California / Sonoma County

Moving to Petaluma, CA

Thinking of making a move to Petaluma, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Petaluma, CA

Considering a move to Petaluma, CA? This welcoming community of 59,776 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $885,000 and average rents near $2,350. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (69% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Petaluma's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Petaluma, CA

Petaluma has a population of 59,776 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 69% White, 1% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Petaluma is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 163.2. Median home values are around $885,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 142 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 74. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 69% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
50°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
24.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
69%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $100,200 and a low poverty rate of 7.2%. Over 93% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 40% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Petaluma offers quality education options, with public schools like Petaluma High School and Kenilworth Junior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Santa Rosa Junior College – Petaluma Campus and Sonoma State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Petaluma residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Petaluma Valley Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 93.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $885,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.6%. Petaluma offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Petaluma handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Petaluma. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
715 Southpoint Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Petaluma, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Petaluma, review the core fields on this page: population 59,776, median home value $885,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,350, commute time 30.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 69%.

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