Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santee, CA
Santee, CA is a vibrant suburban community of 60,000 just east of San Diego, offering a sunny climate with 73% sunny days and mild winters. Median home prices are around $690,000, while rent averages $2,350 for a two-bedroom, reflecting the area's higher cost of living. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short 27-minute commutes, and access to highly rated schools and healthcare facilities. With ample parks, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to the outdoors, Santee is a welcoming place for those seeking comfort and convenience in Southern California.
Demographics - Santee, CA
Demographics - Santee, CA
Santee is home to about 60,000 residents with a median age of 38, offering a balanced population and moderate density. The community is predominantly White, with growing diversity and approximately 16% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This suburban city provides a welcoming atmosphere for families and individuals alike.
Population:
60,037
Density:
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
67.8%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
5.6%
Others:
24.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santee, CA?
The cost of living in Santee is above the national average, driven largely by housing, with a median home value of $690,000 and average rent of $2,350 for a two-bedroom apartment. Utilities and groceries are also higher than average, but residents benefit from access to local amenities and services. State income taxes in California range from 1% to 13.3%, impacting overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$690,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,840
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,870
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.2
Grocery:
117.0
Housing:
183.8
Utilities:
110.5
Transportation:
134.8
Health Care:
107.2
Miscellaneous:
110.6
Crime
Is Santee, CA a safe place to live?
Santee enjoys relatively low crime rates, with violent crime occurring at about 205 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,270 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 487 chance of being a victim of violent crime, contributing to the city's reputation as a safe and family-friendly community. The overall crime index indicates a secure environment compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,270
Crime Index:
1,475
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 487
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 79
Weather
What is the weather like in Santee, CA year-round?
Santee boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters averaging lows of 44°F and warm summers peaking at 89°F. The city enjoys around 73% sunny days yearly and receives about 13 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, offering comfortable living year-round.

Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Households in Santee have a median income near $99,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, reflecting a stable and prosperous community. Most residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of just 3.8%, and commute times average around 27 minutes. A high percentage of adults (93%) have at least a high school diploma, contributing to the area's well-educated workforce.
Median Income:
$47,600
Household Income:
$98,900
Family Income:
$113,500
Per Capita Income:
$38,700
Income Male:
$59,000
Income Female:
$46,200
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.9%
Commute Time:
26.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
28.6%
Education
How are the schools in Santee, CA?
Santee offers quality education with public schools like West Hills High and Cajon Park Elementary, both known for supportive environments and reasonable class sizes. Several private options are available, and higher education is easily accessible with Grossmont College and San Diego State University located within a short drive. The community values education, as reflected by the high rate of adults with a high school diploma or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
West Hills High School
Street:
8756 Mast Blvd
Phone:
619-956-0400
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1
Name:
Cajon Park Elementary
Street:
10300 N Magnolia Ave
Phone:
619-956-4500
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1

Private Schools
Name:
Santee Christian School
Street:
8710 Halberns Blvd
Phone:
619-448-1213
Students:
175

Colleges
Name:
Grossmont College
City:
El Cajon
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
16,000
Name:
San Diego State University
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
35,000
Healthcare
Santee residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Sharp Grossmont and Alvarado Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city boasts a solid healthcare infrastructure with 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, ensuring most people receive necessary care. Healthcare services are highly rated for quality and accessibility.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
Address:
5555 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone:
(619) 740-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Alvarado Hospital Medical Center
Address:
6655 Alvarado Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
Phone:
(619) 287-3270
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santee, CA?
The housing market in Santee is robust, with a median home price of $690,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 72%. Rental vacancies are low at just 3%, and home values have appreciated by 5% over the past year, indicating a competitive market. New construction remains steady, while foreclosure rates are minimal, making it a stable place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$690,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle services, Santee residents utilize the California Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby El Cajon. The DMV offers a full range of licensing, registration, and title services, with resources available online and by phone for added convenience. This local DMV office supports the transportation needs of the community efficiently.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1450 Graves Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021
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.