Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Rosa, CA
Considering a move to Santa Rosa, CA? This vibrant city of 178,100 residents blends wine country charm with a mild Mediterranean climate—enjoying 69% sunny days and winter highs around 58°F. The median home price is $670,000, and average rent for a 2-bedroom is $2,140, reflecting a higher cost of living typical for the Bay Area. Commutes are manageable at 24 minutes, and local schools and healthcare facilities are well-rated. While property crime rates are higher than average, Santa Rosa offers diverse neighborhoods, abundant outdoor recreation, and easy access to top schools and medical centers, making it a favorite for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Santa Rosa, CA
Demographics - Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa is home to about 178,100 residents, with a median age of 41.1 and a fairly balanced gender ratio. The city is ethnically diverse, with 61% identifying as White, 5.5% Asian, and over 30% representing other backgrounds, while nearly a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
178,100
Density:
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
24.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
5.5%
Others:
31.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Rosa, CA?
Santa Rosa's cost of living is notably higher than the national average, with a median home value of $670,000 and average rent around $2,140 for a two-bedroom apartment. Utilities and everyday expenses are elevated, reflecting the city’s desirable location in Northern California’s wine country.
Median House Value:
$670,000
Gross Rent:
$2,140
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
142.6
Grocery:
128.2
Housing:
185.4
Utilities:
105.3
Transportation:
122.8
Health Care:
109.7
Miscellaneous:
112.5
Crime
Is Santa Rosa, CA a safe place to live?
Santa Rosa experiences a moderate crime rate, with a 1 in 292 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 37 chance for property crime. While property crime is more common, many neighborhoods remain safe and community-oriented.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
342
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,687
Crime Index:
3,029
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 292
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Rosa, CA year-round?
Santa Rosa enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching up to 84°F and cool, wet winters with highs around 58°F. The city sees about 69% sunny days annually and receives roughly 36 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Santa Rosa’s residents have a median household income of nearly $90,000, and about 88% have at least a high school diploma. The area boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, a poverty rate of 10.7%, and an average commute of 24 minutes, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$46,800
Household Income:
$89,900
Family Income:
$104,200
Per Capita Income:
$43,500
Income Male:
$51,700
Income Female:
$44,200
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
24.3%
Rent:
$2,140
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
24.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
33.1%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Rosa, CA?
Santa Rosa offers a range of educational options, with reputable public schools such as Santa Rosa High and Maria Carrillo High, as well as private institutions like Cardinal Newman High. Higher education is readily available at Santa Rosa Junior College and nearby Sonoma State University, supporting a well-educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
Santa Rosa High School
Street:
1235 Mendocino Ave
Phone:
707-890-3850
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Maria Carrillo High School
Street:
6975 Montecito Blvd
Phone:
707-890-3800
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.8
Private Schools
Name:
Cardinal Newman High School
Street:
50 Ursuline Rd
Phone:
707-546-6470
Students:
600
Colleges
Name:
Santa Rosa Junior College
City:
Santa Rosa
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
21,000
Name:
Sonoma State University
City:
Rohnert Park
State:
CA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Santa Rosa provides excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Santa Rosa Memorial and Kaiser Permanente offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city has a strong physician presence at 2.6 per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.7%.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
Address:
1165 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone:
(707) 546-3210
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center
Address:
401 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone:
(707) 393-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Rosa, CA?
The housing market in Santa Rosa is competitive, with a median home price of $670,000 and just over half of the homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies remain low at 4.1%, and home values have appreciated by 3.5% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$670,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,140
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Santa Rosa residents can access vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles office located at 2570 Corby Ave. The DMV provides full licensing, registration, and vehicle-related services both in-person and online.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Santa Rosa DMV Office, 2570 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
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.