Violent Crime
124/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.5%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.3%
120% higher than US avg
How Santa Maria Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population600
Median Age50.2 yrs
Density2,143/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 58%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
Per Capita$17,122
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty27.3%
County GDP$17,387M
Commute25 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$182,355
Housing Units188
Rent Burden30.5%
Crime
F
Violent124/100K
Property4,418/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured44.6%
Smoking16.6%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation67 ft (20 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.5%
High School+43.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute25 min
Broadband69.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Santa Maria a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Santa Maria receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Santa Maria faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 27.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Santa Maria is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,418 per 100,000, 125% above the national average.
Education
3.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 43.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Santa Maria has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Santa Maria has a population of 600 with a density of 2,143 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 50.2 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (57.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 25.9% of residents, while 74.1% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 67.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.2yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Santa Maria vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
25.9%
67% below US avg
Spanish
74.1%
453% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Santa Maria vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $17,122 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,200 business establishments, including 815 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Santa Maria vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $17,122 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.3% |
| 120% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,200 |
| County GDP | $17,387M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 815 |
| Healthcare | 1,060 |
| Retail | 1,030 |
| Manufacturing | 186 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,355. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 188 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $6,394 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 188 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
In Santa Maria, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 15.0% report binge drinking. 43.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.8% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 44.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034. The dentist ratio is 1:3,127. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Santa Maria vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 4.0% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.7% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 18.8% |
| Short Sleep | 42.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 67.0% |
| Uninsured | 44.6% |
| 419% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,034 |
| Dentists | 1:3,127 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,028 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 37.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
Santa Maria has a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,418 per 100,000, 125% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Santa Maria receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Santa Maria vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 123.9/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,417.8/100K |
| 125% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Santa Maria has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. The area gets 312 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 67 feet.
Temperature
61°F Jan (16°C)
86°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 75.0°F |
| 39% above US avg |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 86°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 67 ft (20 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,143/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.0770°N, 97.8474°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cameron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valley International (HRL)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0363 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M4.0 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Feb 11, 2014 |
31 km SSE of China, Mexico |
M4.0 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
13 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
187 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
205 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
47 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
133 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
190 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
83 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
44 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
130 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 39 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jan 26, 1950 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
58 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1994 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNS RANCH FIRE (58,395 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BURNS RANCH FIRE |
58,395 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
KING |
9,793 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
VIB |
7,817 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
ENCINO |
3,979 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
SAN CARLOS |
2,849 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
ENCINITOS RANCH |
1,967 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
755 |
1,846 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
ENCINITOS |
1,748 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
67 km |
| 2023 |
ELECTRIC SLIDE |
1,410 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
281 |
1,308 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
LA PALOMA |
1,214 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
61°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
69°F (21°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| April |
75°F (24°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
83°F (28°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
86°F (30°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
85°F (29°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
68°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
61°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Santa Maria has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 61°F in January to 86°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.8") and March the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Santa Maria. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $632 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $611 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $580 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Maria
What is the population of Santa Maria?
Santa Maria has a population of 600 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 2,143 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Santa Maria expensive to live in?
Santa Maria has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Santa Maria safe?
Santa Maria is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,418 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Santa Maria receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 61°F in January, while summers reach an average of 86°F in July. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Santa Maria?
The job market in Santa Maria is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 7,200 business establishments in the area, including 815 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Santa Maria?
Schools in Santa Maria score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.5% of adults in Santa Maria hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 43.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Santa Maria?
The obesity rate in Santa Maria is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 43.7% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 44.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034.
What is transportation like in Santa Maria?
The average commute in Santa Maria is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 96% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Santa Maria?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Maria is 57.8% White. 25.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 74.1% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 67.0% have health insurance coverage.
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