Mission Hills, Santa Barbara County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,859
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$111,974/yr
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,234
-1.0% year-over-year change

Mission Hills population

How many people live in Mission Hills

Mission Hills is home to 3,859 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of Mission Hills locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
3,859
1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
1,772
Female
54.1%
2,087
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,772 45.9% 1.5%
Female 2,087 54.1% 1.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Mission Hills is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 14.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.3% of the population, while another 31.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
14.8%
25 to 44
19.3%
45 to 64
31.2%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 704 18.2% -5.0%
15 to 24 570 14.8% 54.0%
25 to 44 746 19.3% -5.6%
45 to 64 1,205 31.2% -5.3%
Over 65 634 16.4% 2.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Mission Hills, 85.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 32.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.5%
Non-citizens
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,304 85.6% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 252 6.5% -17.4%
Non-citizens 303 7.8% 35.9%
Racial breakdown
White
50.8%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
32.8%
Other
13.1%
Value Percent
White 1,959 50.8%
Black or African American 83 2.2%
Asian 46 1.2%
Two or more races 1,264 32.8%
Other 507 13.1%

Households in Mission Hills

A peek inside Mission Hills households

Mission Hills has 1,234 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 80.3% are families, while the remaining 19.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,234
-1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
243
Family households
991
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 243 19.7% 6.6%
Family households 991 80.3% -2.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Mission Hills

The housing landscape of Mission Hills

Mission Hills's housing consists of 1,234 units, with 98.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,234
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,215 98.5%
1 unit, attached 19 1.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mission Hills

In Mission Hills, the median construction year is 1972. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 9 0.7% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 262 21.2% 17.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 301 24.4% -24.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 181 14.7% 36.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 202 16.4% 24.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 60 4.9% -11.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 219 17.8% -12.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Mission Hills occupancy rates

Out of the 1,234 occupied housing units in Mission Hills, 81.3% are owner-occupied, while 18.7% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
1,234
-1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
231
Owner occupied
1,003
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 231 18.7% -17.2%
Owner occupied 1,003 81.3% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Mission Hills housing costs

Housing costs in Mission Hills come to a median of $1,931 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,838.

Median housing costs per month
$1,931/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Mission Hills
$1,838/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Mission Hills

Mission Hills education at a glance

About 37.3% of the population in Mission Hills went to high school, while 16.1% pursued college studies. Another 16.9% earned an associate degree and 15% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 169 5.7% 1.8%
High school diploma 1,099 37.3% 26.8%
College diploma 475 16.1% -24.6%
Associate degree 497 16.9% 6.0%
Bachelor's degree 441 15% 6.0%
Graduate degree 267 9.1% -13.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Mission Hills

How much people earn in Mission Hills

The average annual household income in Mission Hills was $128,402 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $111,974, reflecting a +5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mission Hills
$128,402/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mission Hills
$111,974/year
5.2% year-over-year change

Mission Hills income by age

In Mission Hills, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $140,764. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $127,601 overall. Overall, 94.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $140,764 26.4%
45 - 64 $127,601 14.5%
Over 65 $91,875 33.5%
Above poverty level
3,650
Below poverty level
209
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,650 94.6% 1.1%
Below poverty level 209 5.4% 13.0%

Average renter income in Mission Hills

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Mission Hills, their median household income was $94,808 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$94,808
Rent-to-income ratio
23.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Mission Hills

Workforce and job types in Mission Hills

The job market in Mission Hills is powered by 1,894 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.2% run their own businesses, 61.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,894
5.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,545
Blue collar
349
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,545 81.6% 1.9%
Blue collar 349 18.4% 28.3%
Employer type
Self employees
19.2%
Private companies
61.7%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 364 19.2% 16.7%
Private companies 1,168 61.7% 12.2%
Governmental workers 252 13.3% -10.6%
Not for profit companies 110 5.8% -28.1%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-10.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mission Hills stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Mission Hills

How people get around in Mission Hills

Commuting methods vary: 75.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,315 75.3% 2.6%
Bus or trolleybus 152 8.7% -6.2%
Walk 51 2.9% 4.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Mission Hills demographics 

What is the total population of Mission Hills?

Mission Hills has a total population of 3,859 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mission Hills?

The gender ratio in Mission Hills is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (1,772 residents)
  • 54.1% females (2,087 residents)

What is the median age in Mission Hills?

The median age in Mission Hills is 42.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mission Hills?

The age distribution in Mission Hills is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (704 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.8% (570 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.3% (746 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.2% (1,205 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (634 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mission Hills?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mission Hills is as follows:
  • White: 50.8% (1,959 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (83 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (46 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 32.8% (1,264 residents)
  • Other: 13.1% (507 residents)

What percentage of the population in Mission Hills are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.6% of the population in Mission Hills.

How many housing units are there in Mission Hills?

There are 1,234 housing units in Mission Hills, reflecting a -1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Mission Hills and what is the average household size?

Mission Hills has a total of 1,234 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mission Hills?

Mission Hills has a median household income of $111,974, representing a +5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Mission Hills?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Mission Hills, with a workforce of 1,894 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (1,545 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (349 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.2% (364 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.7% (1,168 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (252 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (110 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025