Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prunedale, CA
Considering a move to Prunedale, CA? This semi-rural community of 18,885 offers sunny weather (72% sunny days), scenic surroundings, and a slower pace of life. Housing costs are higher than the national average, with a median home price around $722,000 and typical rents at $2,350, but residents enjoy low crime rates, easy access to Salinas, and quick commutes averaging 30 minutes. Schools are well-rated, and the area’s mild climate makes outdoor living a year-round pleasure.
Demographics - Prunedale, CA
Demographics - Prunedale, CA
Prunedale is home to nearly 19,000 residents, offering a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 42, which suggests a mix of families and mature professionals. The community is diverse, with a majority White population and significant representation of other ethnic groups, while nearly 40% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Overall, Prunedale combines a suburban feel with cultural variety.
Population:
18,885
Density:
650 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
39.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
53.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
3.6%
Others:
41.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prunedale, CA?
Living in Prunedale means higher-than-average expenses, as reflected by a cost of living index of 153.1 and a median home value of $722,000. Monthly rents average $2,350, and utilities and transportation costs are above national norms, making it important for newcomers to budget accordingly. State income taxes in California can also vary widely, from 1% up to 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$722,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
153.1
Grocery:
120.8
Housing:
210.5
Utilities:
111.0
Transportation:
137.7
Health Care:
112.6
Miscellaneous:
109.3
Crime
Is Prunedale, CA a safe place to live?
Prunedale enjoys relatively low crime rates, with a violent crime incidence of 264 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,594 per 100,000. The overall chance of experiencing a violent crime here is about 1 in 378, making it a generally safe choice for families and individuals. Residents appreciate the peace of mind that comes with these lower crime statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
264
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,594
Crime Index:
1,858
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 378
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Prunedale, CA year-round?
Prunedale offers a mild, Mediterranean climate, with summer highs around 76°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 39°F. The area receives about 22 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys 72% sunny days, making outdoor activities pleasant year-round. This comfortable weather is one of the city’s most attractive features.
Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Prunedale’s households have a median income of $96,400, and the area boasts a relatively low poverty rate of 8.1%. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with an average travel time of about 30 minutes, while public transportation use is minimal. Educational attainment is moderate, with nearly 80% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$96,400
Family Income:
$108,000
Per Capita Income:
$35,200
Income Male:
$42,500
Income Female:
$37,800
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
39.5%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
6.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
30.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.6%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Prunedale, CA?
The Prunedale area offers several public schools with reasonable student-teacher ratios and access to private education options nearby. Higher education is easily accessible with Hartnell College just 11 miles away and California State University – Monterey Bay within 20 miles, supporting lifelong learning opportunities. Families benefit from a range of quality schooling choices at all levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Prunedale Elementary School
Street:
17719 Pesante Rd
Phone:
831-663-6393
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.0
Name:
North Monterey County Middle School
Street:
10301 Seymour St, Castroville
Phone:
831-633-3343
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Private Schools
Name:
Santa Catalina School
Street:
1500 Mark Thomas Dr, Monterey
Phone:
831-655-9300
Students:
525
Colleges
Name:
Hartnell College
City:
Salinas
State:
CA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
California State University - Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
7,600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Prunedale is robust, with two major hospitals—Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and Natividad Medical Center—located nearby in Salinas and offering emergency services. The community benefits from a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.8% and an above-average physician availability. Residents have access to comprehensive medical care within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
Address:
450 E Romie Ln, Salinas, CA 93901
Phone:
(831) 757-4333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Natividad Medical Center
Address:
1441 Constitution Blvd, Salinas, CA 93906
Phone:
(831) 755-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
76.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prunedale, CA?
Prunedale’s housing market features a median home price of $722,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of over 76%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $2,350, while the area’s low rental vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect a stable real estate market. Home values have appreciated by about 4.2% in the past year, making it a competitive market for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$722,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Prunedale residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office located in nearby Salinas. This DMV provides full licensing, registration, and vehicle services, with up-to-date information available on the California DMV website. Access to DMV services is convenient for both new arrivals and long-term residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
260 E Laurel Dr, Salinas, CA 93906
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.