Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Orinda, CA
Considering a move to Orinda, CA? This charming city of 19,725 residents is known for its top-ranked schools, low crime (just 38 violent crimes per 100K), and beautiful, sunny weather with 70% sunny days each year. Be prepared for a high cost of living—median home prices are around $2.1 million and typical rents near $3,500. Residents enjoy short Bay Area commutes (31 minutes), outstanding educational attainment (84% with bachelor’s or higher), and easy access to quality healthcare and outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Orinda, CA
Demographics - Orinda, CA
Orinda is a welcoming community of about 19,700 residents, with a median age of 48.8, reflecting a mature and family-friendly atmosphere. The population is predominantly White (72%), with a significant Asian community (20%) and 18.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. With a population density of 1,400 per square mile, Orinda offers a suburban feel with cultural diversity.
Population:
19,725
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.8
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.0%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
20.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Orinda, CA?
Living in Orinda means a premium lifestyle, with a median home value of $2.1 million and average monthly rent around $3,500. The overall cost of living index is significantly above national averages, driven mainly by high housing and transportation costs. Residents should budget for higher expenses across groceries, utilities, and healthcare as well.
Median House Value:
$2,100,000
Gross Rent:
$3,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$200
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,100
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
237.0
Grocery:
125.0
Housing:
390.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
145.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Orinda, CA a safe place to live?
Orinda is considered very safe, reporting just 38 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a low property crime rate. Residents enjoy peace of mind with a 1 in 2,600 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it an attractive choice for families and those seeking a secure environment. The city consistently maintains crime rates well below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
38
Property Crimes Per 100k:
700
Crime Index:
738
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,600
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 140
Weather
What is the weather like in Orinda, CA year-round?
Orinda boasts a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching up to 85°F and cool winters with lows around 38°F. The city enjoys 70% sunny days each year and receives about 26 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Pleasant weather year-round is a hallmark of life in Orinda.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Orinda’s residents enjoy a high quality of life, with a median household income of $248,000 and a very low poverty rate of 3.1%. The community is highly educated, with 84% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment sits at just 2.3%. Commuters typically spend about 31 minutes traveling, with 13% using public transport, reflecting strong connections to the greater Bay Area.
Median Income:
$90,000
Household Income:
$248,000
Family Income:
$270,000
Per Capita Income:
$110,000
Income Male:
$130,000
Income Female:
$100,000
Poverty Rate:
3.1%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$3,500
Unemployment Rate:
2.3%
Public Transport Usage:
13.0%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
99.0%
Bachelors or More:
84.2%
Education
How are the schools in Orinda, CA?
Orinda is renowned for its top-rated public schools, such as Miramonte High School and Orinda Intermediate, both offering strong academics and robust extracurriculars. The city also benefits from proximity to esteemed colleges like Saint Mary’s College of California and UC Berkeley, supporting lifelong learning. Families are drawn to Orinda for its exceptional educational opportunities and supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Orinda Intermediate School
Street:
80 Ivy Dr
Phone:
925-258-3090
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Miramonte High School
Street:
750 Moraga Way
Phone:
925-280-3930
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Private Schools
Name:
Saklan School
Street:
1678 School St, Moraga, CA
Phone:
925-376-7900
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Saint Mary's College of California
City:
Moraga
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,800
Name:
UC Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
42,000
Healthcare
Orinda residents have convenient access to excellent healthcare, including major hospitals like John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente in nearby Walnut Creek. The area offers a high physician-to-population ratio and nearly 98% of residents have health insurance coverage. Quality healthcare services contribute to the city’s reputation for a healthy and well-supported community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
John Muir Health, Walnut Creek Medical Center
Address:
1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Phone:
(925) 939-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center
Address:
1425 S Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone:
(925) 295-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.5%
Health Care Index:
80.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Orinda, CA?
The housing market in Orinda is competitive, with a median home price of $2.1 million and owner occupancy exceeding 90%. Rental options are limited, reflected by a low vacancy rate of 3.2% and average rents for a two-bedroom home at $3,500. Property values continue to appreciate, emphasizing the area’s desirability and financial stability.
Median Home Price:
$2,100,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
90.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Orinda residents can access DMV services at the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby El Cerrito. The DMV provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and related services, with information and forms available through the official California DMV website. This convenient location helps streamline vehicle and licensing needs for locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6400 Manila Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530
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.