Santa Maria, CA Local Data & Statistics
Overview
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Demographics
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Income & Poverty
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Housing
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Race
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Ethnicity
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Commute
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Education
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Comparison of Santa Maria, CA with: California United States
Santa Maria, CA
California State
United States
| Metric | CitySanta Maria, CA | StateCalifornia | CountryUnited States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 110,462 | 39,287,377 | 334,922,499 |
| Rent | $1,925 | $2,036 | $1,413 |
| Year built | 1982 | 1976 | 1980 |
| Household income | $84,746 | $99,122 | $80,734 |
| Per capita income | $27,440 | $49,513 | $44,673 |
| Poverty rate | 17.3% | 12% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.2% | 5.3% | 4% |
View the complete comparison of Santa Maria, CA, California and United States →
Summary for Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria is located in California.
In Santa Maria, the typical monthly rent is $1,925 and the typical household income is $84,746. Rent here is lower than California and higher than the U.S., and household income is lower than California and similar to the U.S. The estimated poverty rate is 17.3%, which is higher than in both California and national.
Renters make up about 49.8% of households, indicating a relatively balanced mix of renters and owners. About 58.9% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, indicating high cost burden.
Only about 15.7% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, indicating lower levels of formal education. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, which is higher than both California and the national rate.
Santa Maria, CA — Rent vs Household Income
Santa Maria, CA — Poverty vs Unemployment
How Santa Maria, CA compares in California (180 places)
| Metric | This place | Rank | Starts from | Statewide range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,925 | 64 / 180 | from lower rent | $1,148 – $3,501 |
| Household income | $84,746 | 133 / 180 | from higher income | $57,719 – $234,707 |
| Poverty rate | 17.3% | 165 / 180 | from lower poverty | 4.1% – 26.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.2% | 170 / 180 | from lower unemployment | 2.9% – 18.2% |
Rankings are calculated among cities and communities in California with total population > 50,000 (year 2024).
Detailed Ranking Explanation for Santa Maria, CA
Rent
In rent comparisons, Santa Maria comes in 64th out of 180 large places. Across California, rents vary from $1,148 in Porterville, CA to $3,501 in Cupertino, CA.
Household income
For median household income, Santa Maria is ranked 133rd out of 180 large areas. Statewide incomes span from $57,719 in Hemet, CA to $234,707 in Cupertino, CA.
Poverty rate
For poverty rates, Santa Maria is ranked 165th among 180 major areas. Across California, poverty runs from 4.1% in Cupertino, CA to 26.5% in Davis, CA.
Unemployment rate
For unemployment, Santa Maria ranks 170th out of 180 large places. Across California, unemployment ranges from 2.9% in Santa Barbara, CA to 18.2% in Delano, CA.
💰 Rent in Santa Maria, CA (with Utilities)
Estimated Monthly Rent: $1,925
What’s Included:
✅ Base rent, electricity, gas, water/sewer, and heating fuels
❌ Not included: internet, cable TV, renter's insurance, parking
Explanation: This estimate shows what renters typically pay each month for housing, including the apartment or home and essential utilities such as heat, water, and electricity. Even when utilities are billed separately, an estimated average cost for utilities is included, in line with the U.S. Census Bureau’s (ACS) definition of gross rent.
Included in this number: Rent plus electricity, gas, water/sewer, and heating fuel.
Not included: Internet, cable, parking, renter’s insurance, or furniture rental.
Note: This cost does not depend on the number of people living in the home.
👨👧👦 Household Income in Santa Maria, CA
Annual Household Income: $84,746
Definition: This represents the middle value of all household incomes in this area — half of households earn less, and half earn more.
Includes: wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security, pensions, investments, unemployment, public assistance, and rental income.
Does NOT include: capital gains, non-cash benefits (like food stamps), or tax refunds.
Household = any group of people (or a single person) living in the same housing unit.
Example: A couple earning $40,000 and $30,000 together have a household income of $70,000. If that's in the middle of all local incomes, it's the value shown here.
📉 Poverty Rate in Santa Maria, CA
Estimated Rate: 17.3%
Definition: The percentage of people in this area living below the federal poverty threshold.
How it works: The threshold is a dollar amount set by the U.S. Census Bureau that varies by family size and age. If a household's income is below that level, everyone in it is included in this rate.
Example: In a town of 10,000 people, if 1,500 have incomes below the poverty line, the poverty rate is 15%.
Note: This statistic only includes people living in households; it does not count those in student housing, military barracks, or nursing homes.
🏘️ Renter vs. Owner Households in Santa Maria, CA
In Santa Maria, CA, households that rent: 14,693 (49.8%)
| Household Type | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Renter-Occupied | 14,693 | 49.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 14,812 | 50.2% |
Definition: This is the percentage of households that rent their home rather than own it. It includes only occupied housing units.
Why it matters: Areas with a high share of renter households often have younger populations, higher mobility, and different housing needs compared to mostly owner-occupied areas.
Example: If 65% of homes in an area are renter-occupied, it means 65 out of every 100 households rent their home.
📉 Renters Spending Over 30% of Income on Rent in Santa Maria, CA
In Santa Maria, CA, cost-burdened renters (households spending over 30% of income on housing): 8,660 (58.9%)
| Household Group | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-burdened renters (over 30%) | 8,660 | 58.9% |
| Other renter households | 6,033 | 41.1% |
| Total renter households | 14,693 | 100% |
Shares are calculated as a percentage of renter households.
This shows how many renters in this area are considered cost-burdened — meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing (rent and basic utilities).
It’s a sign that housing might be unaffordable in the area or that lower-income residents may be struggling with rent.
Data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
📊 Education Levels in Santa Maria, CA
Less than High School: 31,082 people (50.1%)
Includes adults who did not complete high school.
High School Graduate or GED: 12,818 people (20.7%)
Includes adults whose highest education is a high school diploma or GED.
Some College or Associate Degree: 8,376 people (13.5%)
Includes adults who attended college without completing a bachelor’s degree (some college or associate degree).
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 9,709 people (15.7%)
Includes adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher (bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree).
👥 Total Adults (25+): 61,985
📊 Unemployment Rate in Santa Maria, CA
Estimated Rate: 7.2%
Definition: The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who do not have a job but are actively looking for one.
Labor Force = Employed + Unemployed (aged 16+ and actively participating in the workforce).
Formula: (Unemployed ÷ Labor Force) × 100
Does NOT include: People who are retired, students not looking for work, homemakers, or otherwise not seeking employment.
Example: If there are 1000 people in the labor force and 80 are unemployed, then the unemployment rate is 8%.
ℹ️ Have questions about how these statistics are calculated? See our data methodology & FAQs
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates (U.S. Census Bureau) — unemployment rate from BLS. Some values are derived metrics.