What to know when moving to Mather, CA
TL;DR: Mather at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 39.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 24.1% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $130,500, providing a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line, highlighting some economic diversity.
- Commute:
- Only 1.4% use public transit, suggesting a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $917 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Mather has a population of approximately 5,029 residents, with a median household income of $130,500. The area has a relatively low renter percentage at 24.1%, indicating a significant number of homeowners. With only 1.4% commuting via public transit, driving is likely the best option for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a vibrant public transportation system or a higher percentage of renters.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $917, making it more affordable than many nearby locations.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $573,800, which reflects the housing market dynamics.
- 39.6% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's educational character.
- The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, suggesting some economic challenges for a portion of the population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California has a state annual violent crime rate of 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Property crime in the state has a rate of 1,764 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national rate by 14%. However, both violent and property crime rates have seen significant decreases of 17.4% and 26.1% respectively since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 26 postsecondary institutions available in the nearby region, offering diverse educational opportunities.
- American River College
- California State University-Sacramento
- Cosumnes River College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Mather experiences an annual precipitation of about 17.2 inches, with an average of 51 rainy days each year. Winters account for the majority of this rainfall, with 10.5 inches falling over 26 rainy days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- California State Capitol Museum (4.7 stars, 5,917 reviews)
- McKinley Park (4.6 stars, 4,554 reviews)
- Howe Community Park (4.3 stars, 2,981 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Sacramento County's labor market is robust, with 746,868 employed individuals and an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.9% (2025)
- Employed: 746,868
- Labor force: 785,309
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.