Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sonora, CA
Considering a move to Sonora, CA? With a population of just over 5,000, Sonora offers small-town charm, affordable median home prices around $375,000, and average rents near $1,250. Residents enjoy short 18-minute commutes, 78% sunny days per year, and access to quality local schools. While property crime rates are above average, Sonora's beautiful foothill setting, friendly community, and relaxed pace make it a welcoming spot in California's Gold Country.
Demographics - Sonora, CA
Demographics - Sonora, CA
Sonora, CA is a small city with a population of just over 5,000, featuring a predominantly White community and a median age of nearly 45. The city maintains a moderate population density and a slightly higher female-to-male ratio, with a diverse but mostly English-speaking population. Residents enjoy a close-knit, friendly atmosphere typical of small-town living.
Population:
5,011
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.8
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.5%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
13.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sonora, CA?
Living in Sonora is moderately more expensive than the national average, with a cost of living index of 114. Median home values are around $375,000 and average rents are about $1,250 per month, making it relatively affordable for California. Utilities and housing costs are higher than the national average, but overall everyday expenses remain manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$375,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,780
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.0
Grocery:
108.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
124.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Sonora, CA a safe place to live?
Sonora experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,100 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains relatively low. Residents have a 1 in 47 chance of encountering property crime and a 1 in 328 chance of violent crime. While caution is advised, most residents feel safe in the community's relaxed environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
305
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,405
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 328
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Sonora, CA year-round?
Sonora has a mild climate with cool winters (lows in the 30s) and warm, dry summers (highs near 90°F). The city enjoys plenty of sunshine—about 78% of days are sunny—and receives around 32 inches of rainfall annually. Residents appreciate the distinct seasons and the outdoor recreational opportunities year-round.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
The community in Sonora has a median household income of about $51,800, with a poverty rate of 16.5%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is a short 18 minutes. The area is known for its small-town friendliness and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Median Income:
$34,250
Household Income:
$51,800
Family Income:
$66,000
Per Capita Income:
$30,700
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.8%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
23.3%
Education
How are the schools in Sonora, CA?
Sonora offers a strong local education system, including well-regarded public schools and private options. Sonora Elementary and Sonora High School serve the city, while Columbia College is just four miles away for higher education. Families benefit from supportive school communities and a range of educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Sonora Elementary School
Street:
830 Greenley Rd
Phone:
209-532-3159
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Sonora High School
Street:
430 N Washington St
Phone:
209-532-5511
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.2
Private Schools
Name:
Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy
Street:
80 N Forest Rd
Phone:
209-532-2855
Students:
55
Colleges
Name:
Columbia College
City:
Columbia
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Sonora offers quality healthcare services, anchored by Adventist Health Sonora, the city's main hospital with emergency care. The area has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high rate of health insurance coverage at over 90%. Residents benefit from accessible and reliable medical care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Sonora
Address:
1000 Greenley Rd, Sonora, CA 95370
Phone:
(209) 532-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.5%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sonora, CA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $375,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $1,250. About 38% of homes are owner-occupied, with a modest home appreciation rate of 3.5% over the past year. Rental vacancies and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a stable and competitive housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$375,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Sonora's DMV office is conveniently located at 885 Morning Star Dr and is managed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Residents can access a full range of services including licensing, registration, and more. For hours, appointments, or online services, visit the official DMV website or call the statewide hotline.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
885 Morning Star Dr, Sonora, CA 95370
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.