Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Goleta, CA
Considering a move to Goleta, CA? This friendly coastal city of 32,759 offers excellent weather with 75% sunny days and mild temperatures year-round. While the median home price is high at $1,060,000 and average rent is $2,900, residents enjoy a relatively low violent crime rate, short 21-minute commutes, and access to strong local schools and healthcare. Goleta is popular for its beautiful climate, proximity to UCSB, and vibrant, diverse community—making it a great choice for those seeking a safe, active lifestyle on California’s Central Coast.
Demographics - Goleta, CA
Demographics - Goleta, CA
Goleta is a welcoming city of 32,759 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 34.1 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is diverse, with nearly 28% speaking a language other than English at home and a strong representation from various ethnic backgrounds. This blend creates a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere ideal for families and newcomers alike.
Population:
32,759
Density:
2,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
27.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.4%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
8.4%
Others:
30.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Goleta, CA?
Living in Goleta comes with a higher cost, reflected in a median home value of $1,060,000 and average rent around $2,900. The city’s cost of living index is notably above the national average, driven by housing and transportation expenses, but residents benefit from quality amenities and an attractive coastal lifestyle. While utilities and groceries are moderate, state taxes can range significantly, so budgeting is important.
Median House Value:
$1,060,000
Gross Rent:
$2,900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,700
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
164.2
Grocery:
113.5
Housing:
231.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
134.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
106.0
Crime
Is Goleta, CA a safe place to live?
Goleta boasts a relatively low violent crime rate of 160 incidents per 100,000 people, translating to a 1 in 625 chance of becoming a victim. Property crime rates are more typical for the region at 1 in 70 odds, but overall, the city is considered a safe place for families and individuals. Safety-conscious residents appreciate the secure environment and active community policing.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
160
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,580
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 625
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Goleta, CA year-round?
Goleta enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with average winter highs of 65°F and summer peaks around 75°F. The city gets about 16.5 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 75% of the year, making outdoor activities accessible year-round. This pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking a temperate, coastal environment.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
Goleta neighborhoods are characterized by a strong sense of community and financial stability, with median household incomes of $102,000 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. The area boasts high educational attainment, with nearly 48% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and average commute times are a convenient 21 minutes. Residents appreciate the area’s diversity and active lifestyle.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$102,000
Family Income:
$115,000
Per Capita Income:
$45,800
Income Male:
$57,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
27.8%
Rent:
$2,900
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.9%
Bachelors or More:
47.7%
Education
How are the schools in Goleta, CA?
Goleta offers strong educational opportunities, with reputable public schools such as Goleta Valley Junior High and Kellogg Elementary, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. The area is also close to higher education institutions like the University of California, Santa Barbara, just two miles away, providing excellent options for lifelong learning. Families value Goleta's blend of quality K-12 schools and proximity to renowned colleges.
Public Schools
Name:
Goleta Valley Junior High School
Street:
6100 Stow Canyon Rd
Phone:
805-967-3486
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Kellogg Elementary School
Street:
475 Cambridge Dr
Phone:
805-681-1278
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Raphael School
Street:
160 St. Joseph Street
Phone:
805-967-2115
Students:
260
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Santa Barbara
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
26,000
Name:
Santa Barbara City College
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
14,500
Healthcare
Residents of Goleta have access to quality healthcare services, including Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and nearby major medical centers. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93.8%, the city supports the well-being of its community. Emergency services and a robust healthcare index make it a reliable place for medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
Address:
351 S Patterson Ave, Goleta, CA 93111
Phone:
(805) 967-3411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Address:
400 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone:
(805) 682-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Goleta, CA?
Goleta’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,060,000 and a low rental vacancy rate of 2.7%. Owner-occupancy stands at about 47%, and home values have appreciated by 7.2% over the past year, making it an attractive market for both buyers and investors. Rental options remain available, though demand keeps prices high.
Median Home Price:
$1,060,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For vehicle services, Goleta residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on Hollister Ave in nearby Santa Barbara. The DMV provides all standard licensing and registration services, supported by a user-friendly website and customer service line. Access to these services is convenient for local drivers and new residents alike.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5350 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.