, often traveling to jobs in the greater Bay Area.
Median Income:
$60,800
Household Income:
$153,000
Family Income:
$168,000
Per Capita Income:
$68,000
Income Male:
$82,000
Income Female:
$66,000
Poverty Rate:
4.5%
Non English Speakers:
17%
Rent:
$3,300
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
8.5%
Commute Time:
33.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
54.2%
Education
How are the schools in Moss Beach, CA?
Families in Moss Beach have access to highly rated public schools such as Farallone View Elementary, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are available at nearby Cañada College, just 14 miles away. The community’s strong educational attainment reflects its commitment to quality learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Farallone View Elementary School
Street:
1100 Le Conte Ave
Phone:
650-712-7160
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Colleges
Name:
Cañada College
City:
Redwood City
State:
CA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
6,800
Healthcare
Moss Beach offers excellent healthcare access, with local facilities like Seton Coastside Hospital providing emergency services and a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 97%. Residents benefit from a strong physician-to-population ratio, supporting comprehensive care needs. Major hospitals are located both in town and nearby South San Francisco.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Seton Coastside Hospital
Address:
600 Marine Blvd, Moss Beach, CA 94038
Phone:
(650) 563-7100
Type:
Skilled Nursing & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco
Address:
1200 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone:
(650) 742-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.7%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Moss Beach, CA?
The Moss Beach housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1.31 million and owner occupancy at over 77%. Rental vacancies are low at just 3.6%, reflecting steady demand for both homes and rentals. Property values have appreciated by more than 4% in the past year, making it a sought-after coastal real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$1,310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Moss Beach residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office in South San Francisco. The DMV provides all standard services, including licensing and vehicle registration, and is easily accessible for locals. Appointments and information can be found on the official California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1377 S. Airport Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94080
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.