Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Catalina, CA
Considering a move to Santa Catalina, CA? With a close-knit population of about 4,100, this scenic island community offers a relaxed pace of life, low commute times (7.5 minutes), and abundant sunshine—over 85% of days are sunny! While the cost of living is high and median home prices approach $1M, residents enjoy stunning natural beauty and a mild climate. Local amenities include a K-12 public school, access to healthcare, and a safe environment with low violent crime rates, making it ideal for those seeking a unique, coastal lifestyle.
Demographics - Santa Catalina, CA
Demographics - Santa Catalina, CA
Santa Catalina is home to roughly 4,100 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 42.8, reflecting a mature community. The population is predominantly White and Hispanic or Latino, and nearly 29% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the island’s cultural diversity.
Population:
4,100
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.8
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
28.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
55.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Catalina, CA?
Living in Santa Catalina comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value close to $990,000 and a cost of living index well above the national average. Housing and groceries are particularly expensive, making the area more suitable for those with a comfortable income.
Median House Value:
$990,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
172
Grocery:
136
Housing:
247
Utilities:
115
Transportation:
141
Health Care:
121
Miscellaneous:
124
Crime
Is Santa Catalina, CA a safe place to live?
Santa Catalina offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 residents and a low chance of violent crime at 1 in 555. Property crime occurs more frequently but remains moderate compared to larger cities, contributing to the community’s overall sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,550
Crime Index:
1,730
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Catalina, CA year-round?
Residents of Santa Catalina enjoy a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging 77°F and pleasant winters around 65°F. The island receives about 13.7 inches of rain annually and boasts sunny weather 85% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Santa Catalina has a friendly, close-knit community with a median household income of $74,000 and a poverty rate of 14.2%. Most people have a short commute of just 7.5 minutes, and over 85% have completed high school, reflecting a well-educated population.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$74,000
Family Income:
$83,500
Per Capita Income:
$32,000
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
28.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
7.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.0%
Bachelors or More:
26.5%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Catalina, CA?
Education in Santa Catalina is anchored by Avalon School, a K-12 public institution with a student-teacher ratio of 15.2, ensuring personalized attention. While there are no private schools on the island, higher education is accessible via Long Beach City College, located about 26 miles away by ferry and car.
Public Schools
Name:
Avalon School
Street:
200 Falls Canyon Rd
Phone:
310-510-0790
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Colleges
Name:
Closest: Long Beach City College
City:
Long Beach
State:
CA
Distance:
26 miles (by ferry and car)
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Healthcare is accessible through the Catalina Island Medical Center, which provides general and emergency services. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and the area maintains a favorable healthcare index, supporting overall community well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Catalina Island Medical Center
Address:
100 Falls Canyon Rd, Avalon, CA 90704
Phone:
(310) 510-0700
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Catalina, CA?
The housing market in Santa Catalina is competitive, with a median home price near $990,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,150. Over half of the residents own their homes, and property values continue to rise with a 6.2% appreciation rate.
Median Home Price:
$990,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Santa Catalina is served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service location in Santa Ana. Residents can access registration, licensing, and other vehicle services through the state’s DMV network or online resources.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1330 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
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.