CaliforniaPop. 110,462Mid-size cities
Is Santa Maria a Good Place to Live? Santa Maria, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Santa Maria ranks #1104 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #207 of 256 mid-size cities and #150 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (91%, #50 of 205), and trails on high unemployment (6.7%, #231 of 241) and high violent crime (624 per 100,000, #188 of 235).
Santa Maria by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Santa Maria's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria's cost of living index is 108.8, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1077 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,925/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $665,729, 13% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Santa Maria | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 108.8#1077 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $665,729#991 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,537/mo#922 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $531,700#1009 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,925/mo#1055 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.3x#1077 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27.3%#1156 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Santa Maria housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Santa Maria is in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Santa Maria safe?
Santa Maria recorded 624 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% above the US rate of 373 and 42% above California's 440. That ranks #922 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #188 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Santa Maria Police Department. Property crime runs 1,813 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Santa Maria | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 624#922 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,813#629 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Santa Maria?
The median household in Santa Maria earns $84,746, 10% above the US figure of $76,827 and 8% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.2%). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Santa Maria | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $84,746#543 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 6.7%#1016 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 17.3%#998 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Santa Maria?
The median resident of Santa Maria is 29.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 15.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Santa Maria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 29.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 15.7%#1252 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Santa Maria's schools and health?
Santa Maria's 24 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.5 students per teacher and $16,361 spent per pupil. 30.2% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Santa Maria | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 21.5#995 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,361#455 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30.2%#406 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.2%#1076 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 22.9%#1249 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 23,952 students are enrolled in Santa Maria's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Santa Maria?
The average commute in Santa Maria is 22.4 minutes (California 25.2); 1.8% of workers take transit and 4.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Santa Maria scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.4°F and winters 52.9°F, with 13.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Santa Maria | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.4 min#534 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.3% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 4.7% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.1#142 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 64.7 | 41 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 64.8 | 42.5 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 66.3 | 44.3 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 68.1 | 45.4 | 0.9 |
| May | 69.3 | 48.7 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 71.3 | 51.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 73.3 | 54.9 | 0 |
| Aug | 73.8 | 55.1 | 0 |
| Sep | 75 | 53.7 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.6 | 49.8 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 70 | 44.3 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 64.3 | 40.1 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Maria Public Airport.
| Measure | Santa Maria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 63.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 13.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Maria Public Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Santa Maria?
Santa Barbara County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 45% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Barbara County's biggest natural hazard losses in landslide, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.42% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Santa Maria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.42%#1247 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Santa Barbara County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Santa Barbara County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Landslide | 0.032% | 99% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.13% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.19% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.026% | 92% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Santa Maria compare with similar-size cities?
Santa Maria is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #207 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 110,462.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria, CAPop. 110,462 | #1104 | 47.8 | $84,746 | $1,925/mo | 624 | 22.4 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 min |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #1082 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 | 19.6 min |
| Greeley, COPop. 110,806 | #1160 | 46.4 | $69,881 | $1,388/mo | 630 | 24.3 min |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #763 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 | 32.5 min |
| Nampa, IDPop. 110,319 | #466 | 58.6 | $74,279 | $1,420/mo | 310 | 24.4 min |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #244 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 | 28 min |
| Sparks, NVPop. 110,024 | #738 | 54.3 | $89,056 | $1,716/mo | 365 | 24 min |
| San Tan Valley, AZPop. 109,189 | #1176 | 45.8 | $96,713 | $2,085/mo | no data | 36.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Santa Maria compare with the rest of California?
Santa Maria ranks #150 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 8% below the California median. Violent crime is 42% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | … #146 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 |
| Colton, CAPop. 53,772 | #147 | 48.2 | $71,208 | $1,661/mo | 345 |
| Gardena, CAPop. 59,422 | #148 | 48.0 | $84,803 | $1,809/mo | 616 |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #149 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 |
| Santa Maria, CAPop. 110,462 | #150 | 47.8 | $84,746 | $1,925/mo | 624 |
| Bellflower, CAPop. 76,819 | #151 | 47.8 | $78,722 | $1,830/mo | 579 |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #152 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #153 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #154 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Santa Maria among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Santa Maria's score calculated?
Santa Maria scores 47.8 out of 100, #1104 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Santa Maria. Similar-size median 52.9.
41.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Santa Maria's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
54.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Santa Maria. Similar-size median 53.8.
53.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Santa Maria's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
53.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Santa Maria's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
46.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Santa Maria. Similar-size median 51.2.
45.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Santa Maria. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Santa Maria. Similar-size median 50.1.
44.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Santa Maria's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
20.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Santa Maria's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Santa Maria has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Santa Maria
Is Santa Maria, CA a good place to live?
Santa Maria ranks #1104 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #207 of 256 mid-size cities and #150 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (91%, #50 of 205), and trails on high unemployment (6.7%, #231 of 241) and high violent crime (624 per 100,000, #188 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria's cost of living index is 108.8, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1077 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,925/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $665,729, 13% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria recorded 624 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% above the US rate of 373 and 42% above California's 440. That ranks #922 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #188 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Santa Maria Police Department. Property crime runs 1,813 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Santa Maria?
The median household in Santa Maria earns $84,746, 10% above the US figure of $76,827 and 8% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.2%). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Santa Maria?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,925/mo (Census), #1055 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,537/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Santa Maria?
Zillow's typical home value in Santa Maria is $665,729, up 3.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $531,700.
How are the public schools in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria's 24 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.5 students per teacher and $16,361 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Santa Maria?
The average commute is 22.4 minutes, #534 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria averages 58.6°F over the year, 63.4°F in summer and 52.9°F in winter, with 13.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Santa Maria walkable?
Santa Maria scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Santa Maria at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Barbara County's biggest natural hazard losses in landslide, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.42% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Santa Maria?
Santa Barbara County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 45% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria has 110,462 residents. The median resident of Santa Maria is 29.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 15.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Santa Maria compare with the rest of California?
Santa Maria ranks #150 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 8% below the California median. Violent crime is 42% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Santa Maria?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Santa Maria's population of 110,462 are Everett, WA (#618 overall), Tuscaloosa, AL (#1082 overall), Greeley, CO (#1160 overall), South Fulton, GA (#763 overall), and Nampa, ID (#466 overall). Santa Maria is #1104.