Santa Ynez, CA
Population 4,725 · California
About Santa Ynez, CA
Santa Ynez is a small town located in California with a population of 4,725 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $117,500 per year, which is 56% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Santa Ynez features a median home value of $1,121,000, which is 358% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Ynez in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,740, 136% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,934 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,177 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (551 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Ynez shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Santa Ynez have an average one-way commute time of 29.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.1% of Santa Ynez residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 16.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 14.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Santa Ynez Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Santa Ynez, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Ynez has a median household income of $117,500 (56% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,121,000, which is 358% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,740 is 136% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Ynez's income is 20% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 71% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Ynez, CA?
Santa Ynez offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $117,500, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%, and a well-educated community where 35.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,121,000. However, Santa Ynez’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Santa Ynez has a population of 4,725 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Santa Ynez with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Ynez
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mather | 4,729 | $140,941 | $573,800 | Compare |
| Brisbane | 4,718 | $151,593 | $1,127,200 | Compare |
| Pacheco | 4,657 | $100,152 | $283,600 | Compare |
| Copperopolis | 4,644 | $107,643 | $454,400 | Compare |
| Bret Harte | 4,807 | $42,422 | $289,300 | Compare |
| Indian Wells | 4,830 | $145,313 | $1,002,200 | Compare |
| Needles | 4,882 | $39,876 | $134,400 | Compare |
| East Porterville | 4,567 | $38,482 | $213,100 | 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 Ynez With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Ynez
What is the population of Santa Ynez, CA?
The population of Santa Ynez, CA is 4,725 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Santa Ynez?
The median household income in Santa Ynez, CA is $117,500 per year, which is 56% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Ynez?
The median home value in Santa Ynez, CA is $1,121,000, which is 358% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santa Ynez?
The median monthly rent in Santa Ynez, CA is $2,740, which is 136% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Ynez?
The unemployment rate in Santa Ynez, CA is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Santa Ynez, CA a good place to live?
Santa Ynez offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,725 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Santa Ynez, CA?
35.1% of residents in Santa Ynez 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 Ynez?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Ynez, CA: median home value is $1,121,000 (358% above national), median rent is $2,740/month, and median household income is $117,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Ynez?
The poverty rate in Santa Ynez, CA is 11.3%, 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 Ynez, CA?
Santa Ynez's population is 16.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 14.0% of residents are foreign-born.