Eastern Goleta Valley, CA
Population 29,411 · California
About Eastern Goleta Valley, CA
Eastern Goleta Valley is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 29,411 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $136,839 per year, which is 82% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Eastern Goleta Valley features a median home value of $1,192,000, which is 387% above the national median of $244,900. This places Eastern Goleta Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,924, 151% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,990 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (7,571 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (2,771 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Eastern Goleta Valley shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Eastern Goleta Valley have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
51.9% of Eastern Goleta Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 22.4% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 15.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Eastern Goleta Valley, CA
Compared to national averages, Eastern Goleta Valley has a median household income of $136,839 (82% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,192,000, which is 387% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,924 is 151% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Eastern Goleta Valley's income is 40% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 82% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Eastern Goleta Valley, CA?
Eastern Goleta Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $136,839, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 51.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,192,000. However, Eastern Goleta Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Eastern Goleta Valley has a population of 29,411 with a median age of 44.9 years. Compare Eastern Goleta Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Eastern Goleta Valley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Lorenzo | 29,453 | $110,495 | $833,800 | Compare |
| Suisun City | 29,205 | $97,083 | $551,000 | Compare |
| East Palo Alto | 29,143 | $104,832 | $1,124,000 | Compare |
| Atascadero | 29,735 | $88,830 | $673,400 | Compare |
| Monterey | 29,772 | $104,110 | $1,003,300 | Compare |
| San Carlos | 29,797 | $233,333 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Twentynine Palms | 28,738 | $56,000 | $238,400 | Compare |
| East Niles | 28,586 | $51,250 | $228,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Eastern Goleta Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Goleta Valley
What is the population of Eastern Goleta Valley, CA?
The population of Eastern Goleta Valley, CA is 29,411 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Eastern Goleta Valley?
The median household income in Eastern Goleta Valley, CA is $136,839 per year, which is 82% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Eastern Goleta Valley?
The median home value in Eastern Goleta Valley, CA is $1,192,000, which is 387% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Eastern Goleta Valley?
The median monthly rent in Eastern Goleta Valley, CA is $2,924, which is 151% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Eastern Goleta Valley?
The unemployment rate in Eastern Goleta Valley, CA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Eastern Goleta Valley, CA a good place to live?
Eastern Goleta Valley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,411 and a median age of 44.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Eastern Goleta Valley, CA?
51.9% of residents in Eastern Goleta Valley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Eastern Goleta Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Eastern Goleta Valley, CA: median home value is $1,192,000 (387% above national), median rent is $2,924/month, and median household income is $136,839. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Eastern Goleta Valley?
The poverty rate in Eastern Goleta Valley, CA is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Eastern Goleta Valley, CA?
Eastern Goleta Valley's population is 22.4% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 15.7% of residents are foreign-born.