Ferndale, CA
Is Ferndale a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Ferndale, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe3
Medium0
Low0
Other2
0 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape0
Child involved0
Assault0
Other0
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 4, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical responders were sent code 3 to a rural area near Petrolia for a reported 71-year-old woman with a possible heart problem, using provided map coordinates in the Upper Mattole area. | Petrolia, CA 95558 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 1, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible medical incident was reported near Panther Gap Road and Mattole. Units are staged at the scene. | Panther Gap Rd, Honeydew, CA 95545 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 1, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units staged near Panther Gap Road in Honeydew for a report of an assault involving an unidentified male. No further details were provided about injuries or the assailant. | Panther Gap Rd, Honeydew, CA 95545 | Assault |
| Jun 1, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units established a medical staging area near Panther Gap Road and Cross Creek Road for a reported assault involving a woman in Honeydew. | Panther Gap Rd, Honeydew, CA 95545 | Assault |
| Jun 1, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies responded to a possible assault near Panther Gap Road in Honeydew. A caller reported one man was struck in the face by another, with visible injuries. Both individuals stayed on the property and were separated while awaiting medical help. | Panther Gap Rd, Honeydew, CA 95545 | Assault |
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
26.4%
Per Capita Income
$36,877
Child Poverty Rate
13.7%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview
Ferndale is a small coastal city in California with a population of 1,361. It features a higher education level than the US average and a mixed-income population.
The city is ethnically diverse with significant White, Asian, and Hispanic populations, and a historic architectural character.
CoastalEthnically DiverseHistoric
Quick Facts
| Population Density | 9 per sq mile |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Ferndale offers wide open spaces with a low population density and a mix of historic homes. It is a nautical neighborhood with a seaside and shipping feel.
What buyers will notice right away
With only 9 people per square mile, Ferndale offers spacious living uncommon in most U.S. neighborhoods.
The city has a large stock of pre-World War II architecture and a coastal maritime atmosphere.
Families & Lifestyle
Ferndale is rated highly retiree-friendly and features a mixed workforce with many professionals and service providers.
Peaceful and safe environment
Diverse housing options
Mixed white- and blue-collar workforce
Retiree Appeal — Ferndale ranks among the top retiree-friendly neighborhoods in California due to its safety and housing diversity.
| Retiree-Friendly Rank | Top 5.7% in California |
|---|
Demographics
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 26.4% |
|---|---|
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 34.4% |
| English Speakers | 84.0% |
| Spanish Speakers | 11.9% |
| Danish Ancestry | 4.9% |
| Swiss Ancestry | 3.4% |
Commute
Most residents have short commutes, with many driving alone or carpooling to work.
Ferndale residents mostly drive alone or carpool, with relatively short commute times.
Short Commutes — 41.0% commute 15-30 minutes, shorter than average.
Carpooling Common — 12.5% carpool, reflecting community commuting patterns.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 69.1% |
| Carpool Rate | 12.5% |
Homes for sale near 95545
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ferndale unique?
Its coastal location, historic architecture, and mixed workforce create a distinctive nautical and cultural atmosphere.
Is Ferndale good for retirees?
Yes, it ranks in the top 5.7% of retiree-friendly neighborhoods in California.