Home Value
$420,300
49% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
412/100K
9% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,239
7% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
21.1%
486% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.0%
182% higher than US avg
How San Ardo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population481
Median Age25.3 yrs
Density1,069/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 54%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$17,063
Unemployment21.1%
Poverty35.0%
County GDP$38,345M
Commute22 min
Housing
Home Value$420,300
Rent$1,239
Ownership62.2%
Zillow$650,927
Housing Units179
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent412/100K
Property1,822/100K
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured15.5%
Smoking10.1%
Depression17.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain20.8 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation445 ft (136 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+52.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.81
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 63%
Commute22 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries28
Is San Ardo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, San Ardo receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. San Ardo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
At 21.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 35.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in San Ardo is $420,300, 49% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,239 per month.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,822 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 52.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
San Ardo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
San Ardo has a population of 481 with a density of 1,069 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 25.3 years, 35% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.6% female and 57.4% male. The city is predominantly White (53.8%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 45.2% of residents, while 54.8% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 2.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.3yrs
Median Age
35% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
45.2%
42% below US avg
Spanish
54.8%
309% above US avg
Per capita income is $17,063 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,180, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 21.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 35.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 15,844 business establishments, including 1,118 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $17,063 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,180 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,133 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 21.1% |
| 486% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.0% |
| 182% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 15,844 |
| County GDP | $38,345M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,118 |
| Healthcare | 1,013 |
| Retail | 1,276 |
| Manufacturing | 284 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,044 |
| 158% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in San Ardo is $420,300, 49% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $650,927, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,239 (7% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 179 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $9,044 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Home Values
| Census Median | $420,300 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $650,927 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,239 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.8% |
| Housing Units | 179 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,044 |
| 158% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In San Ardo, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 10.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 17.4% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 15.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,545. The dentist ratio is 1:1,357. 89.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: San Ardo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 8.5% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.1% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 17.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 15.5% |
| 80% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,545 |
| Dentists | 1:1,357 |
| Mental Health | 1:217 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,114/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,013 |
San Ardo has a violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 residents, 9% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,822 per 100,000, 7% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 49 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, San Ardo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: San Ardo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 412.4/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,822.1/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 49 |
| Traffic Accidents | 298 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
San Ardo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 323 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 20.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 445 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 57.4°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 445 ft (136 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,069/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0237°N, 120.9073°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Monterey County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Obispo County Regional (SBP)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.8"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.52"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0363 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 5.8 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,735 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Sep 28, 2004 |
2004 Parkfield, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
54 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
5 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M5.4 |
121 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
32 km |
| Sep 17, 1991 |
22 km NW of San Simeon, California |
M5.2 |
45 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km E of Interlaken, California |
M5.1 |
125 km |
| Aug 12, 1998 |
10 km SW of Ridgemark, California |
M5.1 |
95 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M5.0 |
37 km |
| Jan 16, 1993 |
9 km E of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
121 km |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
2 km E of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
115 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
70 km |
| Dec 20, 1994 |
3 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
42 km |
| May 14, 2002 |
5 km SSW of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
122 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
121 km |
| Sep 30, 2004 |
13 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
34 km |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
6km SSW of Wasco, CA |
M4.9 |
148 km |
| Nov 14, 1993 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.8 |
38 km |
| Sep 28, 2004 |
12 km SE of Parkfield, California |
M4.7 |
56 km |
| Feb 4, 1991 |
33 km SE of Big Sur, California |
M4.7 |
59 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km N of Aromas, California |
M4.7 |
120 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
21 km NE of Soledad, California |
M4.6 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2019 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2019 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 2012 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1998 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.8 m (6 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1927 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
135 km |
| 1989 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.0 m |
62 |
142 km |
| 1878 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Meteorological |
1.0 m |
1 |
95 km |
| 1901 |
MONTEREY BAY, N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
37 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BASIN COMPLEX (164,537 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BASIN COMPLEX |
164,537 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
SOBERANES |
131,921 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
DOLAN |
124,382 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
FIFTY-EIGHT |
94,704 |
95 km |
| 1985 |
LAS PILITAS |
75,841 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
BASIN COMPLEX (INDIANS) |
59,095 |
44 km |
| 1985 |
GORDA-RAT |
52,474 |
50 km |
| 2020 |
RIVER |
51,582 |
79 km |
| 1994 |
41 |
48,441 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
GARZA |
48,404 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
CHIMNEY |
46,950 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
KIRK COMPLEX (HARE) |
43,054 |
50 km |
| 1985 |
CHERRY |
41,654 |
24 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
39,070 |
30 km |
| 1999 |
KIRK COMPLEX (FIVE) |
36,162 |
70 km |
| 2020 |
MINERAL |
29,901 |
36 km |
| 1996 |
WILD |
24,439 |
44 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
23,122 |
31 km |
| 1993 |
ORCHARD |
22,309 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
SKYLINE |
21,694 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
San Ardo has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 45°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.8 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.5") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in San Ardo. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,745 |
| Toddler | $1,092 |
| Preschool | $856 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,380 |
| Toddler | $1,172 |
| Preschool | $1,099 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About San Ardo
What is the population of San Ardo?
San Ardo has a population of 481 residents and is located in California. The population density is 1,069 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.6% female and 57.4% male.
Is San Ardo expensive to live in?
San Ardo is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median home value is $420,300 (49% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,239 per month.
Is San Ardo safe?
The violent crime rate in San Ardo is 412 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,822 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, San Ardo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in San Ardo?
San Ardo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in San Ardo?
The job market in San Ardo faces challenges, with unemployment at 21.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,180. There are 15,844 business establishments in the area, including 1,118 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in San Ardo?
The median home value in San Ardo is $420,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $650,927. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,239. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.2%. The average annual property tax is $9,044.
How are the schools in San Ardo?
Schools in San Ardo have an average test score of 3.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in San Ardo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 52.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is San Ardo?
The obesity rate in San Ardo is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.1% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 17.4% of residents report depression. 15.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 89.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,545.
What is transportation like in San Ardo?
The average commute in San Ardo is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of San Ardo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of San Ardo is 53.8% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 45.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 54.8% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 2.1% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
