Santa Barbara, CA
Population 88,024 · California
About Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 88,024 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $101,672 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Santa Barbara features a median home value of $1,466,400, which is 499% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Barbara in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,302, 98% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 39,015 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (14,566 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (22,052 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Barbara shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Santa Barbara have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
50.2% of Santa Barbara 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 30.4% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 5.7% Asian residents, with 20.4% of the population being foreign-born.
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Santa Barbara, CA is $101,672 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Barbara?
The median home value in Santa Barbara, CA is $1,466,400, which is 499% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Santa Barbara?
The median monthly rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,302, which is 98% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Barbara?
The unemployment rate in Santa Barbara, CA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live?
Santa Barbara offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 88,024 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Santa Barbara, CA?
50.2% of residents in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Barbara, CA: median home value is $1,466,400 (499% above national), median rent is $2,302/month, and median household income is $101,672. The home-value-to-income ratio is 14.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Barbara?
The poverty rate in Santa Barbara, CA is 13.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Santa Barbara, CA?
Santa Barbara's population is 30.4% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 20.4% of residents are foreign-born.