Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Murphys, CA
Considering a move to Murphys, CA? This charming Gold Country town has a population of around 2,200 and offers a relaxed lifestyle with a median home price of $505,000 and average rents near $1,350. Residents enjoy mild winters, warm summers with 67% sunny days, and a low crime rate (179 violent crimes per 100K). Commute times average 29 minutes, schools have strong graduation rates, and local healthcare is anchored by Mark Twain Medical Center. Murphys blends small-town charm with California’s scenic outdoor living.
Demographics - Murphys, CA
Demographics - Murphys, CA
Murphys is a small community of about 2,200 residents, with a median age of 56.3, reflecting its appeal for retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, and the area maintains a balanced gender ratio and low percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
2,213
Density:
525 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.3
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
9.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Murphys, CA?
The cost of living in Murphys is moderately high, with a cost of living index of 120.4 and a median home value of $505,000. While housing and utilities are above the national average, residents enjoy relatively affordable rents at $1,350 and benefit from California's variable state tax structure.
Median House Value:
$505,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.4
Grocery:
113.5
Housing:
128.7
Utilities:
116.2
Transportation:
119.3
Health Care:
110.8
Miscellaneous:
106.4
Crime
Is Murphys, CA a safe place to live?
Murphys boasts a low crime rate, with only 179 violent crimes and 1,270 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe and secure place to live. The chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 558, which is notably lower than many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
179
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,270
Crime Index:
1,449
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 558
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 79
Weather
What is the weather like in Murphys, CA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons with mild winters and warm, sunny summers, as temperatures range from lows of 32°F in winter to highs of 91°F in summer. With 67% sunny days and nearly 36 inches of annual rainfall, Murphys offers a pleasant climate ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Murphys offers a friendly, community-oriented environment, with a median household income of $70,900 and a low poverty rate of 8.4%. Most residents commute about 29 minutes to work, and the area is well-educated, with nearly 95% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$70,900
Family Income:
$81,100
Per Capita Income:
$38,100
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
5.1%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.8%
Bachelors or More:
31.2%
Education
How are the schools in Murphys, CA?
Murphys offers quality public schools, including Michelson Elementary and Bret Harte Union High School, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is accessible nearby at Columbia College in Sonora, supporting lifelong learning for residents of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Michelson Elementary School
Street:
196 Pennsylvania Gulch Rd
Phone:
209-728-3441
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.7
Name:
Bret Harte Union High School
Street:
364 Murphys Grade Rd
Phone:
209-736-2507
Students:
695
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.1

Colleges
Name:
Columbia College
City:
Sonora
State:
CA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Local healthcare is anchored by Mark Twain Medical Center, providing general and emergency services within easy reach. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, Murphys ensures quality medical care for its population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mark Twain Medical Center
Address:
768 Mountain Ranch Rd, San Andreas, CA 95249
Phone:
(209) 754-3521
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Murphys, CA?
Murphys features a stable housing market with a median home price of $505,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,350. The community enjoys a high owner-occupancy rate of 71.8% and low foreclosure risk, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$505,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services at the California Department of Motor Vehicles location in nearby Angels Camp, ensuring convenient access for licensing and vehicle registration needs. The DMV provides full services both in-person and online for added flexibility.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
888 S Main St, Angels Camp, CA 95222
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.