Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Willow Creek, CA
Thinking of moving to Willow Creek, CA? This charming small town of 1,657 offers affordable living with median home prices at $295,000 and 2-bedroom rents around $930. Residents enjoy warm summers, 60% sunny days, and short commutes averaging just 25 minutes. While crime rates are a bit above the national average, Willow Creek is known for its scenic beauty, strong owner-occupied housing, and easygoing rural lifestyle. Local schools serve the community, and larger medical centers are within driving distance for peace of mind.
Demographics - Willow Creek, CA
Demographics - Willow Creek, CA
Willow Creek is a small community of 1,657 residents with a median age of 50.4, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White (72.1%), with a significant Native American presence (17.1%) and a balanced gender ratio. With 8.2% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, Willow Creek offers a modestly diverse cultural landscape.
Population:
1,657
Density:
83 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.4
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
1.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Willow Creek, CA?
Living in Willow Creek is affordable compared to many parts of California, with a median home value of $295,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $930. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average, but housing remains relatively accessible. Utilities and groceries are on par with state averages, and state income taxes range from 1% to 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,390
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.8
Grocery:
109.0
Housing:
98.5
Utilities:
112.7
Transportation:
109.6
Health Care:
105.2
Miscellaneous:
104.5
Crime
Is Willow Creek, CA a safe place to live?
Willow Creek experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a 1 in 64 chance of becoming a victim, while violent crime occurs at a lower rate of 1 in 352. The overall crime index suggests residents should be mindful of property security. Despite these figures, many are drawn to the area for its rural tranquility and close-knit community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
284
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,570
Crime Index:
1,854
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 352
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Willow Creek, CA year-round?
Willow Creek enjoys warm, sunny summers with highs reaching 95°F and mild winters averaging around 56°F. The area receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
95°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents of Willow Creek have a median household income of $49,800 and a relatively high homeownership rate, though 17.5% live below the poverty line. Educational attainment is strong, with nearly 89% having at least a high school diploma. Commute times average a manageable 25 minutes, reflecting the town’s rural but accessible setting.
Median Income:
$31,400
Household Income:
$49,800
Family Income:
$56,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,300
Income Male:
$35,500
Income Female:
$28,600
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$930
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
16.4%
Education
How are the schools in Willow Creek, CA?
Willow Creek offers local public schooling through Trinity Valley Elementary, with a low student-teacher ratio for personalized attention. For higher education, College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt) are within a 45-mile drive. While private school options are limited, residents benefit from nearby institutions for both K-12 and college-level education.
Public Schools
Name:
Trinity Valley Elementary School
Street:
730 State Hwy 96
Phone:
530-629-0506
Students:
158
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
College of the Redwoods
City:
Eureka
State:
CA
Distance:
41 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt)
City:
Arcata
State:
CA
Distance:
44 miles
Students:
5,900
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are well-served with major hospitals like Mad River Community Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital Eureka located nearby. Most residents (91.3%) have health insurance, and there are 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people. While specialized care may require travel, basic and emergency services are readily accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mad River Community Hospital
Address:
3800 Janes Rd, Arcata, CA 95521
Phone:
(707) 822-3621
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Joseph Hospital Eureka
Address:
2700 Dolbeer St, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone:
(707) 445-8121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Willow Creek, CA?
The Willow Creek housing market features a median home price of $295,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 73.8%, offering stability for buyers. Average rent for a two-bedroom sits at $930, and annual home appreciation is a steady 3.9%. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, contributing to a stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$930
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services for Willow Creek are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Eureka. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and title services either in person or online through the state DMV website. The office is conveniently situated within a reasonable driving distance from Willow Creek.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3225 Timber Fall Ct, Eureka, CA 95503
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.