Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rio Dell, CA
Considering a move to Rio Dell, CA? This small city of 3,379 offers an affordable cost of living with median home prices around $297,000 and average rent at $1,010. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and residents enjoy an average 24-minute commute. Rio Dell boasts a mild coastal climate with over 60% sunny days annually and access to essential amenities, local schools, and medical care nearby—making it a welcoming spot for those seeking a friendly, relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Rio Dell, CA
Demographics - Rio Dell, CA
Rio Dell is a small city of 3,379 residents with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 39.1, reflecting a mix of families and working adults. The community is predominantly White, with about 80% of the population, and features a modest level of diversity and bilingual households. Its population density offers a close-knit, neighborhood feel while remaining spacious by California standards.
Population:
3,379
Density:
1,790 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
80.3%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
17.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rio Dell, CA?
Rio Dell offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $297,000 and average rent at $1,010 monthly—well below many California cities. Utilities and groceries are slightly above the national average, but overall expenses remain accessible for most households. State income tax rates range from 1% to 13.3%, typical for California residents.
Median House Value:
$297,000
Gross Rent:
$1,010
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,330
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.2
Grocery:
103.4
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
110.6
Transportation:
101.3
Health Care:
106.1
Miscellaneous:
98.9
Crime
Is Rio Dell, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Rio Dell are moderate, with property crime being more common than violent crime; residents face a 1 in 47 chance of property crime and 1 in 230 for violent offenses. The city’s safety profile is typical for small towns in the region, offering peace of mind while encouraging vigilance. Community involvement and local law enforcement contribute to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
435
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,555
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 230
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Rio Dell, CA year-round?
Rio Dell enjoys a mild coastal climate, with summers rarely exceeding 68°F and winters remaining above 39°F. The city receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 61% of the year, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Its moderate temperatures and ample sunny days appeal to those seeking a temperate, relaxed lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
57°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
68°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in Rio Dell have a median income of $48,400 and a poverty rate of 17.4%, reflecting a working-class community with a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, with limited reliance on public transportation. Education levels are solid, with over 83% finishing high school and nearly 15% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$24,900
Household Income:
$48,400
Family Income:
$54,800
Per Capita Income:
$21,200
Income Male:
$38,900
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
17.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.1%
Rent:
$1,010
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
24.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.7%
Education
How are the schools in Rio Dell, CA?
Families in Rio Dell benefit from local public schools such as Monument Middle and Eagle Prairie Elementary, which maintain manageable class sizes and a supportive learning environment. Higher education is accessible through College of the Redwoods, located just 23 miles away in Eureka. The city’s educational resources provide solid options for students from kindergarten through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Monument Middle School
Street:
43 Belleview Ave
Phone:
707-764-5684
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Eagle Prairie Elementary School
Street:
95 Center St
Phone:
707-764-5694
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.0

Colleges
Name:
College of the Redwoods
City:
Eureka
State:
CA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare, with major hospitals like Redwood Memorial and St. Joseph Hospital nearby and 91.5% of locals insured. The city offers a physician rate of 2.2 per 1,000 people, ensuring timely medical care when needed. Healthcare services are comprehensive, supporting both routine and emergency needs for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Redwood Memorial Hospital
Address:
3300 Renner Dr, Fortuna, CA 95540
Phone:
(707) 725-3361
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Joseph Hospital Eureka
Address:
2700 Dolbeer St, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone:
(707) 445-8121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rio Dell, CA?
The housing market in Rio Dell is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $297,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,010. Homeownership is common, with nearly 65% of residents owning their homes, and the area sees steady appreciation at 4.2% annually. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make it a stable option for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$297,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,010
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Rio Dell residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Eureka, offering convenient access to licensing, registration, and vehicle services. The DMV office is easily reachable and provides all necessary state motor vehicle resources. Appointments and information are available through the official DMV website and helpline.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3226 Broadway, Eureka, CA 95501
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.