Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shelter Cove, CA
Considering a move to Shelter Cove, CA? This scenic coastal enclave of about 800 residents boasts affordable median home prices around $415,000, low crime rates, and a mild, fog-kissed climate with 62% sunny days yearly. Cost of living is moderately high for the region, but rents are reasonable at $1,350 and commutes are short at about 27 minutes. With abundant natural beauty, relaxed living, and easy access to the Lost Coast, Shelter Cove is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, small-town lifestyle on California’s north coast.
Demographics - Shelter Cove, CA
Demographics - Shelter Cove, CA
Shelter Cove is a close-knit community of just over 800 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 56, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter pace of life. The area has a slightly higher number of males than females and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its laid-back, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
803
Density:
80 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.1
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
10.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shelter Cove, CA?
Living in Shelter Cove comes with a moderately high cost of living index of 134, primarily due to housing expenses, with the median home value at $415,000 and rents averaging $1,350 per month. Utilities and groceries are slightly above the national average, but overall costs are balanced by the area’s tranquil lifestyle and scenic location.
Median House Value:
$415,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$635
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.0
Grocery:
110.5
Housing:
137.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Shelter Cove, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Shelter Cove are relatively low, offering peace of mind with a violent crime rate of just 170 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 588 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also below the national average, making the community a safe place to call home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,180
Crime Index:
1,350
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Shelter Cove, CA year-round?
Shelter Cove enjoys a mild coastal climate, with summer highs rarely exceeding 66°F and winter lows around 42°F. The area receives about 67 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine on 62% of days, creating a lush, green environment ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
57°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
66°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
67 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Shelter Cove typically have a median household income of $46,800 and a poverty rate of 17.2%, reflecting a modest but comfortable standard of living. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute time is a manageable 27.5 minutes, adding to the relaxed lifestyle.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$46,800
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
23.0%
Education
How are the schools in Shelter Cove, CA?
Education options in Shelter Cove include Redway Elementary School, located nearby with a student-teacher ratio of about 19.5, and access to higher education at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, roughly 80 miles away. While private schools are not present in town, families benefit from supportive public schooling and regional college opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Redway Elementary School
Street:
344 Humboldt Ave, Redway, CA 95560
Phone:
707-923-2526
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5

Colleges
Name:
College of the Redwoods
City:
Eureka
State:
CA
Distance:
80 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Shelter Cove is supported by nearby Jerold Phelps Community Hospital in Garberville, offering critical access and emergency services. Most residents (92.5%) have health insurance, and the area maintains a reasonable healthcare index and access to local physicians.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Jerold Phelps Community Hospital
Address:
733 Cedar St, Garberville, CA 95542
Phone:
(707) 923-3921
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
69.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shelter Cove, CA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $415,000, with nearly 80% of homes owner-occupied and average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,350. Home values have appreciated by 4.7% over the past year, while vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$415,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Eureka. Services and information are easily accessible online or via phone, ensuring convenience for Shelter Cove locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3227 S Street, Eureka, CA 95503
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.