A DRIVE AROUND TOWN
Santa Rosa - California - 4K Downtown Drive
Recorded footage by Mileage Mike Travels. Not live road conditions.
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Relocation guide
Moving to Santa Rosa
What it costs, what the weather is like, schools, outdoors and the honest pros and cons, from public data.
Population
177,216
Median age 40.5
Median household income
$97,410
Median rent
$2,084/mo
Median home value
$685,000
Schools
55
13 districts
Summer high / winter low
84° / 38°
Pros
- Household incomes run 24% above the US median ($97,410).
- Property taxes are low: about 0.72% of home value a year (US 0.98%).
- Mild weather in July, August, September, with highs between 65°F and 85°F.
- 86 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- 40 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach.
Cons
- Homes cost 126% more than the US median ($685,000).
- Sales tax is 10%, among the higher rates in the country.
Pros and cons come from comparisons with US medians and the city’s 30-year weather normals; they leave out things numbers can’t capture.
Plan your move
Where in Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa spans 6 zip codes. Median home values range from $603,300 to $865,900 by zip.
Compare zip codesThinking about a nearby city too?
Life in Santa Rosa
See Santa Rosa
LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT
Visit Santa Rosa for Bird & The Bottle
A food Short shared by Visit Santa Rosa.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
Is Santa Rosa a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. Household incomes run 24% above the US median ($97,410). Property taxes are low: about 0.72% of home value a year (US 0.98%). On the other hand: Homes cost 126% more than the US median ($685,000). Sales tax is 10%, among the higher rates in the country.
How much do I need to earn to live in Santa Rosa?
The median household earns $97,410. Rent at the median ($2,084/month) is about 26% of that; a common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of income, which means earning about $83,360 a year.
How many schools are in Santa Rosa?
55 public and private schools across 13 districts. See the schools page for each school’s grades and contact details.
What is the weather like in Santa Rosa?
Highs average 84°F in September and lows 38°F in December. The most comfortable months are July, August, September.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; NOAA climate normals; NCES schools; OpenStreetMap parks; Recreation.gov.