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 61,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $875,000 and average rents near $2,450. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (65% 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 61,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 43 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 73% White, 2% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
61,500
Density
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age
43.2
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
73.0%
Black
2.0%
Asian
5.5%
Others
19.5%

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 172.0. Median home values are around $875,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$875,000
Gross Rent
$2,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$4,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
172.0
Grocery
121.0
Housing
255.0
Utilities
122.0
Transportation
138.0
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
118.0

Crime

Is Petaluma, CA a safe place to live?

Petaluma is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. 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
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,420
Crime Index
1,630
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 70

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 39°F. The area receives about 30 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 65% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
39°F
Max
57°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
69°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
29.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
65%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $112,500 and a low poverty rate of 7.5%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 40% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$54,000
Household Income
$112,500
Family Income
$128,000
Per Capita Income
$52,800
Income Male
$67,000
Income Female
$58,000
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Non English Speakers
22.0%
Rent
$2,450
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Public Transport Usage
8.5%
Commute Time
31.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.0%
Bachelors or More
39.5%

Education

How are the schools in Petaluma, CA?

Petaluma offers quality education options, with public schools like Casa Grande High School and Petaluma 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
Casa Grande High School
Street
333 Casa Grande Rd
Phone
707-778-4673
Students
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio
22.0
Name
Petaluma High School
Street
201 Fair St
Phone
707-778-4623
Students
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
22.5

Private Schools

Name
St. Vincent de Paul High School
Street
849 Keokuk St
Phone
707-762-7832
Students
330

Colleges

Name
Santa Rosa Junior College - Petaluma Campus
City
Petaluma
State
CA
Distance
2 miles
Students
3,000
Name
Sonoma State University
City
Rohnert Park
State
CA
Distance
12 miles
Students
7,500

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 2.4 per 1,000 people and 92.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Petaluma Valley Hospital
Address
1421 Professional Dr, 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) 393-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
92.0%
Health Care Index
77.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Petaluma, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $875,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Petaluma offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$875,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,450
Owner Occupied Rate
62.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Petaluma handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. 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
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
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 61,500, median home value $875,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,450, commute time 31.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 65%.

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