Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rio Del Mar, CA
Considering a move to Rio Del Mar, CA? With a population of about 9,200, this scenic coastal community offers a mild climate with 65% sunny days and moderate crime rates well below national averages. Home prices are high, with a median of $1.21M and rents around $3,200, but residents enjoy excellent schools, low unemployment, and ready access to outdoor recreation. With a well-educated population, strong incomes, and easy proximity to Santa Cruz, Rio Del Mar is ideal for those seeking a relaxed, beautiful lifestyle by the sea.
Demographics - Rio Del Mar, CA
Demographics - Rio Del Mar, CA
Rio Del Mar is home to approximately 9,200 residents, with a median age of 51.2, reflecting a mature, established community. The population is predominantly White (84.5%), with a modest Hispanic and Asian presence, and about 15% speak a language other than English at home. The area’s density of 2,200 people per square mile creates a close-knit, suburban coastal atmosphere.
Population:
9,200
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rio Del Mar, CA?
The cost of living in Rio Del Mar is notably high, with a median home value of $1.21 million and average rents around $3,200 per month. Housing costs drive the overall cost of living index to 186, making it significantly above the national average. Residents should also expect higher-than-average expenses for utilities, transportation, and groceries.
Median House Value:
$1,210,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
186.0
Grocery:
123.5
Housing:
287.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
140.6
Health Care:
112.3
Miscellaneous:
107.5
Crime
Is Rio Del Mar, CA a safe place to live?
Rio Del Mar enjoys relatively low crime rates, with just 82 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,220 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more common, with odds of 1 in 78, but overall, the community is considered safe compared to national figures. This makes the area appealing for those prioritizing personal and family safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
82
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,280
Crime Index:
1,362
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 78
Weather
What is the weather like in Rio Del Mar, CA year-round?
The climate in Rio Del Mar is mild year-round, with summer highs averaging 74°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 42°F. The city sees about 29.5 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 65% of the year, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The pleasant weather is a major draw for residents seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
29.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Rio Del Mar’s residents are generally well-educated and financially comfortable, with a median household income of $120,750 and a poverty rate of just 5.1%. Over 97% have a high school diploma, and more than half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area’s low unemployment rate and moderate commute times contribute to a stable, affluent community.
Median Income:
$61,000
Household Income:
$120,750
Family Income:
$143,200
Per Capita Income:
$71,800
Income Male:
$82,000
Income Female:
$65,000
Poverty Rate:
5.1%
Non English Speakers:
15.2%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
54.2%
Education
How are the schools in Rio Del Mar, CA?
Families in Rio Del Mar benefit from strong educational options, including highly rated public schools such as Rio Del Mar Elementary and Aptos Junior High, as well as private schools like Santa Cruz Montessori. Higher education is easily accessible, with Cabrillo College just 3 miles away and the University of California, Santa Cruz, a short 10-mile drive. The community’s emphasis on education is reflected in high graduation and college attendance rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Rio Del Mar Elementary School
Street:
819 Pinehurst Dr
Phone:
831-688-2021
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Aptos Junior High School
Street:
1001 Huntington Dr
Phone:
831-728-7834
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Private Schools
Name:
Santa Cruz Montessori School
Street:
6230 Soquel Dr
Phone:
831-476-1646
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
11,400
Name:
University of California, Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
19,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals—Dominican Hospital and Watsonville Community Hospital—located nearby. The area offers a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 and strong health insurance coverage at 95.1%. These resources ensure comprehensive medical care for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dominican Hospital
Address:
1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone:
(831) 462-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rio Del Mar, CA?
Rio Del Mar’s housing market is characterized by high prices and strong demand, with a median home price of $1.21 million and a 74.6% owner-occupancy rate. Rental properties are in limited supply, reflected in a low 3.5% vacancy rate and average rents of $3,200 for a two-bedroom. Steady home appreciation and minimal foreclosures make this a robust, competitive market.
Median Home Price:
$1,210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Rio Del Mar residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Capitola. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and driver testing, with the office conveniently located and accessible by phone or online. For more information or appointments, residents can visit the official DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4200 Capitola Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
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.