What to know when moving to Hollister, CA
TL;DR: Hollister at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 32.7% of residents are renters and the median household income is $108,156.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to outdoor activities, with Fremont Peak State Park rated 4.7 stars by 571 users.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,908, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 1% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 7.5 inches of rain in winter, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Hollister attracts a mix of residents, with a population of 58,374, and a median gross rent of $1,908. The community has a lower education rate, with 20.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area experiences a significant amount of rainfall in winter, making it essential for newcomers to consider weather-related logistics. With only 1% commuting via public transit, most residents rely on cars for transportation.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median gross rent is quite high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,908, making it essential to budget accordingly.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $740,500, reflecting a significant investment for homeowners.
- The poverty rate is 8.2%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
- Renter percentage is 32.7%, suggesting a community with a mix of ownership and rental options.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, property crime has an annual rate of 1,764 per 100k, which is higher than the national average of 1,546.9 per 100k, showing a 26.1% decline since 2022. Violent crime is at 415.5 per 100k, exceeding the national rate of 325.3 per 100k, and has seen a 17.4% decrease over the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national average of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Weather & Getting Outside
The climate in San Benito County features an average annual high of 78°F and an average low of 44°F, with only 20 rainy days each year. Winter contributes significantly to the annual precipitation of 8.8 inches, mainly occurring in the form of rain.
- Fremont Peak State Park - 4.7 stars (571 reviews)
- TAG Adventure Park - 4.8 stars (430 reviews)
- San Juan Bautista State Historic Park - 4.6 stars (110 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In San Benito County, the unemployment rate stands at 6.5% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 34,672 and 32,428 employed residents. This suggests a competitive job market, though the unemployment rate indicates some economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate: 6.5% (December 2025)
- Employed: 32,428
- Labor force: 34,672
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.