Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pala, CA
Thinking of moving to Pala, CA? With a small population of just over 1,200, Pala offers tranquil rural living, warm sunny weather, and affordable rents averaging $2,100. Median home prices are around $635,000, with a low violent crime rate and an average commute of about 32 minutes. While education attainment is modest, residents enjoy access to nearby colleges and a close-knit community, making it a peaceful spot for those seeking space and Southern California sunshine.
Demographics - Pala, CA
Pala, California is a small, close-knit community with just over 1,200 residents and a median age of 35.8 years. The area is diverse, with over half the population identifying as non-White, and nearly 40% speaking a language other than English at home. Its low population density offers a relaxed, rural atmosphere ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
1,205
Density:
80 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
39.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
44.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
53.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pala, CA?
Living in Pala means facing a higher cost of living compared to national averages, with a cost of living index of 142.5 and median home values near $635,000. Rent averages $2,100 per month, and utility costs are moderate for Southern California. While taxes can be high, daily expenses like groceries and healthcare are somewhat above average.
Median House Value:
$635,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,890
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$790
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
142.5
Grocery:
117.2
Housing:
188.0
Utilities:
116.5
Transportation:
132.0
Health Care:
112.5
Miscellaneous:
109.8
Crime
Is Pala, CA a safe place to live?
Pala experiences a low violent crime rate, with only 118 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a relatively safe place to live. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 95 chance, but overall crime remains below typical urban levels. Residents enjoy a sense of security in this rural community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
118
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,168
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 847
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Pala, CA year-round?
Pala enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers reaching up to 92°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 42°F. The region receives about 16.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 72% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Comfortable temperatures and abundant sunshine define local living.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The median household income in Pala is around $63,200, with a poverty rate of 17.5%. Most residents commute about 32 minutes to work, and nearly 80% have completed high school or higher. The community is primarily residential and offers a peaceful environment for families and individuals alike.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$63,200
Family Income:
$65,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
39.5%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
6.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
31.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.3%
Bachelors or More:
10.6%
Education
How are the schools in Pala, CA?
Pala offers public education through Vivian Banks Charter School, which maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.5 and serves local families. While local higher education options are limited, residents benefit from proximity to institutions like Palomar College and California State University San Marcos, both within a 25-mile drive. The community supports a modest yet accessible educational environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Vivian Banks Charter School
Street:
11800 Pala Mission Rd
Phone:
760-742-3300
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Colleges
Name:
Palomar College
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
24,000
Name:
California State University San Marcos
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Residents of Pala have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including nearby major hospitals such as Palomar Medical Center and Temecula Valley Hospital, both offering emergency care. The area has a solid physician-to-population ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.5%. Healthcare quality is rated above average, ensuring reliable medical support.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Palomar Medical Center
Address:
2185 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone:
(442) 281-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Temecula Valley Hospital
Address:
31700 Temecula Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Phone:
(951) 331-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pala, CA?
The housing market in Pala is characterized by a median home price of $635,000 and an average rent of $2,100 for a two-bedroom unit. Approximately 69% of homes are owner-occupied, with a low foreclosure rate of 0.7% and steady appreciation. The market is stable, making it suitable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$635,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Pala residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby El Cajon. The DMV provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and driver services, and appointments can be scheduled online or by phone. Access to DMV services is straightforward for new and current residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1450 Graves Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021
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.