Is Calimesa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Calimesa

Calimesa, California, situated in Riverside County, offers a blend of suburban and rural characteristics. This city is known for its warm, dry climate and its location within the San Gorgonio Pass, providing scenic views and access to outdoor activities. As of the latest available data, Calimesa is home to over 10,000 residents, with a median age around 40 years old, indicating a community with a significant portion of both younger and older populations.

The city’s commitment to preserving its natural setting is evident in its open spaces and trail systems. Calimesa aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents through thoughtful planning, fostering business activity, creating local jobs, and developing new amenities like parks and schools. This focus on community development and natural beauty makes Calimesa an appealing location for those seeking a balance between urban convenience and a connection to the outdoors.

Is it Safe to Live in Calimesa?

Calimesa’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average. In the most recent data available for 2024, the city recorded 13 violent crimes, resulting in a rate of 113.01 per 100,000 residents (according to the FBI UCR data). This violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with specific incidents including aggravated assaults.

Property crime rates in Calimesa are also reported to be slightly lower than the U.S. average, with 200 property crimes recorded in 2024, equating to 1739 per 100,000 residents (according to the FBI UCR data). Year-over-year crime data indicates a decrease in total crime, with violent and property crimes also showing reductions. When compared to other cities of similar population size, Calimesa’s crime rate per thousand residents is noted to be higher than average, though its violent crime rate per 1,000 inhabitants is considered about average for communities across America (according to NeighborhoodScout). The theft rate in Calimesa is about the same as the average U.S. city, and the southwest part of the city is considered the safest area (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in Calimesa is described as somewhat competitive. As of March 31, 2026, the median list price for a home in Calimesa was $557,633 (according to Zillow). The average home value in Calimesa was $566,185 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight decrease of 1.6% over the past year (according to Zillow). In the broader Calimesa, CA housing market, the median sale price of a home was $516,000 in the previous month, with a price per square foot of $337, which is up 1.5% year-over-year (according to Redfin).

Rental prices in Calimesa show a range of options. The average rent in Calimesa was $2,233 as of May 8, 2026 (according to Zillow). Rental listings in Calimesa can range from $1,000 for a studio to $3,380 for a three-bedroom house. Over the past year, rents have increased by $133, though they decreased by $62 in the last month. The average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Calimesa was $2,233 as of May 8, 2026 (according to Zillow).

Cost of Living Overview

The cost of living in Calimesa is higher than the national average but lower than the California state average. In 2026, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $2,888, and for a family of four, it is $6,360 (according to Salary.com). This reflects a 3% increase from the previous year, with housing, transportation, and food prices being the primary drivers.

Calimesa’s cost of living index is 124, compared to the national average of 100 (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs are notably higher than the national average, by 40% (according to AreaVibes). While general sales tax in California is higher than the national average, the state income tax is lower. The median household income in Calimesa was $87,181 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau), with a poverty rate of 3.4% for families (according to World Population Review).

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

The job market in Calimesa offers a variety of opportunities, with an average annual salary reported around $71,011 as of May 4, 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). This figure represents approximately $34.14 per hour. The salary range for various positions in Calimesa varies significantly, suggesting potential for career advancement based on skill, location, and experience.

While specific major employers for Calimesa are not detailed in the provided search results, larger companies operating in the broader Riverside County area include Stater Bros., Jack in the Box, and 7-Eleven (according to Lensa). The City of Calimesa itself has approximately 21-50 employees across various departments, including Medical & Health, Finance, and Education & Coaching (according to Prospeo).

Economic Indicators

The economic landscape of Calimesa is influenced by regional trends. The city’s median household income was $87,181 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau), with a slight increase of 7.7% from the previous year. However, the median income saw a slight decrease of 3.5% over the same period. The unemployment rate for Calimesa is not directly available in the provided snippets but is influenced by state and county labor market data.

A significant portion of Calimesa residents commute to other areas for work, with only about 5.4% of residents working and living within Calimesa itself (according to the Southern California Association of Governments). This commuting pattern is common in the region, reflecting the broader economic integration of Riverside County.

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Weather Patterns

Calimesa experiences a climate characterized by hot, arid summers and cooler, partly cloudy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 39°F to 94°F, rarely dropping below 31°F or exceeding 101°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The hot season, from mid-June to late September, sees average daily high temperatures above 87°F, with August being the hottest month, averaging a high of 93°F.

The cooler season spans from late November to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 68°F. December is the coldest month, with an average low of 39°F and a high of 62°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The city enjoys a comfortable climate for outdoor activities for a significant portion of the year, with an estimated 182 days of comfortable weather annually.

Precipitation and Natural Features

Calimesa receives an average annual precipitation of about 14 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically December, with around 3 inches of precipitation, while June is the driest, with minimal rainfall. Snowfall is not a significant factor, with an average annual accumulation of 9 inches, primarily occurring between December and March.

The city is situated in the San Gorgonio Pass, surrounded by mountains and canyons that offer scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and camping (according to Snoflo). Calimesa’s water supply relies on groundwater from the San Bernardino Mountains, though the area has faced challenges with water quality in some wells.

Education and Demographics

School System Overview

Calimesa is served by the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, which has an overall Niche grade of B (according to Niche). Calimesa Elementary School, serving grades K-5, has a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1, with 13% of students proficient in math and 20% in reading according to state test scores (according to Niche). The district as a whole receives a B+ rating, with 14 schools serving approximately 12,121 students.

Within the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, schools like Yucaipa High School are noted for their diversity and variety of student activities. While the district is considered good, some students express a desire for more funding for academic programs and a greater focus on learning (according to Niche). The district is working to address issues such as overcrowding by building new schools and renovating existing ones.

Community Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Calimesa had a population of 10,026 residents, with projections indicating a continued increase. The population is diverse, with the largest racial/ethnic groups being White (60.7%) and Hispanic (31.1%) (according to World Population Review). The median age in Calimesa is 40 years old, with a balanced distribution across age groups, including a significant percentage of residents aged 65 and older (according to U.S. Census Bureau data).

The community has a mix of homeowners and renters, with most residents owning their homes. Calimesa offers a suburban-rural feel, with many residents owning their homes. Retirees are a notable demographic in Calimesa, contributing to the community’s moderate political views. The city is part of Riverside County and is strategically located in the San Gorgonio Pass.