Santa Barbara, PR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,658
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$31,239/yr
8.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
741
3.8% year-over-year change

Santa Barbara population

How many people live in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is home to 1,658 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Santa Barbara locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
1,658
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
784
Female
52.8%
875
Value Percent YoY change
Male 784 47.3% -1.1%
Female 875 52.8% -1.2%
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 Barbara is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.4% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 223 13.4% -5.9%
15 to 24 202 12.2% -4.3%
25 to 44 440 26.5% -0.9%
45 to 64 462 27.8% 0.0%
Over 65 332 20% 1.8%
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.

Households in Santa Barbara

A peek inside Santa Barbara households

Santa Barbara has 630 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.4% are families, while the remaining 30.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
630
3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
193
Family households
437
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 193 30.6% 6.0%
Family households 437 69.4% 2.3%
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 Barbara

The housing landscape of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara's housing consists of 741 units, with 76.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.2% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
741
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 571 76.8%
1 unit, attached 128 17.2%
2 units 2 0.3%
3 or 4 units 4 0.5%
5 to 9 units 21 2.8%
10 to 19 units 13 1.8%
20 to 49 units 3 0.4%
Mobile home 1 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Barbara

In Santa Barbara, the median construction year is 1984. About 0.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6 0.8% 100.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8 1.1% -27.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 41 5.5% -2.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 91 12.3% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 163 22% -4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 146 19.7% 8.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 151 20.4% 7.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 115 15.5% 1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 19 2.6% 35.7%
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 Barbara occupancy rates

Out of the 630 occupied housing units in Santa Barbara, 74.4% are owner-occupied, while 25.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
630
3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
161
Owner occupied
469
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 161 25.6% 4.5%
Owner occupied 469 74.4% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
15.0%
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.

Santa Barbara housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Barbara come to a median of $470 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $584.

Median housing costs per month
$470/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 Barbara
$584/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 Barbara

Santa Barbara education at a glance

About 35.1% of the population in Santa Barbara went to high school, while 15% pursued college studies. Another 13.6% earned an associate degree and 18.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 138 10% -3.5%
High school diploma 483 35.1% 1.5%
College diploma 207 15% -5.5%
Associate degree 187 13.6% 3.3%
Bachelor's degree 255 18.5% -1.2%
Graduate degree 106 7.7% 5.0%
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 Barbara

How much people earn in Santa Barbara

The average annual household income in Santa Barbara was $44,881 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $31,239, reflecting a +8.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Barbara
$44,881/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Barbara
$31,239/year
8.6% year-over-year change

Santa Barbara income by age

In Santa Barbara, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,552. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $36,308 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $22,048, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $21,679 in earnings.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $22,048 6.3%
25 - 44 $40,552 13.7%
45 - 64 $36,308 7.0%
Over 65 $21,679 -1.1%

Employment in Santa Barbara

Workforce and job types in Santa Barbara

77.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14% run their own businesses, 65.8% are employed by private companies, and 17.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
511
Blue collar
147
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 511 77.7% -1.0%
Blue collar 147 22.3% 7.3%
Employer type
Self employees
14%
Private companies
65.8%
Governmental workers
17.3%
Not for profit companies
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 92 14% 4.5%
Private companies 433 65.8% 3.1%
Governmental workers 114 17.3% -8.1%
Not for profit companies 19 2.9% -5.0%

Transportation in Santa Barbara

How people get around in Santa Barbara

Commuting methods vary: 99.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 564 99.1% 0.4%
Taxicab 1 0.2% N/A
Walk 4 0.7% -33.3%
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 Barbara by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
00729 47,067 17,877 $31,239 $44,881

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FAQs about Santa Barbara demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a total population of 1,658 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 -1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Barbara?

The gender ratio in Santa Barbara is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (784 residents)
  • 52.8% females (875 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Barbara?

The median age in Santa Barbara is 43.4.

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

The age distribution in Santa Barbara is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.4% (223 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (202 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (440 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (462 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (332 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Barbara?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Barbara is as follows:
  • White: 13.2% (218 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.1% (234 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 31.1% (516 residents)
  • Other: 40.9% (678 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 0% of the population in Santa Barbara.

How many housing units are there in Santa Barbara?

There are 741 housing units in Santa Barbara, reflecting a +3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Santa Barbara has a total of 630 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a median household income of $31,239, representing a +8.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Santa Barbara?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.7% (511 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.3% (147 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14% (92 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.8% (433 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.3% (114 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.9% (19 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