Santa Paula, CA
Population 31,202 · California
About Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 31,202 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,130 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 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 Paula features a median home value of $559,300, which is 128% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Paula in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,698, 46% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,913 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (5,061 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (4,356 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Paula shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Santa Paula have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.7% of Santa Paula 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 78.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 32.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Santa Paula, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Paula has a median household income of $77,130 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $559,300, which is 128% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,698 is 46% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Paula's income is 21% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 14% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Paula, CA?
Santa Paula offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,130, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $559,300. However, Santa Paula’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Santa Paula has a population of 31,202 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Santa Paula with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Paula
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orcutt | 31,284 | $108,682 | $587,000 | Compare |
| Lawndale | 31,113 | $83,538 | $726,000 | Compare |
| El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles) | 31,399 | $93,098 | $648,400 | Compare |
| Laguna Hills | 30,921 | $122,778 | $944,000 | Compare |
| La Verne | 30,804 | $104,565 | $793,900 | Compare |
| Los Altos | 30,736 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Banning | 30,680 | $57,699 | $322,900 | Compare |
| San Pablo | 31,771 | $78,215 | $516,000 | 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 Paula With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Paula
What is the population of Santa Paula, CA?
The population of Santa Paula, CA is 31,202 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 Paula?
The median household income in Santa Paula, CA is $77,130 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Paula?
The median home value in Santa Paula, CA is $559,300, which is 128% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santa Paula?
The median monthly rent in Santa Paula, CA is $1,698, which is 46% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Paula?
The unemployment rate in Santa Paula, CA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Paula, CA a good place to live?
Santa Paula offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,202 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Santa Paula, CA?
14.7% of residents in Santa Paula 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 Paula?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Paula, CA: median home value is $559,300 (128% above national), median rent is $1,698/month, and median household income is $77,130. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Paula?
The poverty rate in Santa Paula, CA is 15.3%, 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 Paula, CA?
Santa Paula's population is 78.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 32.2% of residents are foreign-born.