Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pacifica, CA
Considering a move to Pacifica, CA? With about 37,400 residents, Pacifica offers stunning coastal scenery, a mild climate (65% sunny days), and a strong sense of community. Expect a high median home price of $1.14M and average rents around $2,650, reflecting the Bay Area's elevated cost of living. Crime rates are low for the region, and schools are well-rated, with nearly half of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Convenient commutes to San Francisco (about 32 minutes) and access to nearby medical centers make Pacifica an appealing choice for families and professionals seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Demographics - Pacifica, CA
Demographics - Pacifica, CA
Pacifica is home to around 37,400 residents, with a median age of 43.7 and a nearly even gender balance. The city is diverse, with over 22% Asian and nearly 30% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and multicultural community make it welcoming for newcomers.
Population:
37,401
Density:
3,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.7
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
55.2%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
22.1%
Others:
21.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pacifica, CA?
Living in Pacifica comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1,140,000 and average rents of $2,650 per month. Everyday expenses, including groceries and transportation, are above the national average, typical of Bay Area cities. State income taxes can range widely, and homeowners can expect significant monthly costs, especially with a mortgage.
Median House Value:
$1,140,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
188.0
Grocery:
126.3
Housing:
324.5
Utilities:
101.2
Transportation:
142.7
Health Care:
108.9
Miscellaneous:
127.4
Crime
Is Pacifica, CA a safe place to live?
Pacifica enjoys a relatively low crime rate compared to other Bay Area cities, with just 126 violent crimes and 1,147 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 793, offering residents a reassuring sense of safety. Property crime is more common but remains below national urban averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
126
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,147
Crime Index:
1,273
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 793
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Pacifica, CA year-round?
Pacifica boasts a mild coastal climate year-round, with summer highs averaging 68°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 44°F. The city experiences about 65% sunny days and receives nearly 29 inches of rainfall annually. This temperate weather is ideal for enjoying Pacifica's scenic beaches and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
59°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
68°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Residents of Pacifica enjoy a strong median household income of $139,500 and a low poverty rate of 5.8%. Over 91% have at least a high school diploma, and nearly half hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community. Commute times average around 32 minutes, with a portion of residents utilizing public transportation.
Median Income:
$61,000
Household Income:
$139,500
Family Income:
$155,000
Per Capita Income:
$58,100
Income Male:
$72,000
Income Female:
$59,000
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
29.7%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
13.8%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
47.1%
Education
How are the schools in Pacifica, CA?
Pacifica provides strong educational opportunities, with well-rated public schools like Terra Nova High and Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School, and a variety of private options. Nearly half of local adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and higher education is easily accessible with Skyline College just 4 miles away and San Francisco State University 10 miles from town.

Public Schools
Name:
Terra Nova High School
Street:
1450 Terra Nova Blvd
Phone:
650-550-7690
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School
Street:
1427 Palmetto Ave
Phone:
650-738-6665
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1

Private Schools
Name:
Good Shepherd School
Street:
909 Oceana Blvd
Phone:
650-359-4544
Students:
280

Colleges
Name:
Skyline College
City:
San Bruno
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
8,800
Name:
San Francisco State University
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
27,000
Healthcare
Pacifica residents have access to quality healthcare, with major medical centers like Seton Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente located nearby. The city boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 95.7%, and there are 3.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Comprehensive emergency and specialty services are easily accessible within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Seton Medical Center
Address:
1900 Sullivan Ave, Daly City, CA 94015
Phone:
(650) 992-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center
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:
95.7%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pacifica, CA?
Pacifica's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,140,000 and owner-occupancy at 68.5%. Rental vacancies are low at 3.7%, and average rent for a two-bedroom is $2,650. The area has seen recent home appreciation of 6.2%, making it attractive for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$1,140,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Pacifica residents are handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Sullivan Ave in nearby Daly City. The DMV offers standard driver licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle services, with information available through their website or toll-free number. Appointments are recommended for most transactions.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1500 Sullivan Ave, Daly City, CA 94015
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.