Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Ardo, CA
Thinking of moving to San Ardo, CA? With a small population of 439, San Ardo offers affordable living, with median home prices at $237,000 and average rents around $1,150. The town enjoys a sunny climate (78% sunny days) and short commutes averaging 25 minutes, but has limited educational options and higher-than-average poverty rates. While crime rates are moderate, you'll find a quiet rural atmosphere, basic local amenities, and quick access to outdoor recreation in Monterey County.
Demographics - San Ardo, CA
Demographics - San Ardo, CA
San Ardo is a small, close-knit community of 439 residents, with a youthful median age of 29.5 years and a population density of 835 people per square mile. The town is ethnically diverse, with a majority identifying as White and a significant portion speaking languages other than English at home (62%). The gender ratio slightly favors males, contributing to a dynamic local culture.
Population:
439
Density:
835 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.5
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
62.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
52.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
46.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Ardo, CA?
San Ardo offers a cost of living slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $237,000 and average rents at $1,150, making housing relatively affordable for California. Utilities and transportation costs are somewhat higher than average, but grocery and miscellaneous expenses remain moderate. State income taxes range from 1.0% to 13.3%, impacting overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$237,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.5
Grocery:
106.2
Housing:
98.4
Utilities:
110.1
Transportation:
114.5
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
101.9
Crime
Is San Ardo, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in San Ardo are moderate for a small town, with a violent crime rate of 310 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 1,900 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 323 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 52 chance of property crime. The overall crime index suggests a need for some caution, but the community remains relatively peaceful.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
310
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,900
Crime Index:
2,210
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in San Ardo, CA year-round?
San Ardo enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, warm summers, and 78% sunny days throughout the year. Average temperatures range from lows of 36°F in winter to highs of 92°F in summer, with about 11 inches of annual rainfall. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the town’s abundant sunshine and mild seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
The local economy is modest, with a median household income of $48,250 and a relatively high poverty rate of 24.5%. Education attainment is lower than average, with less than half of adults holding a high school diploma. Most residents commute about 25 minutes for work, and a majority speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area’s diverse culture.
Median Income:
$30,400
Household Income:
$48,250
Family Income:
$51,300
Per Capita Income:
$14,200
Income Male:
$29,500
Income Female:
$21,300
Poverty Rate:
24.5%
Non English Speakers:
62.0%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
46.7%
Bachelors or More:
6.5%
Education
How are the schools in San Ardo, CA?
Educational opportunities in San Ardo are limited, with one public elementary school serving about 92 students and no private school options. For higher education, residents typically commute to Hartnell College in Salinas, located 42 miles away. The town’s student-teacher ratio is favorable, fostering a close learning environment for young students.

Public Schools
Name:
San Ardo Elementary School
Street:
62428 Center St
Phone:
831-627-2520
Students:
92
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0

Colleges
Name:
Hartnell College
City:
Salinas
State:
CA
Distance:
42 miles
Students:
17,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in San Ardo is supported by nearby Mee Memorial Hospital in King City, providing general and emergency services. With about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and 82.5% of locals having health insurance, basic medical needs are met within a reasonable distance. The healthcare index indicates moderate access and quality for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mee Memorial Hospital
Address:
300 Canal St, King City, CA 93930
Phone:
(831) 385-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.5%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Ardo, CA?
San Ardo’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $237,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,150. About 48% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen modest home appreciation of 4.4% over the past year. Rental vacancy rates are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters in a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$237,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
San Ardo residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located at 101 W Market St in Salinas. The DMV provides all standard vehicle and licensing services, and appointments can be made online or by phone at 1-800-777-0133. Access to DMV resources is convenient for drivers in the area.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 W Market St, Salinas, CA 93901
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.