Santa Maria, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
110,462
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,746/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
30,482
0.9% year-over-year change

Santa Maria population

How many people live in Santa Maria

Santa Maria is home to 110,462 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Santa Maria locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
110,462
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
55,007
Female
50.2%
55,455
Value Percent YoY change
Male 55,007 49.8% 0.3%
Female 55,455 50.2% 0.7%
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 Santa Maria is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.3% are children under 15, then 18.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 19% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.3%
15 to 24
18.6%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
19%
Over 65
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 27,946 25.3% -1.4%
15 to 24 20,531 18.6% 3.0%
25 to 44 28,796 26.1% -0.9%
45 to 64 21,034 19% 1.6%
Over 65 12,155 11% 2.6%
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 Santa Maria, 65.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 22.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 24.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 4.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 45.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
65.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.6%
Non-citizens
22.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 72,754 65.9% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12,874 11.6% 5.8%
Non-citizens 24,834 22.5% -0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
24.9%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4%
Asian
4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
45.2%
Other
20.7%
Value Percent
White 27,457 24.9%
Black or African American 979 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4,412 4%
Asian 4,760 4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 38 0%
Two or more races 49,902 45.2%
Other 22,914 20.7%

Households in Santa Maria

A peek inside Santa Maria households

Santa Maria has 29,505 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 77.4% are families, while the remaining 22.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
29,505
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
6,659
Family households
22,846
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,659 22.6% 8.5%
Family households 22,846 77.4% -0.5%
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 Santa Maria

The housing landscape of Santa Maria

Santa Maria's housing consists of 30,482 units, with 60.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
30,482
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 18,366 60.2%
1 unit, attached 1,816 6%
2 units 886 2.9%
3 or 4 units 1,716 5.6%
5 to 9 units 1,950 6.4%
10 to 19 units 1,821 6%
20 to 49 units 767 2.5%
50 or more units 1,800 5.9%
Mobile home 1,321 4.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 39 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
241
40.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Maria

In Santa Maria, the median construction year is 1982. About 4.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,253 4.1% 1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 836 2.7% -10.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,352 11% 4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,807 12.5% -7.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,997 16.4% -0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,452 17.9% 7.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,145 10.3% -2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,497 14.8% -7.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,902 9.5% 24.1%
Built in 2020 or later 241 0.8% 40.1%
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.

Santa Maria occupancy rates

Out of the 29,505 occupied housing units in Santa Maria, 50.2% are owner-occupied, while 49.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
29,505
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
14,693
Owner occupied
14,812
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 14,693 49.8% 3.5%
Owner occupied 14,812 50.2% -0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
3.2%
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.

Santa Maria housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Maria come to a median of $1,887 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,925.

Median housing costs per month
$1,887/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 Santa Maria
$1,925/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 Santa Maria

Santa Maria education at a glance

About 35.7% of the population in Santa Maria went to high school, while 20.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 10.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 17,335 22.7% -0.3%
High school diploma 27,237 35.7% 4.6%
College diploma 15,508 20.3% -7.2%
Associate degree 5,655 7.4% 6.2%
Bachelor's degree 7,896 10.3% 6.2%
Graduate degree 2,722 3.6% 8.4%
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 Santa Maria

How much people earn in Santa Maria

The average annual household income in Santa Maria was $102,684 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $84,746, reflecting a +0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Maria
$102,684/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Maria
$84,746/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Santa Maria income by age

In Santa Maria, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,954. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,266 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,965, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,269 in earnings. Overall, 82.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,965 -3.1%
25 - 44 $80,954 -3.3%
45 - 64 $102,266 2.1%
Over 65 $62,269 1.3%
Above poverty level
89,531
Below poverty level
18,526
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 89,531 82.9% -1.2%
Below poverty level 18,526 17.1% 12.8%

Average renter income in Santa Maria

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Santa Maria, their median household income was $60,786 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,786
Rent-to-income ratio
38%
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 Santa Maria

Workforce and job types in Santa Maria

The job market in Santa Maria is powered by 49,184 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 73.6% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
49,184
0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
28,872
Blue collar
20,312
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 28,872 58.7% 2.9%
Blue collar 20,312 41.3% -2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
73.6%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,256 6.6% -4.6%
Private companies 36,218 73.6% 1.4%
Governmental workers 6,369 13% -4.3%
Not for profit companies 3,341 6.8% 4.6%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
3.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Santa Maria stands at 7.3%, 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 Santa Maria

How people get around in Santa Maria

In Santa Maria, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 43,116 90.2% -0.2%
Taxicab 114 0.2% 42.5%
Bus or trolleybus 853 1.8% 10.3%
Motorcycle 23 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 171 0.4% 33.6%
Walk 659 1.4% 18.9%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Santa Maria by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93454 41,896 12,050 $81,522 $101,214
93455 44,611 15,476 $110,661 $138,699
93458 59,148 14,085 $75,257 $92,686

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FAQs about Santa Maria demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Maria?

Santa Maria has a total population of 110,462 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Maria?

The gender ratio in Santa Maria is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (55,007 residents)
  • 50.2% females (55,455 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Maria?

The median age in Santa Maria is 29.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Maria?

The age distribution in Santa Maria is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.3% (27,946 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.6% (20,531 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (28,796 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19% (21,034 residents)
  • Over 65: 11% (12,155 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Maria?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Maria is as follows:
  • White: 24.9% (27,457 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (979 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4% (4,412 residents)
  • Asian: 4.3% (4,760 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (38 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 45.2% (49,902 residents)
  • Other: 20.7% (22,914 residents)

What percentage of the population in Santa Maria are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 65.9% of the population in Santa Maria.

How many housing units are there in Santa Maria?

There are 30,482 housing units in Santa Maria, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Santa Maria and what is the average household size?

Santa Maria has a total of 29,505 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria has a median household income of $84,746, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Santa Maria?

The employment rate is 92.7% in Santa Maria, with a workforce of 49,184 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.7% (28,872 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.3% (20,312 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (3,256 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.6% (36,218 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (6,369 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (3,341 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