University of California-Santa Barbara, CA
Population 11,634 · California
About University of California-Santa Barbara, CA
University of California-Santa Barbara is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 11,634 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,000 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 19.9 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 University of California-Santa Barbara features a median home value of $452,600, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. This places University of California-Santa Barbara in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,512, 30% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 721 total housing units, 17% are owner-occupied (116 units) and 83% are renter-occupied (556 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 University of California-Santa Barbara shows an unemployment rate of 14.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in University of California-Santa Barbara have an average one-way commute time of 15.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
76.5% of University of California-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 12.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 23.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA
Compared to national averages, University of California-Santa Barbara has a median household income of $75,000 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $452,600, which is 85% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,512 is 30% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, University of California-Santa Barbara's income is 23% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 31% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
University of California-Santa Barbara offers a well-educated community where 76.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($75,000) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $452,600. However, University of California-Santa Barbara’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
University of California-Santa Barbara has a population of 11,634 with a median age of 19.9 years. Compare University of California-Santa Barbara with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near University of California-Santa Barbara
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alum Rock | 11,619 | $111,976 | $880,000 | Compare |
| Lakeland Village | 11,587 | $83,371 | $429,000 | Compare |
| Signal Hill | 11,563 | $102,303 | $725,500 | Compare |
| View Park-Windsor Hills | 11,744 | $120,604 | $1,123,300 | Compare |
| La Riviera | 11,503 | $91,111 | $433,400 | Compare |
| Los Alamitos | 11,784 | $98,539 | $1,003,900 | Compare |
| Half Moon Bay | 11,454 | $153,199 | $1,467,000 | Compare |
| Home Gardens | 11,430 | $92,344 | $498,800 | 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 University of California-Santa Barbara With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about University of California-Santa Barbara
What is the population of University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
The population of University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is 11,634 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 University of California-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is $75,000 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The median home value in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is $452,600, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The median monthly rent in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is $1,512, which is 30% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The unemployment rate in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is 14.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is University of California-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live?
University of California-Santa Barbara offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,634 and a median age of 19.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
76.5% of residents in University of California-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 University of California-Santa Barbara?
Key cost-of-living indicators for University of California-Santa Barbara, CA: median home value is $452,600 (85% above national), median rent is $1,512/month, and median household income is $75,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The poverty rate in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is 15.1%, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
University of California-Santa Barbara's population is 12.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 23.4% of residents are foreign-born.