Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pismo Beach, CA
Considering a move to Pismo Beach, CA? This charming seaside city boasts a population of just over 8,000 with a relaxed, beach-town vibe and a median home price of $1,050,000. Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate with 70% sunny days, low violent crime rates, and short average commutes of 19 minutes. Excellent local schools, close proximity to major hospitals, and a high educational attainment rate make Pismo Beach an appealing choice for families and retirees seeking a scenic, safe, and active lifestyle on California’s Central Coast.
Demographics - Pismo Beach, CA
Demographics - Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach is home to about 8,170 residents, with a median age nearing 50 and a predominantly White population. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere, with roughly 12% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
8,170
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.8
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
3.9%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pismo Beach, CA?
Living in Pismo Beach comes with a higher cost, reflected in a median home value of $1,050,000 and a cost of living index well above the national average. Essentials such as groceries and utilities are pricier than average, making this coastal city more suitable for those comfortable with a premium lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$970
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
175.4
Grocery:
121.0
Housing:
290.0
Utilities:
109.0
Transportation:
135.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Pismo Beach, CA a safe place to live?
Pismo Beach maintains a low violent crime rate, with just 157 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety to its community. Property crime is more common but still moderate, giving residents peace of mind in everyday life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
157
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,755
Crime Index:
1,912
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 636
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Pismo Beach, CA year-round?
The city enjoys a mild coastal climate, with summer highs around 74°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 43°F. Residents benefit from 70% sunny days and moderate annual rainfall, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
63°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Pismo Beach neighborhoods are well-educated, with over 95% of adults holding a high school diploma and nearly half earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. Median household incomes approach $98,000, and the area boasts a low poverty rate and short average commutes.
Median Income:
$46,000
Household Income:
$98,000
Family Income:
$111,000
Per Capita Income:
$58,500
Income Male:
$63,000
Income Female:
$51,000
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
12.2%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.4%
Bachelors or More:
47.6%
Education
How are the schools in Pismo Beach, CA?
Families in Pismo Beach benefit from reputable public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios conducive to personalized learning. The city is also close to higher education institutions like Cal Poly and Cuesta College, offering diverse academic opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Shell Beach Elementary School
Street:
2100 Shell Beach Rd
Phone:
805-474-3760
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Judkins Middle School
Street:
680 Wadsworth Ave, Pismo Beach
Phone:
805-474-3500
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.2
Private Schools
Name:
Coastal Christian School
Street:
1005 N Oak Park Blvd, Arroyo Grande
Phone:
805-489-1213
Students:
190
Colleges
Name:
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Cuesta College
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
10,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals just minutes away and a strong ratio of 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 92% of locals have health insurance, contributing to overall community well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital
Address:
345 S Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Phone:
(805) 489-4261
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
French Hospital Medical Center
Address:
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
(805) 543-5353
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.6%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pismo Beach, CA?
The housing market in Pismo Beach is competitive, with a median home price of $1,050,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $2,350. Home appreciation remains steady and rental vacancy rates are low, reflecting high demand for coastal living.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby San Luis Obispo. Residents can access registration, licensing, and other vehicle services at this regional office or online through the state DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3190 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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.