Santa Barbara, CA
Population 88,024 · California
About Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 88,024 residents. The median household income is $101,672 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Santa Barbara is 39.4 years.
Housing in Santa Barbara has a median home value of $1,466,400 and median monthly rent of $2,302. Of the 39,015 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 14,566 owner-occupied and 22,052 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Santa Barbara is 4.7% and the poverty rate is 13.1%. 50.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.1 minutes.
Cost of Living in Santa Barbara, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Barbara has a median household income of $101,672 (35% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,466,400, which is 499% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,302 is 98% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Barbara's income is 4% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 124% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Barbara, CA?
Santa Barbara offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $101,672, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 50.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,466,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Santa Barbara provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santa Barbara has a population of 88,024 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Santa Barbara with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Barbara
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Leandro | 88,531 | $98,063 | $813,600 | Compare |
| Citrus Heights | 87,036 | $77,167 | $432,100 | Compare |
| Manteca | 86,521 | $94,718 | $561,200 | Compare |
| Merced | 89,766 | $59,938 | $347,700 | Compare |
| Hawthorne | 85,933 | $72,719 | $813,700 | Compare |
| Whittier | 85,925 | $92,374 | $751,700 | Compare |
| Westminster | 90,147 | $82,686 | $820,000 | Compare |
| Livermore | 85,870 | $153,602 | $1,038,600 | 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 Santa Barbara With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara
What is the population of Santa Barbara, CA?
The population of Santa Barbara, CA is 88,024 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Santa Barbara, CA is $101,672 per year.
What is the median home value in Santa Barbara?
The median home value in Santa Barbara, CA is $1,466,400.
What is the average rent in Santa Barbara?
The median monthly rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,302.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Barbara?
The unemployment rate in Santa Barbara, CA is 4.7%.