Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pioneer, CA
Considering a move to Pioneer, CA? This small Sierra foothill community of 1,094 residents features affordable living, with a median home price of $370,000 and average rents around $1,350. Enjoy a peaceful, rural atmosphere, low population density, and abundant sunshine—over 70% of days are sunny, with mild winters and warm summers. Commute times average 32 minutes, crime rates are moderate, and local schools offer a tight-knit educational environment. Pioneer is ideal for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle close to nature with a reasonable cost of living.
Demographics - Pioneer, CA
Demographics - Pioneer, CA
Pioneer, CA is a small community with just over 1,000 residents, a low population density, and a median age of 54, suggesting a mature and tranquil atmosphere. The vast majority of residents are White, and about 6% speak a language other than English at home, offering modest diversity. The gender balance is nearly even, making for a well-rounded local population.
Population:
1,094
Density:
80 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.8%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pioneer, CA?
Living in Pioneer offers affordability compared to many California areas, with a median home value of $370,000 and average rents around $1,350. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average, largely due to higher utility and housing costs. State taxes range widely, so expenses can vary depending on income.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.8
Grocery:
109.0
Housing:
108.5
Utilities:
112.4
Transportation:
105.6
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
107.2
Crime
Is Pioneer, CA a safe place to live?
Pioneer experiences moderate crime rates, with property crime being more common than violent incidents. Residents have a 1 in 70 chance of property crime and a 1 in 415 chance of violent crime, which is relatively typical for rural areas. The overall crime index reflects a safe but watchful community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
241
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,432
Crime Index:
1,673
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 415
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Pioneer, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a pleasant four-season climate, with warm, dry summers reaching highs near 89°F and mild winters averaging above freezing. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and boasts over 70% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal changes bring comfortable temperatures for year-round activities.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
53°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Pioneer is around $60,500, and the poverty rate is just over 10%, reflecting a modest but stable economic environment. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly a quarter hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average just over 30 minutes, with limited use of public transportation.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$60,500
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$31,800
Income Male:
$44,500
Income Female:
$33,600
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.8%
Education
How are the schools in Pioneer, CA?
Pioneer offers a close-knit educational experience, anchored by Pine Grove Elementary and options for both private schooling and nearby community colleges. The local elementary school maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 17:1, supporting personalized learning. Higher education needs are served by Columbia College just 38 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Pine Grove Elementary School
Street:
20101 Hwy 88
Phone:
209-296-2800
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5

Private Schools
Name:
Ione Christian School
Street:
108 S Buena Vista St
Phone:
209-274-5161
Students:
95

Colleges
Name:
Columbia College
City:
Sonora
State:
CA
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Pioneer residents have access to general and emergency care at Sutter Amador Hospital nearby, with roughly 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage, contributing to overall community well-being. Healthcare services are readily available for routine and urgent needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sutter Amador Hospital
Address:
200 Mission Blvd, Jackson, CA 95642
Phone:
(209) 223-7500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pioneer, CA?
The housing market in Pioneer is characterized by a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 80% and a median home price of $370,000. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,350 and a moderate vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by about 3% in the past year, indicating steady but not rapid growth.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in South Lake Tahoe. Services include licensing, registration, and more, accessible both in person and online. The DMV’s statewide resources ensure all vehicle and identification needs are met for Pioneer locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3310 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
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.