Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sierra Madre, CA
Thinking of moving to Sierra Madre, CA? With a friendly population of around 10,900, this foothill community offers tranquil living just outside Los Angeles. Median home prices are about $1,250,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom run $2,450, reflecting its desirable setting. Residents enjoy very low crime rates, short commutes averaging 29.8 minutes, and outstanding local schools, plus sunny weather 78% of the year. Sierra Madre blends small-town charm with excellent amenities, making it a welcoming spot for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Sierra Madre, CA
Demographics - Sierra Madre, CA
Sierra Madre is a close-knit city of about 10,890 residents, known for its mature population with a median age of 48.7. The community is predominantly White, with a notable Asian presence, and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a peaceful, suburban feel.
Population:
10,890
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
67.8%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
15.2%
Others:
15.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sierra Madre, CA?
Living in Sierra Madre comes with a higher cost of living, highlighted by a median home value of $1,250,000 and average rent around $2,450 for a two-bedroom. Housing costs are the largest expense, and the overall cost of living index is significantly above the national average. Utilities and groceries are also above average, but the city's safety and amenities add value for residents.
Median House Value:
$1,250,000
Gross Rent:
$2,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
171.2
Grocery:
113.0
Housing:
325.4
Utilities:
108.4
Transportation:
121.2
Health Care:
108.7
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Sierra Madre, CA a safe place to live?
Sierra Madre boasts a very low crime rate, with just 71 violent crimes and 858 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The odds of experiencing violent crime are notably low at 1 in 1,410, making the city one of the safer communities in the region. This safe environment is a major draw for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
71
Property Crimes Per 100k:
858
Crime Index:
929
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,410
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 116
Weather
What is the weather like in Sierra Madre, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and cool winters; summer highs reach the upper 80s while winter lows rarely drop below the low 40s. With 78% of days being sunny and an average annual rainfall of about 21.5 inches, outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. The pleasant weather enhances Sierra Madre's appeal for those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Sierra Madre's households have a median income of $117,212, with a relatively low poverty rate of 6.6%. The community is highly educated, with nearly 60% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and residents enjoy short commute times averaging about 30 minutes. The area’s strong sense of community and diverse backgrounds make it welcoming for newcomers.
Median Income:
$52,300
Household Income:
$117,212
Family Income:
$138,900
Per Capita Income:
$60,147
Income Male:
$66,500
Income Female:
$54,100
Poverty Rate:
6.6%
Non English Speakers:
18.3%
Rent:
$2,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.6%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.9%
Bachelors or More:
59.5%
Education
How are the schools in Sierra Madre, CA?
Sierra Madre offers strong educational opportunities, with well-regarded public schools like Sierra Madre Elementary and Middle School, supported by favorable student-teacher ratios. The area also features private school options and is close to renowned colleges such as Pasadena City College and Caltech. Families benefit from a community that values and invests in education.

Public Schools
Name:
Sierra Madre Elementary School
Street:
141 W Highland Ave
Phone:
626-355-1428
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Sierra Madre Middle School
Street:
160 N Canon Ave
Phone:
626-396-5910
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1

Private Schools
Name:
The Gooden School
Street:
192 N Baldwin Ave
Phone:
626-355-2410
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Pasadena City College
City:
Pasadena
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
25,000
Name:
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
City:
Pasadena
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Sierra Madre is excellent, with major hospitals like Huntington Hospital and Methodist Hospital located nearby. The city has a strong physician presence, with 3.1 doctors per 1,000 residents, and 91.7% of the population is covered by health insurance. These resources ensure residents have reliable access to medical care and emergency services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Huntington Hospital
Address:
100 W California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone:
(626) 397-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Methodist Hospital of Southern California
Address:
300 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Phone:
(626) 898-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
79.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sierra Madre, CA?
The Sierra Madre housing market is robust, with a median home price of $1,250,000 and steady appreciation rates around 7% annually. About 62.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancies remain low, reflecting high demand. The stable market and low foreclosure rate make it an attractive place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$1,250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office conveniently located in Pasadena. The DMV offers standard vehicle registration and licensing services, and additional information can be accessed online or by phone. This proximity ensures easy access for driver and vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
49 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
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.