Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Valley Center, CA
Thinking of moving to Valley Center, CA? With a population of 10,900 and a median home price around $900,000, this rural community offers spacious living, top-rated schools, and a family-friendly vibe. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate at 120 per 100K, scenic weather with 72% sunny days, and commutes averaging 35 minutes. The cost of living is high but balanced by strong incomes and excellent access to healthcare and outdoor activities.
Demographics - Valley Center, CA
Demographics - Valley Center, CA
Valley Center is a close-knit rural community of about 10,900 residents, with a median age of 45.6, reflecting a mix of families and retirees. The area is predominantly White (66.5%) and Hispanic or Latino (25.2%), and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home. The population density is low at 340 people per square mile, offering spacious living and a peaceful environment.
Population:
10,900
Density:
340 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.6
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
66.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Valley Center, CA?
Valley Center has a high cost of living, with a median home value of $900,000 and average rent around $2,800 per month. The overall cost of living index is 163, with housing and utilities being significant factors. While expenses are elevated, many residents benefit from strong household incomes and access to quality amenities.
Median House Value:
$900,000
Gross Rent:
$2,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$230
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
163
Grocery:
118
Housing:
246
Utilities:
122
Transportation:
128
Health Care:
108
Miscellaneous:
110
Crime
Is Valley Center, CA a safe place to live?
Valley Center enjoys a low crime rate, with just 120 violent crimes and 1,080 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 833, making the area notably safer than many cities. This contributes to the family-friendly and secure atmosphere of the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,200
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Valley Center, CA year-round?
Residents experience a mild Mediterranean climate, with winter lows around 41°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. The region enjoys 72% sunny days annually and receives about 15.6 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal temperatures remain comfortable, supporting an active lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Valley Center households are relatively affluent, with a median income of $112,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Most adults are well-educated, as over 94% have at least a high school diploma and more than a third hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute is about 35 minutes, and public transportation usage is limited.
Median Income:
$46,800
Household Income:
$112,000
Family Income:
$125,000
Per Capita Income:
$45,700
Income Male:
$55,000
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$2,800
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
35.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
36.4%
Education
How are the schools in Valley Center, CA?
Families in Valley Center benefit from well-rated public schools, including Valley Center High School and Valley Center Middle School, as well as private options like Faith Christian School. Higher education opportunities are close by, with Palomar College and California State University San Marcos located within a 20-mile drive. The area’s strong educational resources support lifelong learning and community growth.
Public Schools
Name:
Valley Center High School
Street:
31322 Cole Grade Rd
Phone:
760-751-5500
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Name:
Valley Center Middle School
Street:
28102 N Lake Wohlford Rd
Phone:
760-751-4295
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Private Schools
Name:
Faith Christian School
Street:
29010 Cole Grade Rd
Phone:
760-749-7777
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Palomar College
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
24,000
Name:
California State University San Marcos
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Valley Center is strong, with major hospitals like Palomar Medical Center and Tri-City Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 92% and a solid ratio of 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Quality care and emergency services are readily available within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Palomar Medical Center Escondido
Address:
2185 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone:
(442) 281-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Tri-City Medical Center
Address:
4002 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone:
(760) 724-8411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
74.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Valley Center, CA?
The housing market in Valley Center is characterized by high property values, with a median home price of $900,000 and owner-occupancy at 83%. Rental options are limited with a low vacancy rate of 3.2%, and home values have appreciated by 6.4% over the past year. This stable market appeals to homeowners seeking long-term investment and a rural lifestyle.
Median Home Price:
$900,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Valley Center residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in El Cajon. The DMV offers comprehensive services for licensing, vehicle registration, and more, accessible both in-person and online. For assistance, residents can call 1-800-777-0133 or visit the official California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1450 Graves Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021
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.