Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Occidental, CA
Thinking about relocating to Occidental, CA? This charming small town of around 1,150 residents offers a laid-back lifestyle amid the redwoods, with a median home price of $810,000 and average rents near $2,300. Crime rates are low, and the climate features mild winters, warm summers, and about 65% sunny days each year. With high educational attainment, excellent access to outdoor recreation, and a close-knit community feel, Occidental is ideal for those seeking tranquility within reach of Sonoma County amenities.
Demographics - Occidental, CA
Demographics - Occidental, CA
Occidental is a small town of approximately 1,150 residents, known for its close-knit and mature community, with a median age of 51.6 years and a population density of 313 people per square mile. The majority of residents are White, and about 12% speak languages other than English at home, reflecting a modest degree of diversity.
Population:
1,150
Density:
313 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
10.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Occidental, CA?
The cost of living in Occidental is high, with a median home value of $810,000 and average rents around $2,300 per month, largely driven by housing expenses. Overall, the cost of living index is 157, indicating expenses are significantly above the national average, especially for housing and transportation.
Median House Value:
$810,000
Gross Rent:
$2,300
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
157
Grocery:
127
Housing:
226
Utilities:
110
Transportation:
140
Health Care:
116
Miscellaneous:
120
Crime
Is Occidental, CA a safe place to live?
Occidental offers a low-crime environment, with violent crime rates at just 110 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 910 chance of experiencing such an event. Property crimes are more common but still moderate, making this town a safe choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
1,960
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Occidental, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with average winter lows of 38°F and summer highs reaching 85°F, plus about 65% sunny days annually. The area receives ample rainfall, averaging 46 inches per year, contributing to its lush redwood surroundings.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn about $77,700 annually, and the poverty rate is a relatively low 7.2%. Educational attainment is high, with nearly 95% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher, and average commute times are around 34 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$77,700
Family Income:
$88,400
Per Capita Income:
$40,500
Income Male:
$49,500
Income Female:
$37,100
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
11.8%
Rent:
$2,300
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
43.1%
Education
How are the schools in Occidental, CA?
Occidental offers quality educational options including Harmony Union Elementary School and Salmon Creek School, both fostering small class sizes. Nearby higher education institutions like Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University are within 25 miles, providing accessible opportunities for advanced learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Harmony Union Elementary School
Street:
1935 Bohemian Hwy
Phone:
707-874-1205
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1

Private Schools
Name:
Salmon Creek School
Street:
1935 Bohemian Hwy
Phone:
707-874-3284
Students:
110

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:
24 miles
Students:
8,800
Healthcare
Occidental residents have access to major hospitals in nearby Santa Rosa, and 92.7% of locals have health insurance coverage. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and a favorable healthcare index, quality medical care is readily available within a short drive.

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 (Nearest ER: Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital)
Address:
1165 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone:
(707) 546-3210
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Occidental, CA?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $810,000 and owner-occupancy at nearly 64%. Home values have appreciated by 5.1% over the past year, reflecting strong demand and limited new construction.
Median Home Price:
$810,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Sacramento. Essential services, licensing, and vehicle registration can be accessed both online and in person through the DMV’s official channels.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2550 23rd St, Sacramento, CA 95818
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.