Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Poway, CA
Considering a move to Poway, CA? Home to just under 49,000 people, Poway boasts a safe, family-friendly atmosphere with a median home price of $950,000 and average rents around $2,650. Residents enjoy top-rated schools, very low crime rates, and a sunny, mild climate with 73% sunny days each year. Typical commutes are under 30 minutes, and incomes trend above national averages, making Poway a great choice for those seeking quality education, comfort, and community.
Demographics - Poway, CA
Poway is home to nearly 49,000 residents, with a median age of 42.3, reflecting a mix of families and professionals. The community is predominantly White (64.7%), with notable Hispanic (18.4%) and Asian (10.8%) populations, and about 17% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density contribute to a comfortable suburban feel.
Population:
48,841
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
64.7%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
10.8%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Poway, CA?
Living in Poway comes with a higher cost, as reflected by its cost of living index of 156.0 and a median home value of $950,000. Residents can expect average rents of $2,650 and relatively high prices for groceries, housing, and transportation. While utilities and healthcare are more affordable compared to other categories, overall expenses are above the national average.
Median House Value:
$950,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
156.0
Grocery:
119.0
Housing:
245.0
Utilities:
107.0
Transportation:
141.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
111.0
Crime
Is Poway, CA a safe place to live?
Poway is recognized for its low crime rates, with only 61 violent crimes and 1,005 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 1,639, making it one of the safer communities in the region. This low crime environment contributes to Poway's appeal for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
61
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,005
Crime Index:
1,066
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,639
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 100
Weather
What is the weather like in Poway, CA year-round?
Poway enjoys a sunny and mild climate, experiencing about 73% sunny days each year. Winters are cool but comfortable, with lows in the 40s and highs in the upper 60s, while summers can be warm, reaching highs near 89°F. Rainfall is modest at around 14.4 inches annually, supporting an outdoor-friendly lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Residents of Poway benefit from strong household incomes, with a median household income of nearly $120,000 and a low poverty rate of 5.7%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and almost half hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average around 28 minutes, and public transit use is minimal, reflecting a predominantly car-dependent community.
Median Income:
$61,500
Household Income:
$119,700
Family Income:
$138,200
Per Capita Income:
$52,100
Income Male:
$69,000
Income Female:
$51,500
Poverty Rate:
5.7%
Non English Speakers:
17.1%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.4%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.9%
Bachelors or More:
47.6%
Education
How are the schools in Poway, CA?
Poway is served by highly regarded public schools, such as Poway High School and Twin Peaks Middle School, known for their strong academic programs and supportive communities. The area also offers private school options and convenient access to higher education, with Palomar College and California State University San Marcos both within a short drive. This makes Poway an excellent choice for families prioritizing education.
Public Schools
Name:
Poway High School
Street:
15500 Espola Rd
Phone:
858-748-0245
Students:
2,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
25:1
Name:
Twin Peaks Middle School
Street:
14640 Tierra Bonita Rd
Phone:
858-748-5131
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Michael's School
Street:
15542 Pomerado Rd
Phone:
858-485-1303
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
Palomar College
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
22,600
Name:
California State University San Marcos
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Poway offers convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Palomar Medical Center nearby and a robust network of physicians (2.7 per 1,000 residents). Nearly 96% of residents have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage. Healthcare services in the city are reliable and accessible for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Palomar Medical Center Poway
Address:
15615 Pomerado Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Phone:
(858) 613-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Palomar Medical Center Escondido
Address:
2185 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone:
(442) 281-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
75.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Poway, CA?
Poway's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $950,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 77%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,650 and a low vacancy rate of 3.2%. Home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year, indicating a stable and desirable real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$950,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle motor vehicle needs through the California DMV, with the closest office located in El Cajon at 1450 Graves Ave. The DMV offers a full range of services, including licensing, registration, and title transfers, and can be reached at 1-800-777-0133 or online at the official California DMV website. Appointments are recommended to save time.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1450 Graves Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021
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.