Santa Maria-Santa Barbara Metro Area

The Santa Maria-Santa Barbara metropolitan area is the 185th largest metro area in the United States, with a total population of 226,460 spread across 16 cities and towns in CA. Anchored by Santa Maria, this metro area is a significant economic and cultural hub that draws residents and businesses from across the region.

Residents of the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara metro area earn an average household income of $100,716, while the average home value sits at $765,677. Renters in the area pay an average of $2,025 per month, making the cost of living relatively high compared to the national average. About 31.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the area's well-educated workforce.

The Santa Maria-Santa Barbara metro reports an average violent crime rate of 285.8 per 1,000 residents, which is above the national average. Property crime averages 2,022.1 per 1,000 residents across the metro. The area experiences an average annual temperature of 59.0°F, with distinct four-season weather. The average poverty rate across cities in this metro is 9.5%, indicating strong economic conditions.

With 16 distinct communities ranging from major urban centers to smaller suburban towns, the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara metro area offers a wide variety of living options. Despite its more compact size, the metro area provides a range of communities with their own unique character and appeal. Explore the full list of cities below to find detailed data on population, income, housing costs, and more.