Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oceanside, CA
Considering a move to Oceanside, CA? This vibrant coastal city of 174,461 residents offers sunny weather year-round (72% sunny days), gorgeous beaches, and a relaxed Southern California lifestyle. While the median home price is $765,000 and average rent is $2,300, residents enjoy quick access to the ocean, strong healthcare options, and a commute time averaging 29 minutes. With low violent crime (274 per 100K), diverse schools, and a moderate cost of living for the region, Oceanside is a popular choice for families and professionals seeking the quintessential SoCal experience.
Demographics - Oceanside, CA
Demographics - Oceanside, CA
Oceanside is home to approximately 174,000 residents with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 37, reflecting a diverse, family-friendly community. Nearly half the population identifies as White, with significant representation from other ethnic groups, and over a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city’s population density and multicultural atmosphere create a vibrant, welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
174,461
Density:
4,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
28.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
47.9%
Black:
4.7%
Asian:
7.4%
Others:
40.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oceanside, CA?
Living in Oceanside comes with a higher-than-average cost, as reflected in a cost of living index of 151.4. The median home value is about $765,000 and typical rent hovers around $2,300 per month. While housing costs are substantial, residents benefit from coastal amenities, a variety of grocery and utility options, and relatively competitive state tax rates for California.
Median House Value:
$765,000
Gross Rent:
$2,300
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
151.4
Grocery:
117.6
Housing:
207.5
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
130.1
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Oceanside, CA a safe place to live?
Oceanside maintains a relatively low violent crime rate of 274 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a good sense of safety. Property crime is more common, but the overall crime index remains moderate for a coastal California city. Most residents find Oceanside to be a safe and comfortable place to live and raise a family.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
274
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,654
Crime Index:
1,928
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 364
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Oceanside, CA year-round?
Oceanside boasts a mild coastal climate, with average winter lows around 45°F and summer highs reaching a pleasant 76°F. The city enjoys 72% sunny days each year and receives about 13 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Year-round comfortable temperatures support an active and beach-focused lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Households in Oceanside typically earn around $82,000 annually, and about 89% of adults have completed high school or higher education. The area has a moderate poverty rate of 11.2% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%, with most residents relying on personal vehicles and an average commute time of about 29 minutes. The community is diverse and well-educated, with a strong local workforce.
Median Income:
$41,500
Household Income:
$82,000
Family Income:
$89,700
Per Capita Income:
$37,800
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$41,600
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
28.5%
Rent:
$2,300
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
26.8%
Education
How are the schools in Oceanside, CA?
Oceanside features a variety of public and private schools, including Oceanside High School and St. Mary Star of the Sea School, supporting families with children of all ages. The city is also home to MiraCosta College and is near California State University San Marcos, providing local access to higher education. With student-teacher ratios in the low 20s and diverse educational opportunities, Oceanside is well-equipped for lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Oceanside High School
Street:
1 Pirates Cove Way
Phone:
760-966-4000
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Lincoln Middle School
Street:
2000 California St
Phone:
760-901-8900
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Star of the Sea School
Street:
515 Wisconsin Ave
Phone:
760-722-7259
Students:
260
Colleges
Name:
MiraCosta College
City:
Oceanside
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
14,000
Name:
California State University San Marcos
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Oceanside residents benefit from quality healthcare, with major providers like Tri-City Medical Center and Scripps Coastal Medical Center offering comprehensive services. The city has 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 91%. Access to emergency and primary care is convenient, ensuring peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Tri-City Medical Center
Address:
4002 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone:
(760) 724-8411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Scripps Coastal Medical Center Oceanside
Address:
4318 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057
Phone:
(760) 806-5400
Type:
Outpatient & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oceanside, CA?
The Oceanside housing market is robust, with a median home price of $765,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,300 and a low vacancy rate, while home values have seen a healthy 5.3% appreciation over the past year. The market is competitive, reflecting steady demand and coastal desirability.
Median Home Price:
$765,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Oceanside residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on Plaza Drive, offering a full range of services for vehicle registration and licensing. For assistance, locals can call 1-800-777-0133 or visit the DMV website. The office’s convenient location ensures easy access for all motor vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4005 Plaza Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056
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.