Montecito, CA
Population 8,823 · California
About Montecito, CA
Montecito is a small town located in California with a population of 8,823 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $222,966 per year, which is 197% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.8 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 Montecito features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Montecito in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,143 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (2,461 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (884 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Montecito shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Montecito have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
74.9% of Montecito 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 3.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 10.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Montecito Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Montecito, CA
Compared to national averages, Montecito has a median household income of $222,966 (197% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Montecito's income is 128% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Montecito, CA?
Montecito offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $222,966, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 74.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Montecito’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Montecito has a population of 8,823 with a median age of 51.8 years. Compare Montecito with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Montecito
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina del Rey | 8,844 | $142,440 | $470,600 | Compare |
| Fort Irwin | 8,791 | $66,964 | $0 | Compare |
| Larkfield-Wikiup | 8,861 | $94,889 | $670,800 | Compare |
| Topanga | 8,781 | $142,553 | $1,643,000 | Compare |
| Rodeo | 8,735 | $88,819 | $652,100 | Compare |
| Cloverdale | 8,933 | $104,238 | $613,400 | Compare |
| Rio del Mar | 8,938 | $150,313 | $1,242,600 | Compare |
| Orosi | 8,679 | $49,279 | $231,400 | 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 Montecito With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Montecito
What is the population of Montecito, CA?
The population of Montecito, CA is 8,823 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Montecito?
The median household income in Montecito, CA is $222,966 per year, which is 197% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Montecito?
The median home value in Montecito, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Montecito?
The median monthly rent in Montecito, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Montecito?
The unemployment rate in Montecito, CA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Montecito, CA a good place to live?
Montecito offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,823 and a median age of 51.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Montecito, CA?
74.9% of residents in Montecito 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 Montecito?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Montecito, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $222,966. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Montecito?
The poverty rate in Montecito, CA is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Montecito, CA?
Montecito's population is 3.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 10.5% of residents are foreign-born.