Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Westwood, CA
Considering a move to Westwood, CA? This small town of 1,647 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price of $186,000 and average rent around $810. Westwood enjoys mild summers, cold winters, and a sunny climate with 76% sunny days. Commute times are short (about 18.5 minutes), crime rates are low, and the community is close-knit. Local schools offer small class sizes, and outdoor recreation abounds thanks to nearby lakes and forests—perfect for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Demographics - Westwood, CA
Demographics - Westwood, CA
Westwood is a small, close-knit community of 1,647 people with a median age of 51, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White, and about 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a quiet, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,647
Density:
1,120 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.3%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
11.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Westwood, CA?
Living in Westwood is affordable, with a median home value of $186,000 and average rent around $810, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the U.S. average, though utilities and groceries trend a bit higher than national norms. State taxes can range from 1% to 13.3%, depending on income.
Median House Value:
$186,000
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.5
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
81.0
Utilities:
112.3
Transportation:
104.7
Health Care:
98.1
Miscellaneous:
101.7
Crime
Is Westwood, CA a safe place to live?
Westwood experiences low crime rates, with just 178 violent crimes and 1,140 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents enjoy a sense of safety, as the chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 562. This makes Westwood a reassuring choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,318
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 562
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Westwood, CA year-round?
Westwood features a sunny climate with 76% of days being clear, offering warm summers (up to 83°F) and cold winters (down to 18°F). Annual rainfall averages 32.1 inches, providing a crisp, seasonal feel. The area’s four-season weather is ideal for those who enjoy both winter and summer outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
26°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $39,400 and a poverty rate just above 20%, reflecting modest economic means. Most residents drive to work, with an average commute of 18.5 minutes, and public transportation is rarely used. Local education levels show over 80% have completed high school, while college completion remains less common.
Median Income:
$27,700
Household Income:
$39,400
Family Income:
$48,900
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
20.8%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.0%
Education
How are the schools in Westwood, CA?
Westwood offers two public schools with small class sizes, fostering personalized attention for students. The local high school and elementary school serve a combined student body of just over 300, while Lassen Community College, 23 miles away, provides higher education options. This setting is ideal for families valuing a tight-knit educational environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Westwood Junior-Senior High School
Street:
4th & Greenwood
Phone:
530-256-2311
Students:
145
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Name:
Westwood Elementary School
Street:
626 4th St
Phone:
530-256-3152
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
Lassen Community College
City:
Susanville
State:
CA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Westwood is supported by Seneca Healthcare District, a general and emergency hospital nearby. There are about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of locals have health insurance. The healthcare environment is adequate for basic needs, with emergency services close at hand.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Seneca Healthcare District
Address:
130 Brentwood Dr, Chester, CA 96020
Phone:
(530) 258-2151
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Westwood, CA?
Westwood’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $186,000 and a 68% owner-occupancy rate. Rental vacancies are somewhat high at 9%, and homes appreciate at a modest rate of 2.6% per year. The stable market is well-suited for first-time buyers or those seeking rural investment opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$186,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Westwood residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Susanville, providing access to all standard DMV services. The Susanville location is easily reachable and offers in-person and online resources. This ensures residents can manage vehicle registration and licensing needs conveniently.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2415 Main St, Susanville, CA 96130
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.