Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Carlos, CA
Thinking of moving to San Carlos, CA? This vibrant city of 30,722 blends a mild Mediterranean climate with excellent schools and a highly educated community—nearly 75% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. While the median home price sits at $2,090,000 and average rents are above $3,200, residents enjoy very low crime rates, strong local incomes, and convenient Bay Area commutes averaging just 28 minutes. San Carlos is perfect for families seeking outstanding education, sunny weather, and a welcoming, safe neighborhood.
Demographics - San Carlos, CA
Demographics - San Carlos, CA
San Carlos is home to about 30,700 residents, offering a balanced blend of ages with a median age of 41.6 and a community where nearly a quarter speak a language other than English at home. The city is predominantly White, with a significant Asian community and a slightly higher number of females than males. Its high population density gives it an active, close-knit suburban feel.
Population:
30,722
Density:
5,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.6
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.8%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
16.6%
Others:
14.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Carlos, CA?
Living in San Carlos comes with a high price tag, reflected in a median home value of $2,090,000 and average rents around $3,200 per month. The cost of living index is well above the national average, driven mainly by housing costs, though utilities and groceries remain moderate. Residents benefit from robust local services but should budget accordingly for the area's premium lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$2,090,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,880
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
264.2
Grocery:
140.5
Housing:
365.7
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
132.6
Health Care:
108.8
Miscellaneous:
124.0
Crime
Is San Carlos, CA a safe place to live?
San Carlos is considered a very safe city, with a violent crime rate of just 43 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime rates well below national averages. Residents have a 1 in 2,310 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a reassuring choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. The community's strong safety record contributes to its high quality of life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
43
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,019
Crime Index:
1,062
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,310
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in San Carlos, CA year-round?
San Carlos enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with average winter lows around 42°F and summer highs near 79°F. The city sees about 20 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from sunny weather nearly 67% of the year. This pleasant climate encourages outdoor activities and a vibrant community life year-round.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
San Carlos boasts a highly educated and affluent community, with a median household income of $207,000 and a poverty rate of just 3.1%. Nearly three-quarters of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree, and unemployment is low at 2.8%. The area attracts professionals and families who value strong schools, diverse neighbors, and easy Bay Area commutes.
Median Income:
$89,500
Household Income:
$207,000
Family Income:
$232,000
Per Capita Income:
$101,000
Income Male:
$121,000
Income Female:
$91,000
Poverty Rate:
3.1%
Non English Speakers:
23.4%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
10.0%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.4%
Bachelors or More:
74.6%
Education
How are the schools in San Carlos, CA?
San Carlos is recognized for its strong public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios conducive to personalized learning. Local options include top-rated K-8 schools and nearby colleges such as College of San Mateo and Notre Dame de Namur University. The city's focus on education makes it especially attractive for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
San Carlos Charter Learning Center
Street:
750 Dartmouth Ave
Phone:
650-508-7343
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Central Middle School
Street:
828 Chestnut St
Phone:
650-508-7343
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Charles School
Street:
850 Tamarack Ave
Phone:
650-593-1629
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
College of San Mateo
City:
San Mateo
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
9,000
Name:
Notre Dame de Namur University
City:
Belmont
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents of San Carlos have excellent access to healthcare, with major hospitals like Sequoia Hospital and Kaiser Permanente nearby and 97.1% of people covered by health insurance. The city offers a high ratio of physicians per capita, ensuring convenient and quality medical care. Emergency and specialty services are readily available within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sequoia Hospital
Address:
170 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone:
(650) 369-5811
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center
Address:
1150 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone:
(650) 299-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Carlos, CA?
San Carlos features a competitive housing market, with a median home price of $2,090,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $3,400, and vacancies remain low at just 3.2%. Home values continue to appreciate, reflecting steady demand and a desirable location.
Median Home Price:
$2,090,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
San Carlos residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with regional offices and comprehensive online resources. The DMV offers standard services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers, and support is available by phone and website. Convenient access ensures that new residents can handle vehicle needs efficiently.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3031 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 (regional office)
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.