Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Clara, CA
Thinking of moving to Santa Clara, CA? With a population of 127,721 and a median home price around $1.37 million, Santa Clara offers a vibrant, highly educated community in the heart of Silicon Valley. Expect high incomes, excellent schools, and a diverse, international population. The city enjoys mild weather with 67% sunny days, low violent crime (153 per 100K), and average commutes of about 26 minutes. Explore Santa Clara's high quality of life, top-rated schools, and dynamic job market as you plan your move.
Demographics - Santa Clara, CA
Demographics - Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara is home to 127,721 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 34.7 and a vibrant mix of cultures, with nearly 45% identifying as Asian and about 39% speaking a language other than English at home. The city’s high population density reflects its urban, cosmopolitan vibe, making it a dynamic place for newcomers seeking diversity.
Population:
127,721
Density:
6,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.7
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
31.5%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
44.7%
Others:
21.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Clara, CA?
Living in Santa Clara comes with a high cost of living—about double the national average—with median home values at $1.37 million and average rents near $2,950. While utilities and groceries are somewhat more affordable than housing, residents should be prepared for significant expenses, particularly in real estate and transportation.
Median House Value:
$1,370,000
Gross Rent:
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
196.1
Grocery:
120.2
Housing:
350.4
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
127.0
Health Care:
110.8
Miscellaneous:
105.5
Crime
Is Santa Clara, CA a safe place to live?
Santa Clara offers a relatively safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 153 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 654 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more common but still on par with many urban California communities, providing residents with peace of mind overall.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
153
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,219
Crime Index:
2,372
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 654
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Clara, CA year-round?
Santa Clara enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters averaging 41–60°F and warm, dry summers reaching up to 82°F. Residents benefit from around 67% sunny days each year and receive a modest 15.4 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor living.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Santa Clara’s neighborhoods are affluent and well-educated, with a median household income of $164,800 and nearly 61% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The local community boasts a low poverty rate of 6.7%, short commute times, and a strong international presence.
Median Income:
$66,500
Household Income:
$164,800
Family Income:
$182,400
Per Capita Income:
$69,200
Income Male:
$91,500
Income Female:
$70,900
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
38.9%
Rent:
$2,950
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
5.6%
Commute Time:
25.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
60.8%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara boasts strong educational opportunities, featuring highly rated public and private schools and local institutions like Santa Clara University and Mission College. With over 92% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, the city is known for its commitment to academic excellence.
Public Schools
Name:
Santa Clara High School
Street:
3000 Benton St
Phone:
408-423-2600
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Name:
Buchser Middle School
Street:
1111 Bellomy St
Phone:
408-423-3000
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Lawrence Elementary & Middle School
Street:
1977 St. Lawrence Drive
Phone:
408-296-2260
Students:
380
Colleges
Name:
Santa Clara University
City:
Santa Clara
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,900
Name:
Mission College
City:
Santa Clara
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Santa Clara provides excellent healthcare access, anchored by major hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and O'Connor, and offers 3.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. With over 91% health insurance coverage and a strong healthcare system, residents are well-supported for both routine and emergency needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center
Address:
700 Lawrence Expy, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Phone:
(408) 236-6400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
O'Connor Hospital
Address:
2105 Forest Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone:
(408) 947-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1.37 million and a steady 4.2% appreciation rate over the past year. Nearly half of residents own their homes, and rental vacancies remain low, reflecting high demand and a stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$1,370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services at the local California DMV office on Flora Vista Ave, with comprehensive resources also available online at the state's DMV website. The office offers standard licensing, registration, and title services for Santa Clara residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3665 Flora Vista Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051
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.