Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Thinking of moving to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA? This sunny, family-friendly city of nearly 48,000 residents features a high median home price of $883,000 and average rents around $2,590, reflecting its desirable Orange County location. Residents enjoy low crime rates—just 37 violent crimes per 100K—and short average commutes of 29 minutes. Excellent schools, high educational attainment, and a mild, sunny climate make Rancho Santa Margarita a top choice for those seeking a safe and vibrant community.
Demographics - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Demographics - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Rancho Santa Margarita is home to about 47,900 residents, with a median age of 39.4 and a diverse population that is predominantly White, alongside sizable Hispanic and Asian communities. The city has a balanced gender ratio and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home, creating a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
47,896
Density:
4,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.4
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.8%
Black:
1.7%
Asian:
12.0%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
The cost of living in Rancho Santa Margarita is significantly above the national average, driven largely by high housing costs, with median home values around $883,000 and average rents near $2,590. Utilities and groceries are also somewhat higher than average, making this a premium location within Orange County.
Median House Value:
$883,000
Gross Rent:
$2,590
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,730
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$840
State Taxes:
Low:
1% (property tax)
|
High:
13.3% (income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
170.5
Grocery:
110.2
Housing:
235.0
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
138.6
Health Care:
112.3
Miscellaneous:
109.8
Crime
Is Rancho Santa Margarita, CA a safe place to live?
Rancho Santa Margarita boasts a very low crime rate, with only 37 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 2,700 chance of being affected by violent crime. Residents enjoy one of the safest communities in the region, contributing to the city’s strong family-friendly appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
37
Property Crimes Per 100k:
652
Crime Index:
689
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,700
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 153
Weather
What is the weather like in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA year-round?
The city enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 43°F. With 73% of days being sunny and just over 13 inches of rain annually, outdoor activities are accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Residents of Rancho Santa Margarita enjoy a high quality of life, with a median household income of $131,400 and a low poverty rate of 3.6%. The community is well-educated, with 97.6% holding a high school diploma or higher, making it an attractive place for professionals and families alike.
Median Income:
$66,300
Household Income:
$131,400
Family Income:
$145,200
Per Capita Income:
$53,800
Income Male:
$74,100
Income Female:
$54,700
Poverty Rate:
3.6%
Non English Speakers:
19.2%
Rent:
$2,590
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.4%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.6%
Bachelors or More:
55.4%
Education
How are the schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
Rancho Santa Margarita offers access to well-regarded public and private schools, such as Trabuco Mesa Elementary and Santa Margarita Catholic High School. The area is also close to higher education institutions like Saddleback College, making it a great choice for families prioritizing education.
Public Schools
Name:
Trabuco Mesa Elementary School
Street:
21301 Vía Del Parque
Phone:
949-589-2445
Students:
635
Student Teacher Ratio:
25:1
Name:
Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School
Street:
22172 Antonio Pkwy
Phone:
949-459-8253
Students:
1,265
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Private Schools
Name:
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Street:
22062 Antonio Pkwy
Phone:
949-766-6000
Students:
1,670
Colleges
Name:
Saddleback College
City:
Mission Viejo
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Concordia University Irvine
City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
4,100
Healthcare
Quality healthcare is readily available, with major hospitals like Mission Hospital Mission Viejo and Saddleback Medical Center nearby and 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. A high rate of health insurance coverage (93.8%) ensures most residents can access medical care conveniently.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mission Hospital Mission Viejo
Address:
27700 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone:
(949) 364-1400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saddleback Medical Center
Address:
24451 Health Center Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone:
(949) 837-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $883,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 71.5%. Homes have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, reflecting strong demand in this sought-after community.
Median Home Price:
$883,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services for Rancho Santa Margarita residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Laguna Hills. Residents can easily access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential DMV services both in person and online.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23535 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
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.