Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wrightwood, CA
Considering a move to Wrightwood, CA? This cozy mountain town of about 4,500 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $410,000 and average rents around $1,450. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (75 per 100K), sunny weather most of the year, and plenty of outdoor recreation. Commute times average 41 minutes, and local schools are well-rated for a small community. Wrightwood is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, close-knit lifestyle with easy access to Southern California's beauty.
Demographics - Wrightwood, CA
Demographics - Wrightwood, CA
Wrightwood is a small, close-knit community of about 4,500 people, with a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White (79%), with a nearly even gender balance and about 10% of residents speaking languages other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a peaceful mountain-town atmosphere.
Population:
4,500
Density:
600 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
79.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
17.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wrightwood, CA?
Living in Wrightwood is moderately more expensive than the national average, with a cost of living index of 126 and a median home value of $410,000. Renters can expect average monthly costs of around $1,450, while homeowners pay about $1,900 with a mortgage. Utilities and groceries are also slightly above average, reflecting the community’s scenic mountain location.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$560
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
126.0
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
134.0
Utilities:
106.0
Transportation:
129.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Wrightwood, CA a safe place to live?
Wrightwood boasts a very low violent crime rate, with only 75 incidents per 100,000 people, and a 1 in 1,333 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common but still moderate, offering residents a sense of security in daily life. The overall crime index remains low compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,095
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Wrightwood, CA year-round?
Wrightwood enjoys four distinct seasons, with cool winters and warm, sunny summers—average summer highs reach 81°F, while winter lows dip to 28°F. The community experiences plentiful sunshine about 72% of the year and receives roughly 24 inches of annual rainfall. These conditions provide an ideal climate for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Wrightwood residents have a median household income of $77,500, with about 10% living below the poverty line. Most adults hold at least a high school diploma, and nearly a third have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average 41 minutes, and public transit use is minimal, reflecting the town's rural character.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$77,500
Family Income:
$96,000
Per Capita Income:
$37,800
Income Male:
$45,500
Income Female:
$38,200
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
41.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.1%
Bachelors or More:
28.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wrightwood, CA?
Wrightwood’s educational options include a well-rated public elementary school with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. While there are no private schools in town, Victor Valley College, located 22 miles away, serves local students seeking higher education. The community values education, with a high rate of high school graduates.
Public Schools
Name:
Wrightwood Elementary School
Street:
1175 State Hwy 2
Phone:
760-249-5828
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Colleges
Name:
Victor Valley College
City:
Victorville
State:
CA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Wrightwood includes nearby hospitals like Mountains Community Hospital and Desert Valley Hospital, both offering emergency services. The community has about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 90% of locals have health insurance. Healthcare services are reliable and accessible for a town of this size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mountains Community Hospital
Address:
29101 Hospital Rd, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Phone:
(909) 336-3651
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Desert Valley Hospital
Address:
16850 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA 92395
Phone:
(760) 241-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wrightwood, CA?
Wrightwood's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $410,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,450. Most residents own their homes (72.5%), and vacancy rates are low, indicating steady demand. Home values have appreciated by nearly 5% over the past year, making the area attractive for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Wrightwood residents access DMV services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located in Barstow. Most standard vehicle and licensing needs can be managed online or by phone at 1-800-777-0133. The DMV’s website provides convenient resources for local drivers.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
303 W. Main St, Barstow, CA 92311
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.