California · Metropolitan Area
Santa Maria is a large city in California with a population of 109,880. Residents earn $84,617 per year, which is 13% above the national average.
Based on current data, Santa Maria receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Santa Maria has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Santa Maria is $84,617, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
The median home value in Santa Maria is $478,200, making it a premium housing market at 70% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,842 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
The violent crime rate of 427 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,960 per 100,000, 51% above the national average.
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Santa Maria enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 34.0% |
| 57% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 66.0% |
| 393% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $84,617 |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $26,772 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,768 |
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 17,497 |
| County GDP | $41,425M |
| Restaurants | 1,253 |
| Healthcare | 1,508 |
| Retail | 1,476 |
| Manufacturing | 521 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,996 |
| 214% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.30% |
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
| Census Median | $478,200 |
| 70% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $646,468 |
| Median List Price | $635,000 |
| Median List Price | $635,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $418 |
| Homes Sold | 24 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.8% |
| Price Drops | 13.6% |
| Inventory | 59 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,842 |
| 58% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,415 |
| 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) | $10,996 |
| 214% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.30% |
| Obesity | 30.7% |
| 4% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 13.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.4% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 84.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,123/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,508 |
| Total Violent | 426.7/100K |
| 12% above US avg | |
| Murder | 2.9/100K |
| 54% below US avg | |
| Rape | 42.8/100K |
| Robbery | 144.8/100K |
| Assault | 236.2/100K |
| Total Property | 2,959.6/100K |
| 51% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 647.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,454.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 858.2/100K |
| Arson | 10.7/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 36 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg | |
| January Average | 51°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 26.9 inches |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 1.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 207 ft (63 m) |
| Area | 22.8 sq mi (59.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,817/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.9331°N, 120.4436°W |
| County FIPS | 06083 |
Winner: Democrat by 26.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 15.1% |
| 55% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 63.3% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 4,817/sq mi |
| Total Area | 22.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 57 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 65 |
| Public Libraries | 20 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,508 |
| Restaurants | 1,253 |
| Retail Stores | 1,476 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 36 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 364 |
| Avg Commute | 22.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |