Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watsonville, CA
Considering a move to Watsonville, CA? With a population of about 52,590, this city offers a mild coastal climate, a vibrant multicultural community, and proximity to beautiful beaches. Median home prices are around $665,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom is $2,000. Commute times are moderate at 24 minutes, and crime rates are lower than many California cities, with 279 violent crimes per 100K. While the cost of living is above the national average, Watsonville’s agricultural heritage, sunny weather, and access to local schools and healthcare make it an inviting choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Watsonville, CA
Demographics - Watsonville, CA
Watsonville is home to about 52,590 residents with a youthful median age of 31.2 years and a population density of 5,700 people per square mile. The community is notably diverse, with over 80% identifying as other than White, and a significant portion—65.2%—speaking languages other than English at home.
Population:
52,590
Density:
5,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
65.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
16.8%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
80.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watsonville, CA?
Living in Watsonville comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $665,000 and typical rent around $2,000 per month. Groceries, housing, and utilities are all above the national average, making the area best suited for those prepared for California’s premium prices.
Median House Value:
$665,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
154.0
Grocery:
120.1
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
110.5
Transportation:
135.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Watsonville, CA a safe place to live?
Watsonville enjoys lower crime rates compared to many California cities, with 279 violent crimes and 1,853 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 358 chance of being a victim of violent crime, contributing to a generally safe community environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
279
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,853
Crime Index:
2,132
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 358
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Watsonville, CA year-round?
Watsonville offers a mild coastal climate, with summer highs around 75°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 41°F. The city receives about 22.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 67% of the year, making outdoor activities pleasant year-round.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Local households earn a median income of $68,200, and the area features a close-knit, multilingual community with a 14.8% poverty rate. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and educational attainment is growing, though less than 15% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$48,500
Household Income:
$68,200
Family Income:
$72,100
Per Capita Income:
$23,650
Income Male:
$28,500
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
65.2%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
24 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
59.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.0%
Education
How are the schools in Watsonville, CA?
Education in Watsonville includes several public and private school options, such as Watsonville High School and Monte Vista Christian School, along with access to nearby colleges like Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz. Class sizes are moderate, and families benefit from diverse educational opportunities close to home.
Public Schools
Name:
Watsonville High School
Street:
250 E Beach St
Phone:
831-728-6390
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.4
Name:
E. A. Hall Middle School
Street:
201 Brewington Ave
Phone:
831-728-6321
Students:
870
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Private Schools
Name:
Monte Vista Christian School
Street:
2 School Way
Phone:
831-722-8178
Students:
700
Colleges
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
11,500
Name:
University of California, Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
19,000
Healthcare
Watsonville residents have access to quality healthcare, anchored by Watsonville Community Hospital with full emergency services. The city offers 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 88% of the population has health insurance, ensuring solid medical support for families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watsonville, CA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $665,000 and a low rental vacancy rate of 2.9%. About 44.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and property values have appreciated by 3.2% over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$665,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Watsonville’s DMV is conveniently located at 516 West Riverside Drive, offering a full range of California Department of Motor Vehicles services for residents. For further assistance, locals can visit the DMV website or call the statewide customer service line.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
516 West Riverside Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076
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.