Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pajaro, CA
Considering a move to Pajaro, CA? With a population of about 3,400, this small and diverse community enjoys mild coastal weather with 70% sunny days and average home prices around $530,000. Renters can expect average rates of $1,700 per month, while the cost of living is higher than average, especially for housing. Commute times are moderate at 25 minutes, and the area offers access to local schools and nearby healthcare. Pajaro is a tight-knit place with rich culture and a predominantly Spanish-speaking population, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle near California’s Central Coast.
Demographics - Pajaro, CA
Demographics - Pajaro, CA
Pajaro, CA is a small, densely populated community of about 3,400 residents, with a notably young median age of 29.5 years. The city is characterized by a predominantly Hispanic and Spanish-speaking population, with 75% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its vibrant cultural mix and close-knit feel make it appealing to families and newcomers alike.
Population:
3,400
Density:
7,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.5
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
75%
Ethnic Composition
White:
10.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
88.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pajaro, CA?
Pajaro's cost of living is higher than the national average, driven primarily by housing costs, with a median home value of $530,000 and average rent around $1,700 per month. Utilities and healthcare costs are also above average, while state taxes range significantly. While living here offers access to California's coastal lifestyle, newcomers should factor in elevated expenses for everyday needs.
Median House Value:
$530,000
Gross Rent:
$1,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
140.0
Grocery:
120.0
Housing:
170.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
135.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Pajaro, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Pajaro are moderate, with about 360 violent crimes and 2,300 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 278 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 43 chance for property crime, which is important to consider for families and individuals evaluating neighborhood safety. The overall crime index suggests a need for common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
360
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,300
Crime Index:
2,660
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Pajaro, CA year-round?
Pajaro enjoys a mild coastal climate, with winter lows around 41°F and summer highs peaking near 74°F. The area sees approximately 70% sunny days each year and receives about 22 inches of rainfall, making it comfortable for outdoor activities year-round. Its temperate weather is a major draw for those seeking a pleasant Central Coast lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Pajaro's households have a median income of $66,500, but the community faces a relatively high poverty rate of 27.5%. The area is known for its hardworking, predominantly Spanish-speaking residents, and has a lower-than-average rate of higher education attainment, with just 5.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Most residents commute about 25 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$66,500
Family Income:
$56,000
Per Capita Income:
$14,500
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
75%
Rent:
$1,700
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
51.2%
Bachelors or More:
5.7%
Education
How are the schools in Pajaro, CA?
Pajaro is served by local public schools such as Pajaro Middle School and Ohlone Elementary, offering moderate student-to-teacher ratios. While the area lacks private school options, higher education is accessible nearby at Cabrillo College and California State University Monterey Bay, both within a short drive. Families will find essential K–12 and post-secondary opportunities within reach.
Public Schools
Name:
Pajaro Middle School
Street:
250 Salinas Rd
Phone:
831-728-6333
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Ohlone Elementary School
Street:
225 Southill St, Watsonville, CA
Phone:
831-728-6977
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.7
Colleges
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
California State University Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
7,600
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals like Watsonville Community Hospital and Dominican Hospital, both offering emergency services nearby. Pajaro maintains a reasonable healthcare coverage rate at 83.8%, and there are approximately 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, supporting basic medical needs locally. The area's healthcare infrastructure is reliable for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Dominican Hospital
Address:
1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone:
(831) 462-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.8%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pajaro, CA?
Pajaro's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $530,000 and a low rental vacancy rate of 2.5%, indicating strong demand. Only 35% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a significant renter population. Home values have appreciated by nearly 4% over the past year, making it important for buyers and renters to act quickly.
Median Home Price:
$530,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
35.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services at the California Department of Motor Vehicles in Capitola, located at 4200 Capitola Rd. The office provides standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services for Pajaro locals and is reachable by phone or through the official California DMV website. This convenient access supports the community’s transportation needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4200 Capitola Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
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.