Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Dos Palos, CA
Thinking of moving to South Dos Palos, CA? This small community of 1,747 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $215,000 and average rents at $950. Enjoy a sunny Central Valley climate with 80% sunny days each year and short 24-minute commutes. While the cost of living is below the California average, note the area's higher poverty rate and limited higher education attainment. Families will appreciate the local elementary school, and nearby cities provide access to healthcare and colleges.
Demographics - South Dos Palos, CA
Demographics - South Dos Palos, CA
South Dos Palos is a close-knit community of 1,747 residents with a youthful median age of 28.5. The majority of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and over half of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's cultural diversity.
Population:
1,747
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.5
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
56.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
34.0%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
63.1% (majority Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Dos Palos, CA?
The cost of living in South Dos Palos is below the California average, with a median home value of $215,000 and average rents around $950 per month. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly above average, but housing remains notably affordable for the region.
Median House Value:
$215,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.0
Grocery:
102.5
Housing:
82.0
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is South Dos Palos, CA a safe place to live?
South Dos Palos experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 45 and a violent crime rate of 418 per 100,000 residents. While these rates are in line with many small California towns, it's important for newcomers to stay aware of local safety trends.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
418
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,618
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 240
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in South Dos Palos, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a classic Central Valley climate, featuring mild winters with lows around 37°F and hot, dry summers peaking near 96°F. The area boasts 80% sunny days annually and receives less than 10 inches of rainfall each year.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
96°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
80%
Neighbors
South Dos Palos is a working-class community with a median household income of $36,800 and a poverty rate of 35%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and the majority speak a language other than English, contributing to the town’s vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Median Income:
$22,700
Household Income:
$36,800
Family Income:
$38,900
Per Capita Income:
$11,200
Income Male:
$26,400
Income Female:
$19,600
Poverty Rate:
35.2%
Non English Speakers:
56.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
8.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
53.5%
Bachelors or More:
3.8%
Education
How are the schools in South Dos Palos, CA?
South Dos Palos families benefit from a local elementary school with a student-teacher ratio of 22.5, while older students can access nearby colleges such as Merced College and CSU Stanislaus within an hour’s drive. Higher education attainment is limited locally, but regional options provide pathways for further study.
Public Schools
Name:
South Dos Palos Elementary
Street:
17050 Merrill Ave
Phone:
209-392-3692
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Colleges
Name:
Merced College
City:
Merced
State:
CA
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
California State University, Stanislaus
City:
Turlock
State:
CA
Distance:
47 miles
Students:
10,700
Healthcare
Residents have access to general and emergency medical care at nearby hospitals in Los Banos and Merced, with 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people. About 85% of locals are insured, providing a reasonable level of healthcare coverage for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Hospital Los Banos
Address:
520 W I St, Los Banos, CA 93635
Phone:
(209) 826-0591
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Medical Center Merced
Address:
333 Mercy Ave, Merced, CA 95340
Phone:
(209) 564-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.4%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Dos Palos, CA?
The housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $215,000 and nearly 60% of residents owning their homes. Rents for a two-bedroom apartment average $950, and the area sees modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided through the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Los Banos, making license and registration needs accessible to South Dos Palos residents. Information and appointment scheduling are available online or by phone.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
825 Fifth Street, Los Banos, CA 93635
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.