Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Luis Obispo, CA
Thinking about moving to San Luis Obispo, CA? With a population of around 47,500 and a median home price of $900,000, SLO offers a vibrant college-town energy, stunning weather with 70% sunny days, and quick 16-minute commutes. While the cost of living and rents are high, you'll enjoy access to top schools, great healthcare, and a charming downtown. Low crime rates, beautiful coastal climate, and the presence of Cal Poly make it a dynamic spot for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - San Luis Obispo, CA
Demographics - San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo is home to about 47,500 residents with a youthful median age of 27.7, reflecting its vibrant college-town atmosphere. The city is predominantly White (74.8%), with Hispanic (17.7%) and Asian (6.2%) communities adding to the diversity. Its moderate population density and a nearly balanced gender ratio make it an inviting place for students, young professionals, and families.
Population:
47,500
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.7
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.8%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo has a high cost of living, with a median home value of $900,000 and average rent around $2,400 per month. The overall cost of living index is 163.7, notably driven by expensive housing and above-average costs for groceries and utilities. While living here means paying a premium, residents benefit from the area's attractive amenities and quality of life.
Median House Value:
$900,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,100
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
163.7
Grocery:
120.4
Housing:
241.2
Utilities:
114.7
Transportation:
140.3
Health Care:
112.1
Miscellaneous:
112.5
Crime
Is San Luis Obispo, CA a safe place to live?
San Luis Obispo maintains a relatively low violent crime rate of 230 per 100,000 residents, giving newcomers peace of mind. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 43 chance annually, but overall the city is considered safe by California standards. The community's proactive safety measures help create a welcoming environment for families and students.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
230
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,340
Crime Index:
2,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in San Luis Obispo, CA year-round?
San Luis Obispo boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs averaging 78°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 41°F. The city enjoys about 70% sunny days and receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually. Residents can look forward to comfortable outdoor living year-round.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $62,000, while family incomes average $98,000, reflecting the area's mix of students and professionals. The poverty rate is higher at 21.6%, but unemployment remains low at 2.9%, and most residents enjoy short 16-minute commutes. Education levels are high, with nearly half the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$62,000
Family Income:
$98,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,300
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
21.6%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
48.6%
Education
How are the schools in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo is known for its strong educational offerings, including well-rated public schools and a selection of private options. The presence of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), with 22,000 students, and nearby Cuesta College adds to the city’s academic appeal. Families benefit from quality K-12 options and access to higher education within the community.
Public Schools
Name:
San Luis Obispo High School
Street:
1499 San Luis Dr
Phone:
805-596-4040
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.2
Name:
Laguna Middle School
Street:
11050 Los Osos Valley Rd
Phone:
805-596-4055
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Private Schools
Name:
Old Mission School
Street:
761 Broad St
Phone:
805-543-6019
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Cuesta College
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
San Luis Obispo offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like French Hospital Medical Center and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center providing emergency and general services. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage, the city ensures quality medical care for its community. The area’s healthcare index of 77.4 indicates strong overall health services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
French Hospital Medical Center
Address:
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
(805) 543-5353
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center
Address:
1010 Murray Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone:
(805) 546-7600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.3%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Luis Obispo, CA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $900,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,400. Homeownership is less common, with only 38.7% of residents owning their homes, and the rental vacancy rate is a low 3.8%. Modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates make it a stable but pricey market.
Median Home Price:
$900,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in San Luis Obispo are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on S Higuera Street. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in-person and online. The DMV’s central location and comprehensive offerings make it easy to manage driving needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3190 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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.