Santa Margarita, CA
Population 665 · California
About Santa Margarita, CA
Santa Margarita is a small community located in California with a population of 665 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.3 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 Santa Margarita features a median home value of $643,100, which is 163% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Margarita in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $634, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 459 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (151 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (284 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 Margarita shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Santa Margarita have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.2% of Santa Margarita 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 2.0% White, 13.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.9% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Santa Margarita Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Santa Margarita, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Margarita has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $643,100, which is 163% above the national median. Monthly rent at $634 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Margarita's income is 100% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 2% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Margarita, CA?
Santa Margarita offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $634/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a well-educated community where 50.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $643,100. However, Santa Margarita’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Santa Margarita has a population of 665 with a median age of 62.3 years. Compare Santa Margarita with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Margarita
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delleker | 668 | $53,818 | $317,800 | Compare |
| Rough and Ready | 659 | $100,417 | $659,900 | Compare |
| Loleta | 656 | $58,438 | $412,100 | Compare |
| Isleton | 649 | $59,250 | $316,900 | Compare |
| Madison | 682 | $0 | $320,800 | Compare |
| Paradise Park | 647 | $73,640 | $0 | Compare |
| Groveland | 644 | $60,972 | $329,500 | Compare |
| Kernville | 688 | $49,489 | $357,100 | 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 Santa Margarita With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Margarita
What is the population of Santa Margarita, CA?
The population of Santa Margarita, CA is 665 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Santa Margarita?
The median household income in Santa Margarita, CA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Margarita?
The median home value in Santa Margarita, CA is $643,100, which is 163% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Santa Margarita?
The median monthly rent in Santa Margarita, CA is $634, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Margarita?
The unemployment rate in Santa Margarita, CA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Santa Margarita, CA a good place to live?
Santa Margarita offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 665 and a median age of 62.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Santa Margarita, CA?
50.2% of residents in Santa Margarita 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 Margarita?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Margarita, CA: median home value is $643,100 (163% above national), median rent is $634/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Margarita?
The poverty rate in Santa Margarita, CA is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Santa Margarita, CA?
Santa Margarita's population is 2.0% White, 13.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.