Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Margarita, CA
Considering a move to Santa Margarita, CA? This welcoming small town of 1,100 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle, affordable rents around $1,580, and a median home price of $585,000. Enjoy a sunny climate with 73% sunny days annually, low violent crime rates (110 per 100k), and a friendly community. Commute times average 28.5 minutes, and quality local schools and nearby healthcare make Santa Margarita a great choice for families and those seeking a peaceful Central Coast experience.
Demographics - Santa Margarita, CA
Demographics - Santa Margarita, CA
Santa Margarita is a close-knit community of about 1,100 residents, with a median age of 40 and a slight male majority. The town is predominantly White, with a notable Hispanic or Latino presence, and about 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate density and balanced age distribution contribute to a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,100
Density:
400 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Margarita, CA?
Living in Santa Margarita comes with a cost of living index of 138, reflecting higher housing expenses compared to national averages, with a median home value of $585,000 and typical rents around $1,580. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced for California, while overall household costs remain manageable for the region. The area’s state taxes range widely, so budgeting is important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$585,000
Gross Rent:
$1,580
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
138.0
Grocery:
118.5
Housing:
172.0
Utilities:
109.2
Transportation:
134.0
Health Care:
117.5
Miscellaneous:
106.5
Crime
Is Santa Margarita, CA a safe place to live?
Santa Margarita enjoys a low crime rate, with only 110 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 910 chance of being a victim of violent crime, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime risk is also lower than many urban areas, offering peace of mind for those considering a move. Overall, the community maintains a strong sense of safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
790
Crime Index:
900
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 126
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Margarita, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching up to 95°F and cool winters that rarely dip below 38°F. The area receives about 17.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 73% sunny days, ideal for year-round outdoor activities. This pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking a relaxed Central Coast lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
95°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Santa Margarita’s households typically earn around $86,500, with a low poverty rate of just over 7% and an unemployment rate below 4%. Most residents have completed high school, and over a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, fostering an educated, stable community. Commute times average 28.5 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting a largely car-dependent population.
Median Income:
$48,200
Household Income:
$86,500
Family Income:
$91,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,700
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$39,500
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,580
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
28.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
36.2%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Margarita, CA?
Families in Santa Margarita benefit from local public schools, like Santa Margarita Elementary, which offers a supportive learning environment with a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. Higher education opportunities are easily accessible, with California Polytechnic State University just 12 miles away in San Luis Obispo. The town’s educational attainment rates reflect a well-educated population and strong academic resources.

Public Schools
Name:
Santa Margarita Elementary School
Street:
22070 H St
Phone:
805-438-5633
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1

Colleges
Name:
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Santa Margarita, with 92% of residents insured and 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people. Major hospitals like Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center and French Hospital Medical Center are just a short drive away in San Luis Obispo, providing comprehensive emergency and general care. The area’s healthcare index of 76 indicates quality services are readily available.

Major Hospitals
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
Name:
French Hospital Medical Center
Address:
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
(805) 543-5353
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Margarita, CA?
Santa Margarita’s housing market features a median home price of $585,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 66%, indicating solid investment potential and community stability. Rental options remain accessible, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,580 and a 5.1% rental vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 6.3% over the past year, reflecting steady growth.
Median Home Price:
$585,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,580
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby San Luis Obispo. Services can be accessed in person, online, or by phone for added flexibility. The DMV provides standard driver, vehicle, and identification services for the region.
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.