Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tuolumne Meadows, CA
Considering a move to Tuolumne Meadows, CA? This scenic, remote high-Sierra community has a tiny seasonal population, with median home prices around $420,000 and rents near $1,350. You'll enjoy a sunny alpine climate with mild summers, snowy winters, and access to outdoor adventure in Yosemite National Park. Crime rates are low, commute times average 33 minutes, and while education options are limited locally, nearby towns provide schooling and healthcare. If you seek quiet, nature, and a close-knit seasonal community, Tuolumne Meadows is a unique choice.
Demographics - Tuolumne Meadows, CA
Demographics - Tuolumne Meadows, CA
Tuolumne Meadows has an estimated seasonal population of just 50, offering a truly remote and peaceful atmosphere. The community is predominantly White, with a median age of 38 and a slight male majority. With less than one person per square mile, it's ideal for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
Population:
50 (seasonal estimate)
Density:
Less than 1 per sq mi
Median Age:
38
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females (estimate)
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82%
Black:
1%
Asian:
3%
Others:
14%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tuolumne Meadows, CA?
Living costs in Tuolumne Meadows reflect regional values, with median home prices at about $420,000 and typical rents around $1,350. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are slightly above the national average, and California state taxes can range from 1% to 13.3%. The area’s overall cost of living index is moderately high, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$420,000 (regional estimate - Tuolumne County)
Gross Rent:
$1,350 (regional estimate)
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
118.0
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
125.0
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
117.0
Health Care:
106.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Tuolumne Meadows, CA a safe place to live?
Tuolumne Meadows enjoys low crime rates, with violent crime estimated at just 180 incidents per 100,000 people in the county. The chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 87, which is lower than many urban areas. Residents can feel a strong sense of safety in this tranquil environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180 (county estimate)
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150 (county estimate)
Crime Index:
1,330
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Tuolumne Meadows, CA year-round?
Located in the high Sierra, Tuolumne Meadows experiences cold, snowy winters with temperatures dropping to 10°F, and mild, sunny summers reaching up to 75°F. The area receives about 25 inches of precipitation annually, mostly as snow, and enjoys clear skies 75% of the year. This alpine climate is ideal for those who appreciate crisp air and seasonal beauty.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
20°F
Max:
55°F

Summer
Min:
35°F
Max:
75°F

Fall
Min:
20°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
25 inches (mostly as snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
The surrounding region features modest median incomes around $34,500, with a family income of $78,000 and a poverty rate of 11.2%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the area sees low public transit usage with average commute times of 33 minutes. The community is close-knit, with a strong emphasis on outdoor living and natural surroundings.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$65,000
Family Income:
$78,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,000
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$32,500
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
9%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
33 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
25.4%
Education
How are the schools in Tuolumne Meadows, CA?
Local education options are limited, but Tenaya Elementary School in nearby Groveland serves younger students with a student-teacher ratio of about 20:1. For higher education, Columbia College in Sonora is approximately 40 miles away and offers a range of programs to over 3,000 students. Families may need to commute or consider alternative arrangements for comprehensive schooling.

Public Schools
Name:
Tenaya Elementary School
Street:
19177 Highway 120, Groveland, CA 95321
Phone:
209-962-7846
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.2

Colleges
Name:
Columbia College
City:
Sonora
State:
CA
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Healthcare access is available in nearby Sonora, where Adventist Health Sonora provides general and emergency services. The area has about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 90% of the population has health insurance coverage. While local facilities are limited, quality care is accessible within a reasonable drive.

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:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.5%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tuolumne Meadows, CA?
The housing market in Tuolumne Meadows is characterized by a median home price of $420,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,350. Most homes are owner-occupied, and vacancies are moderate, with a stable appreciation rate of 4.3% annually. This market suits those looking for primary residences or seasonal retreats in a unique alpine setting.
Median Home Price:
$420,000 (regional estimate)
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Tuolumne Meadows residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Sonora. Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other services locally or online via the state DMV website. The Sonora DMV office is easily reachable by phone or in person.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
331 Junction Ave, 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.