Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ranchita, CA
Considering a move to Ranchita, CA? With a small population of around 250, Ranchita offers quiet rural living, affordable housing with median home prices near $370,000, and very low crime rates. The area enjoys abundant sunshine (85% sunny days) and a mild, dry climate. While amenities and schools are limited locally, nearby towns provide education and healthcare options. Average rents sit at $1,350, with most residents owning their homes. Expect scenic mountain views and a peaceful lifestyle, but plan for longer commutes and limited public transportation.
Demographics - Ranchita, CA
Demographics - Ranchita, CA
Ranchita, CA is a small, close-knit rural community of about 250 residents with a median age of 56, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White (75%) with a mix of Hispanic and other ethnic backgrounds, and approximately 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density ensures a peaceful, spacious environment ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Population:
250
Density:
10 per sq mi
Median Age:
56
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75%
Asian:
1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ranchita, CA?
The cost of living in Ranchita is moderately high with a cost of living index of 121, but housing remains relatively affordable for California, with median home values around $370,000 and average rents at $1,350. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly above the national average, while state income taxes can range from 1% to 13.3%. Residents should budget for higher-than-average expenses in housing and utilities, balanced by lower overall population pressures.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
121.0
Grocery:
110.5
Housing:
130.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
122.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Ranchita, CA a safe place to live?
Ranchita boasts very low crime rates, making it a safe choice for new residents. Violent crime is rare, with only 70 incidents per 100,000 people annually, and property crime is also low at 650 per 100,000. The chances of experiencing a violent crime are about 1 in 1,429, contributing to the community's secure, peaceful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
650
Crime Index:
720
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,429
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 154
Weather
What is the weather like in Ranchita, CA year-round?
Ranchita enjoys a mild, dry climate with warm summers reaching up to 90°F and cool winters with lows around 32°F. The area benefits from approximately 85% sunny days each year and receives about 16.5 inches of annual rainfall. This weather is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate plenty of sunshine.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Ranchita's residents typically have a median household income of $58,000 and a family income of $65,000, with a poverty rate of 12.5%. Most locals own their homes, and the area has high educational attainment, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma. Public transportation is nonexistent, so residents rely on personal vehicles and face an average 32-minute commute.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$58,000
Family Income:
$65,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,000
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
12%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
32 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
22.0%
Education
How are the schools in Ranchita, CA?
Local public school options are limited, with Borrego Springs Elementary serving the area and offering a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. There are no private schools in Ranchita, but higher education is accessible at Palomar College in San Marcos, about 42 miles away. Families should plan for commuting to nearby towns for broader educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Borrego Springs Elementary School
Street:
1315 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Phone:
760-767-5333
Students:
265
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Colleges
Name:
Palomar College
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
42 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Ranchita is supported by nearby facilities like Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, offering emergency and general services. There are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 91% of the population has health insurance coverage. While local options are limited, quality healthcare is available within a reasonable drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Palomar Medical Center
Address:
2185 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone:
(442) 281-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ranchita, CA?
The housing market in Ranchita is stable, with a median home price of $370,000 and an 80% owner-occupancy rate. Rent for a two-bedroom averages $1,350, and the area experiences a low foreclosure rate and gradual home appreciation of 3.2% annually. The market offers affordable rural living with a high rate of homeownership.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
80%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Ranchita residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in El Cajon. All standard DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are available by phone or online at the official DMV website. Be prepared for a drive to access in-person services due to the community's rural setting.
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.