Santa Barbara, California

California community balancing growth and livability

Pacific Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA Metro

WhereAtHome Score

59.8

F

out of 100

Overview

Santa Barbara is a California city with a population of approximately 86,499, part of the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $1,848,325. Median household income is $98,346.

Key Highlights

  • Population of approximately 86,499 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $1,848,325 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $98,346 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 17.6 minutes
  • Part of the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area

Key Metrics

Population 2023

86,499

Source: Census ACS

$1,848,325

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$98,346

Source: Census ACS

17.6 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2026

61

Source: Walk Score

225 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: AreaVibes / BLS

2024 Presidential Election

Santa Barbara County (county-level results)

62%
35%
Democrat 114,149
Republican 64,870
Leans D+26.7

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 11.1/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 14.7/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 80/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 20/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 61/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 26.7/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 59.8

Location

Santa Barbara, CA (34.4197, -119.7078)
View on Google Maps

Compare with another city

Start Comparison

Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.