Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shell Beach, CA
Thinking of moving to Shell Beach, CA? This coastal community of about 2,200 residents boasts stunning ocean views, a relaxed lifestyle, and a mild Mediterranean climate with 70% sunny days each year. Homes here have a median value of $1.45M and average rents around $3,200, reflecting a high cost of living, but residents enjoy low crime rates, quick 19-minute commutes, and highly-rated local schools. With excellent healthcare access and abundant outdoor recreation, Shell Beach is an appealing choice for those seeking an upscale, peaceful beach town.
Demographics - Shell Beach, CA
Demographics - Shell Beach, CA
Shell Beach is a small, close-knit community of about 2,200 residents, with a population density of 3,000 people per square mile and a median age of 52.4 years. The area is predominantly White (85%), with a modest mix of other ethnicities, and about 11% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. This demographic profile creates a mature, stable environment with a friendly, coastal vibe.
Population:
2,200
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.4
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shell Beach, CA?
The cost of living in Shell Beach is significantly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 182 and a median home value of $1,450,000. Renters can expect to pay around $3,200 per month for a two-bedroom, and everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are also higher than typical U.S. cities. This upscale pricing reflects the town’s desirable beachfront location and high quality of life.
Median House Value:
$1,450,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$920
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
182.0
Grocery:
127.0
Housing:
260.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Shell Beach, CA a safe place to live?
Shell Beach offers a safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 143 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate well below national averages. Residents enjoy a 1 in 700 chance of violent crime, making it an appealing choice for those seeking peace of mind. The community’s safety is a major draw for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
143
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,343
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 700
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Shell Beach, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs averaging 74°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 43°F. The area receives about 19.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine nearly 70% of the year. This pleasant weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle and scenic coastal living year-round.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
64°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Shell Beach is a relatively affluent community, with a median household income of $106,000 and a poverty rate of just 8.5%. The neighborhood is highly educated—nearly half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and commute times average a quick 19 minutes. Low unemployment and a small-town atmosphere make it an attractive place for professionals and families.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$106,000
Family Income:
$127,000
Per Capita Income:
$61,000
Income Male:
$67,000
Income Female:
$56,000
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.0%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
19.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.0%
Bachelors or More:
48.0%
Education
How are the schools in Shell Beach, CA?
Education in Shell Beach is highly rated, with local public and private schools offering a supportive learning environment and favorable student-teacher ratios. Shell Beach Elementary serves as the main public school, while higher education options are close by at California Polytechnic State University, just 10 miles away. Families benefit from strong academic resources from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Shell Beach Elementary School
Street:
2100 Shell Beach Rd
Phone:
805-474-3760
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
Coastal Christian School
Street:
1245 Farroll Rd, Grover Beach, CA
Phone:
805-489-1213
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Shell Beach is strong, with two major hospitals nearby and a high physician-to-population ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 residents. Over 94% of the community has health insurance coverage, ensuring broad access to medical services. Residents benefit from quality care and convenient emergency services close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
French Hospital Medical Center
Address:
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
(805) 543-5353
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital
Address:
345 S Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Phone:
(805) 489-4261
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shell Beach, CA?
The local housing market is characterized by high demand and limited inventory, with a median home price of $1,450,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 68%. Rental vacancy rates are low at 4.2%, and home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year. These trends reflect strong investment potential and a stable, sought-after community.
Median Home Price:
$1,450,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Shell Beach residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby San Luis Obispo. The DMV offers a full range of vehicle and licensing services, and more information is available on the state’s official website. This convenient access makes handling transportation needs straightforward for locals.
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.