Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ukiah, CA
Considering a move to Ukiah, CA? With a friendly population of about 16,349, Ukiah offers affordable living by California standards with median home prices around $430,000 and average rents at $1,400. Residents enjoy quick 16-minute commutes, mild Mediterranean weather with 69% sunny days, and a strong sense of community. While property crime rates are higher than average, the city features local schools, a nearby college, and outdoor opportunities in beautiful Mendocino County—making it a solid choice for those seeking small-town charm with easy access to nature.
Demographics - Ukiah, CA
Ukiah is a small city of roughly 16,349 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.4 years. The community is diverse, with over 24% speaking a language other than English at home and a majority identifying as White, while nearly 36% represent other ethnic backgrounds. The population density and mix of cultures contribute to a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
16,349
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.4
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
24.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
36.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ukiah, CA?
Ukiah's cost of living is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 119.4 and median home values around $430,000. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,400, making it relatively affordable compared to many parts of California. Residents also benefit from reasonable utility and transportation costs, though state taxes can be significant.
Median House Value:
$430,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$690
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
119.4
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
125.0
Utilities:
118.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Ukiah, CA a safe place to live?
While Ukiah is known for its close-knit feel, property crime rates are higher than the national average, with about 2,982 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 33, while violent crime remains less common at 379 incidents per 100,000. New residents should be aware and take standard precautions for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
379
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,982
Crime Index:
3,361
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 264
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Ukiah, CA year-round?
Ukiah enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching up to 90°F and cool, wet winters with lows around 36°F. The city experiences about 69% sunny days annually and receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Local residents have a median household income of around $56,700, with about 18.7% living below the poverty line. Most commute just over 16 minutes to work, and nearly a quarter speak a language other than English, reflecting the area’s cultural diversity. Education levels are solid, with over 84% having completed high school or higher.
Median Income:
$30,850
Household Income:
$56,720
Family Income:
$66,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
24.7%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.2%
Bachelors or More:
21.8%
Education
How are the schools in Ukiah, CA?
Ukiah provides a range of educational options, including public schools like Ukiah High School and Pomolita Middle School, and private institutions such as Deep Valley Christian School. The city is also home to Mendocino College, which serves approximately 3,400 students and is located just a short distance from downtown. Families benefit from accessible primary, secondary, and higher education opportunities close to home.
Public Schools
Name:
Ukiah High School
Street:
1000 Low Gap Rd
Phone:
707-472-5750
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.0
Name:
Pomolita Middle School
Street:
740 N Spring St
Phone:
707-472-5340
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.4
Private Schools
Name:
Deep Valley Christian School
Street:
855 Redwood Ave
Phone:
707-462-6350
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Mendocino College
City:
Ukiah
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Ukiah is served by Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, a full-service hospital offering emergency care, and has a physician availability of 2.0 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of the population is covered by health insurance, providing solid access to medical services. The city’s healthcare index indicates generally favorable conditions for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Ukiah Valley
Address:
275 Hospital Dr, Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone:
(707) 462-3111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ukiah, CA?
The median home price in Ukiah is about $430,000, with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,400, making it accessible compared to larger California markets. Just over 40% of housing is owner-occupied, and the area sees a stable housing market with modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates. Rental vacancy rates are under 5%, indicating steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$430,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the local California Department of Motor Vehicles office on S. State Street in Ukiah. The DMV offers full registration and licensing support, along with online resources for convenience. For assistance, residents can call the main DMV number or visit the state’s DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
542 S. State St., Ukiah, CA 95482
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.