Santa Maria, CA
Population 109,880 · California
About Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria is a major city located in California with a population of 109,880 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,617 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Santa Maria features a median home value of $478,200, which is 95% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Maria in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,842, 58% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 30,212 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (14,890 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (14,202 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Maria shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Santa Maria have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.1% of Santa Maria residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 74.9% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 32.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Santa Maria, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Maria has a median household income of $84,617 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $478,200, which is 95% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,842 is 58% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Maria's income is 14% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 27% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,617, well above the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $478,200. However, as a major city, Santa Maria provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santa Maria has a population of 109,880 with a median age of 29.3 years. Compare Santa Maria with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Maria
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Buenaventura (Ventura) | 109,900 | $100,407 | $778,700 | Compare |
| Temecula | 110,404 | $117,840 | $640,400 | Compare |
| Costa Mesa | 110,538 | $110,073 | $1,054,700 | Compare |
| Murrieta | 111,621 | $109,780 | $606,900 | Compare |
| Downey | 111,793 | $87,400 | $728,500 | Compare |
| West Covina | 107,436 | $98,570 | $712,300 | Compare |
| El Monte | 107,066 | $64,484 | $626,000 | Compare |
| Menifee | 107,020 | $89,183 | $487,200 | 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 Maria With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Maria
What is the population of Santa Maria, CA?
The population of Santa Maria, CA is 109,880 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Santa Maria?
The median household income in Santa Maria, CA is $84,617 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Maria?
The median home value in Santa Maria, CA is $478,200, which is 95% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santa Maria?
The median monthly rent in Santa Maria, CA is $1,842, which is 58% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Maria?
The unemployment rate in Santa Maria, CA is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Maria, CA a good place to live?
Santa Maria offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 109,880 and a median age of 29.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Santa Maria, CA?
15.1% of residents in Santa Maria aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Santa Maria?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Maria, CA: median home value is $478,200 (95% above national), median rent is $1,842/month, and median household income is $84,617. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Maria?
The poverty rate in Santa Maria, CA is 15.5%, 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 Maria, CA?
Santa Maria's population is 74.9% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 32.7% of residents are foreign-born.