By Vince Sanders
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
363 movers in San Luis Obispo
What to know when moving to San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 56.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 52.6% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $95,386, making it financially attractive.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,859, housing costs can be high.
- Commute:
- Only 1.6% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,859/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
San Luis Obispo has a population of about 29,995, with many residents enjoying a high level of education; 56.8% hold at least a bachelor's degree. The community is slightly more rental-focused, with 52.6% of residents renting their homes. However, the median gross rent is $1,859, which may be a consideration for prospective movers.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for low housing costs or a robust public transit system, as only 1.6% of residents utilize public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,859, while the median value of owner-occupied homes stands at $943,500.
- Education level is high, with 56.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and a poverty rate of 14.9%.
- Only 1.6% of residents commute using public transit, indicating a high level of car dependency.
- The renter percentage is 52.6%, showing a balanced mix of renters and homeowners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for California shows a decrease in property crime and violent crime rates over the years.
- Violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100k, above the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime rate is 1,764 per 100k, also higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 44.9% since 2022, now at 3.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is significant, with a total of 4 postsecondary institutions nearby.
- California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
- Central California School of Continuing Education
- Cuesta College
- Laurus College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is not available, there are several outdoor parks and recreational areas nearby.
- Dinosaur Caves Park - 4.7 stars (4,961 reviews)
- Morro Bay State Park - 4.7 stars (1,647 reviews)
- Avila Beach Park - 4.7 stars (1,423 reviews)
- Pismo Preserve - 4.7 stars (1,012 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
San Luis Obispo County has a stable job market with a reasonable unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 4.3% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 125,996 individuals in the county.
- Labor force: 131,722 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
