Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palomar Mountain, CA
Considering a move to Palomar Mountain, CA? This scenic, close-knit mountain community of just 310 residents offers tranquil living, with a median home price around $650,000 and average rents near $1,950. Crime rates are low, and the area boasts 70% sunny days, cool summers, and a peaceful rural atmosphere. Commute times average about 39 minutes, and while schools are a drive away, residents enjoy access to beautiful natural surroundings and star-filled nights atop one of Southern California's most cherished peaks.
Demographics - Palomar Mountain, CA
Demographics - Palomar Mountain, CA
Palomar Mountain is a small, close-knit community with just 310 residents and a low population density of 13 people per square mile. The area has a mature population, with a median age of 54.2, and is predominantly White, though nearly 10% speak a language other than English at home. This rural setting offers a tranquil lifestyle ideal for those seeking peace and space.
Population:
310
Density:
13 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
18.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palomar Mountain, CA?
The cost of living in Palomar Mountain is notably higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 153.2 and a median home value of $650,000. Residents typically pay around $1,950 for rent and $200 monthly for electricity, reflecting the premium for mountain living and natural beauty. Expenses like groceries, healthcare, and transportation are also above average for California.
Median House Value:
$650,000
Gross Rent:
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$200
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$930
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
153.2
Grocery:
116.7
Housing:
210.4
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
128.3
Health Care:
112.7
Miscellaneous:
109.8
Crime
Is Palomar Mountain, CA a safe place to live?
Palomar Mountain boasts low crime rates, with just 84 violent crimes and 680 property crimes per 100,000 residents reported annually. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 1,190, making it a safe and secure community. This peaceful environment adds to its appeal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
84
Property Crimes Per 100k:
680
Crime Index:
764
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,190
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 147
Weather
What is the weather like in Palomar Mountain, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild mountain climate with cool summers, where highs rarely exceed 79°F, and chilly winters that dip to around 31°F. The area receives about 30 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 70% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate changing seasons.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
30 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
The community features a blend of middle-income households, with a median household income of $73,500 and a poverty rate of just under 9%. Most residents are well-educated, with over 91% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the unemployment rate remains low at 4%. Public transportation usage is minimal, and commutes average about 39 minutes, reflecting the area's rural character.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$73,500
Family Income:
$81,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,900
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
9.8%
Rent:
$1,950
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
39.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
36.2%
Education
How are the schools in Palomar Mountain, CA?
While Palomar Mountain itself is remote, families have access to public schools such as Valley Center Elementary and Valley Center Middle School within a reasonable drive. For higher education, Palomar College and California State University San Marcos are located about 25–28 miles away, offering broad learning opportunities. The area also has private schooling options, supporting educational needs from early years through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Valley Center Elementary School
Street:
28751 Cole Grade Rd
Phone:
760-749-1611
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1
Name:
Valley Center Middle School
Street:
28102 N Lake Wohlford Rd
Phone:
760-749-1302
Students:
860
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.7
Private Schools
Name:
Calvin Christian School
Street:
1868 N Broadway, Escondido, CA
Phone:
760-520-8434
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Palomar College
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
25,000
Name:
California State University San Marcos
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong, with Palomar Medical Center and Temecula Valley Hospital providing emergency and general surgical services nearby. The area supports a high physician-to-population ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and nearly 90% of residents are covered by health insurance. Quality healthcare is readily available for both routine and urgent needs.
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:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palomar Mountain, CA?
Palomar Mountain's housing market features a median home price of $650,000 and high owner occupancy at 76.1%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,950, and the market shows healthy growth, with a 6.3% appreciation rate over the past year. The area maintains a stable housing supply, low foreclosure rates, and a peaceful residential atmosphere.
Median Home Price:
$650,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Palomar Mountain are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in San Diego. The DMV provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services. More information and online resources are available at the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103
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.