California / County

Moving to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Thinking of making a move to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Considering a move to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA? This welcoming community of 47,896 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $883,000 and average rents near $2,700. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (73% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Rancho Santa Margarita's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Rancho Santa Margarita has a population of 47,896 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 66% White, 2% Black, and 12% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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 higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 170.5. Median home values are around $883,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,590. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 37 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 153. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

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?

Rancho Santa Margarita experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 13 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 73% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
68°F

Summer

Min
59°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches
13.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
73%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $131,400 and a low poverty rate of 3.6%. Over 98% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 55% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Trabuco Mesa Elementary School and Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Saddleback College and Concordia University Irvine. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Rancho Santa Margarita residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mission Hospital Mission Viejo and Saddleback Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 93.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 strong, with a median home price of $883,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 72%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.2%. Rancho Santa Margarita offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Rancho Santa Margarita handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Laguna Hills. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
23535 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Rancho Santa Margarita, review the core fields on this page: population 47,896, median home value $883,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,700, commute time 28.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 73%.

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