142 movers in Santa Rosa
What to know when moving to Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 43.5% of residents are renters and the median household income is $93,513.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,978, which is relatively affordable for California.
- The Reality Check:
- 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating economic challenges for some.
- Commute:
- Only 0.7% use public transit, suggesting a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Be prepared for 24.3 inches of rain annually; investing in rain gear would be wise.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santa Rosa is characterized by a mix of renters and homeowners, with 43.5% of residents renting their homes. Education levels are moderate, with 28.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area's weather includes about 53 rainy days per year, so staying dry is a must for newcomers. Overall, the community feels like a suburban blend with access to outdoor activities.
Probably not your spot if: high housing costs are a concern, as the median owner-occupied home value is $628,900.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,978, making it a relatively affordable option in California.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $628,900, indicating a significant investment for homeowners.
- 28.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the community's educational character.
- The poverty rate is 12.8%, highlighting economic diversity in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, property crime rates are higher than the national average, but trends show a decline in crime rates over recent years.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k, which is 14% higher than the national average of 1,546.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k, 27.7% higher than the national average of 325.3.
- Notable trend: Property crime has decreased by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Santa Rosa offers access to several educational institutions, enhancing the community's educational landscape.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 3
- Nearby options include: Santa Rosa Junior College, Lytles Redwood Empire Beauty College, and Sonoma State University.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Santa Rosa experiences an annual precipitation of 24.3 inches, with the majority falling during winter and fall, leading to a total of 53 rainy days each year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Howarth Park - 4.7 stars (3,259 reviews)
- Spring Lake Park - 4.7 stars (2,317 reviews)
- Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center - 4.8 stars (1,207 reviews)
- Trione-Annadel State Park - 4.8 stars (846 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Employment figures in Sonoma County reflect a stable job market for residents of Santa Rosa.
- Unemployment rate: 4.2% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 237,321 individuals.
- Labor force: 247,838 individuals.
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
