California · Metropolitan Area
Goleta is a mid-size city in California with a population of 32,693. Residents earn $118,039 per year, which is 57% above the national average.
Based on current data, Goleta receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Goleta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Goleta is $118,039, which is significantly higher than the national average — 57% above $75,149. This places Goleta among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Goleta is $1,002,500, making it a premium housing market at 256% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,385 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.5x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Goleta is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,376 per 100,000, 30% below the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Goleta enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 66.2% |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 33.8% |
| 152% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $118,039 |
| 57% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $52,610 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,356 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $102,674 |
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 31,435 |
| County GDP | $69,606M |
| Restaurants | 1,758 |
| Healthcare | 3,115 |
| Retail | 2,556 |
| Manufacturing | 867 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,383 |
| 140% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.84% |
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Work from Home | 17.9% |
| Census Median | $1,002,500 |
| 256% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,346,990 |
| Median List Price | $1,197,000 |
| Median List Price | $1,197,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $764 |
| Homes Sold | 19 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.5% |
| Price Drops | 25.9% |
| Inventory | 27 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,385 |
| 105% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,928 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,383 |
| 140% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.84% |
| Obesity | 24.6% |
| 23% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,626/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3,115 |
| Total Violent | 114.1/100K |
| 70% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 9.8/100K |
| Robbery | 3.3/100K |
| Assault | 101.1/100K |
| Total Property | 1,376.0/100K |
| 30% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 394.5/100K |
| Theft | 922.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 58.7/100K |
| Arson | 9.8/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 51 |
| FEMA Disasters | 637 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 59.3°F |
| 10% above US avg | |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 17.3 inches |
| 55% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 7.9 sq mi (20.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,165/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4354°N, 119.8589°W |
| County FIPS | 06111 |
Winner: Democrat by 15.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.3% |
| 43% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 89.7% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 4,165/sq mi |
| Total Area | 7.9 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 36 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 37 |
| Public Libraries | 24 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3,115 |
| Restaurants | 1,758 |
| Retail Stores | 2,556 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 51 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 637 |
| Avg Commute | 18.9 min |
| Work from Home | 17.9% |