144 movers in South Lake Tahoe
What to know when moving to South Lake Tahoe, CA
TL;DR: South Lake Tahoe at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 39.2% hold a bachelor's degree and 41.9% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $83,738, which supports a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- Median home value is $649,100, making homeownership a significant investment.
- Commute:
- Only 1.6% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,497 in median rent to secure a place in this scenic locale.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
South Lake Tahoe is a picturesque area with a population of 29,527. The community skews educated, with nearly 40% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The housing market features a substantial renter presence, with nearly 42% of the population renting their homes. This area also experiences significant rainfall, totaling 36.5 inches annually, which may impact outdoor plans at times.
Probably not your spot if: high home values deter you from buying, as the median owner-occupied home value stands at $649,100.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,497, which can be high compared to nearby areas.
- Median home value is $649,100, indicating a strong housing market.
- 39.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- Poverty rate is 10.4%, reflecting some economic diversity.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates reveal some significant trends. The state has a violent crime rate of 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. However, the property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000, which is 14% above the national average but represents a decrease of 26.1% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k (California) vs. 325.3 per 100k (national average).
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k (California) vs. 1,546.9 per 100k (national average).
- Notable trend: Homicide rates decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is available with one postsecondary institution in South Lake Tahoe.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Named institution: Lake Tahoe Community College
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
El Dorado County experiences an annual average precipitation of 36.5 inches, with 60 rainy days each year. Winter brings the most rainfall, totaling 23.3 inches over 29 rainy days. The area is also known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
- Emerald Bay State Park - 4.8 stars (6,714 reviews)
- Heavenly Mountain Resort - 4.4 stars (5,798 reviews)
- Cave Rock - Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park - 4.7 stars (2,074 reviews)
- Pope Beach - 4.7 stars (2,044 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In El Dorado County, as of December 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 4.8%, with a labor force of 91,294 and 86,888 employed individuals. This indicates a stable employment environment within the region.
- Unemployment rate: 4.8%
- Employed: 86,888
- Labor force: 91,294
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
