Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Trona, CA
Thinking of moving to Trona, CA? This small desert town of about 1,800 residents offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $72,000 and average rents of $650. While the cost of living is lower than the national average, local amenities are limited, and the job market can be challenging. Enjoy over 84% sunny days each year and short 18-minute commutes, but be mindful of moderate crime rates and modest educational opportunities. Explore Trona's quiet lifestyle, unique climate, and affordable living as you plan your move.
Demographics - Trona, CA
Trona is a small desert community with around 1,800 residents and a median age of 44.7, reflecting a mature, close-knit population. The majority of residents are White, with a notable mix of other backgrounds and about 12.5% non-English speakers. The area's low population density offers a spacious, rural atmosphere.
Population:
1,800
Density:
135 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.7
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
31.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Trona, CA?
Trona boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of just $72,000 and average rents at $650, making it highly affordable compared to California norms. Utility and healthcare costs are slightly above average, but overall expenses are about 10% below the national average. State income taxes apply, but housing remains particularly budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$72,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$290
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
51.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Trona, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Trona are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,920 per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 345, while property crime risk is 1 in 52. While generally peaceful, new residents should remain mindful of safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
290
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,920
Crime Index:
2,210
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Trona, CA year-round?
Trona enjoys a sunny desert climate with 84% of days being clear and dry, and only about 3.6 inches of rainfall annually. Summers are hot, often reaching highs of 108°F, while winters are mild with lows around 34°F. The area's weather favors outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate warmth and abundant sunshine.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
108°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
3.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
84%
Neighbors
Local incomes in Trona are modest, with median household income at $38,400 and a poverty rate of 23.5%. Most residents commute less than 20 minutes to work, and public transit use is minimal. Education levels are mixed, with over three-quarters holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$21,500
Household Income:
$38,400
Family Income:
$42,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,800
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
9.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.2%
Bachelors or More:
8.0%
Education
How are the schools in Trona, CA?
Education in Trona is provided by local public schools, including Trona High and Trona Elementary, which feature small class sizes and personalized attention. There are no private schools in town, but Cerro Coso Community College is available 26 miles away for higher education. While educational resources are limited, students benefit from close-knit learning environments.
Public Schools
Name:
Trona High School
Street:
83600 Trona Rd
Phone:
760-372-2824
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Trona Elementary School
Street:
83600 Trona Rd
Phone:
760-372-2861
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Cerro Coso Community College
City:
Ridgecrest
State:
CA
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Trona is supported by Ridgecrest Regional Hospital nearby, offering general and emergency services. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and 86% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are met, though specialized care may require travel. The local healthcare index suggests generally satisfactory services for a small community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
Address:
1081 N China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone:
(760) 446-3551
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.0%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Trona, CA?
The Trona housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $72,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $650. Owner-occupancy is common, and vacancy rates are higher than average, offering a range of housing options. Home values have seen modest appreciation of 3.5% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$72,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
17.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
2.0%
DMV Information
Trona residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office in Kernville at 8268 N Sierra Way. DMV services, including licensing and registrations, can also be accessed online or by phone. The state’s DMV system ensures residents can manage their motor vehicle needs conveniently.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
8268 N Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238
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.