Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Petaluma, CA
Considering a move to Petaluma, CA? With a friendly population of nearly 60,000, this Sonoma County city offers a mild climate featuring 69% sunny days, outstanding schools, and a vibrant downtown. Home values average around $885,000, and rents for a two-bedroom are about $2,350, reflecting the higher Bay Area cost of living. Petaluma boasts low violent crime (142 per 100K), short 30-minute average commutes, and strong educational attainment—perfect for families and professionals seeking charm, safety, and a laid-back Northern California lifestyle.
Demographics - Petaluma, CA
Demographics - Petaluma, CA
Petaluma is home to nearly 60,000 residents, with a median age of just over 41, reflecting a mature and diverse community. The city features a strong mix of cultures, with about 24% identifying as Hispanic or Latino and nearly one in five residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density contribute to a welcoming small-city atmosphere.
Population:
59,776
Density:
4,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
69.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Petaluma, CA?
Living in Petaluma comes with a higher-than-average cost, as reflected by a cost of living index of 163.2 and median home prices around $885,000. Monthly rents for a two-bedroom apartment average $2,350, and utility and transportation costs are above national norms. While costs are high, residents enjoy access to quality amenities and a desirable Northern California lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$885,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
163.2
Grocery:
129.3
Housing:
227.0
Utilities:
115.6
Transportation:
136.2
Health Care:
117.8
Miscellaneous:
108.9
Crime
Is Petaluma, CA a safe place to live?
Petaluma enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate of 142 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and professionals. Property crime occurs at a moderate rate, with a 1 in 74 chance annually, but overall, the city maintains a secure and community-focused environment. Residents benefit from a strong sense of safety and neighborhood cohesion.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
142
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,349
Crime Index:
1,491
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 704
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Petaluma, CA year-round?
Petaluma boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs averaging 83°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 38°F. The city receives about 24 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine nearly 70% of the year. This pleasant weather supports an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle year-round.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Residents of Petaluma enjoy a comfortable standard of living, with a median household income topping $100,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.2%. Most adults 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 about 30 minutes, and unemployment remains below 4%, supporting both career growth and work-life balance.
Median Income:
$54,800
Household Income:
$100,200
Family Income:
$120,500
Per Capita Income:
$47,400
Income Male:
$62,000
Income Female:
$49,500
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
19.4%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
30.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
40.1%
Education
How are the schools in Petaluma, CA?
Families in Petaluma benefit from strong educational options, including well-regarded public schools such as Petaluma High School and access to local colleges like Santa Rosa Junior College’s Petaluma Campus. Class sizes in public schools average around 21–24 students per teacher, and private schooling is also available. Higher education opportunities are nearby, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development.

Public Schools
Name:
Petaluma High School
Street:
201 Fair St
Phone:
707-778-4652
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.1
Name:
Kenilworth Junior High School
Street:
800 Riesling Rd
Phone:
707-778-4724
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.3

Private Schools
Name:
St. Vincent de Paul High School
Street:
849 Keokuk St
Phone:
707-763-1032
Students:
200

Colleges
Name:
Santa Rosa Junior College – Petaluma Campus
City:
Petaluma
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
Sonoma State University
City:
Rohnert Park
State:
CA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
8,600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Petaluma is robust, with access to top facilities like Petaluma Valley Hospital and a high rate of insurance coverage at 93.8%. The city offers about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring timely access to both routine and emergency care. Residents benefit from a well-developed healthcare infrastructure and quality medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Petaluma Valley Hospital
Address:
400 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Phone:
(707) 778-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center
Address:
401 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone:
(707) 571-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Petaluma, CA?
Petaluma’s housing market is characterized by high demand, with median home prices at $885,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of nearly 68%. Rental options are relatively limited, with a low vacancy rate of 3.6% and average rents around $2,350 for a two-bedroom. The market has seen steady appreciation, reflecting the city’s ongoing desirability and stable investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$885,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Petaluma residents can conveniently access the California Department of Motor Vehicles at the local Southpoint Blvd branch. This DMV office provides essential services like driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. For information and appointments, residents can visit the state DMV website or call the dedicated service line.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
715 Southpoint Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
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.