Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Isla Vista, CA
Planning a move to Isla Vista, CA? This vibrant college town of 15,500 offers a youthful community with a median age of 21.5 and direct access to UCSB and the Pacific coast. Expect high housing costs (median home price around $900,000, average rent $2,200), a very high rental market, and a low average commute of just 14 minutes. While property crime rates are above average, Isla Vista boasts a sunny, mild climate (79% sunny days) and easy access to healthcare and higher education. It's an energetic, student-centered locale ideal for those seeking coastal living and an active lifestyle.
Demographics - Isla Vista, CA
Demographics - Isla Vista, CA
Isla Vista is a youthful, densely populated college town with 15,500 residents and a median age of 21.5, reflecting its strong student presence. The community is ethnically diverse, with significant White, Hispanic, and Asian populations, and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home.
Population:
15,500
Density:
12,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
21.5
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18%
Ethnic Composition
White:
50.1%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
11.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Isla Vista, CA?
Living in Isla Vista comes at a premium, with a median home value of $900,000 and average rents around $2,200, making housing the largest expense. The cost of living index is well above the national average, especially for housing and transportation, so new residents should budget accordingly.
Median House Value:
$900,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
165.0
Grocery:
118.5
Housing:
240.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Isla Vista, CA a safe place to live?
Isla Vista experiences higher property crime rates, with the chance of being affected at about 1 in 36, while violent crime is less common, estimated at 1 in 370. Residents should remain vigilant but can expect a generally safe environment for day-to-day activities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
270
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,800
Crime Index:
3,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 370
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Isla Vista, CA year-round?
The climate in Isla Vista is mild and coastal, with winter lows averaging 42°F and summer highs reaching 75°F. Residents enjoy 79% sunny days each year and moderate rainfall, making the area ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
The neighborhood is largely composed of students and young adults, reflected in a median income of $19,700 and a high poverty rate. Most residents rent their homes, enjoy short commute times, and benefit from a highly educated community, with over 97% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$19,700
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$14,000
Income Male:
$17,000
Income Female:
$13,800
Poverty Rate:
56.2%
Non English Speakers:
18%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
7.6%
Public Transport Usage:
8.1%
Commute Time:
14 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
44.5%
Education
How are the schools in Isla Vista, CA?
Education is a cornerstone of Isla Vista, with access to a well-rated elementary school and proximity to UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College. The high percentage of college students in the area contributes to a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Public Schools
Name:
Isla Vista Elementary School
Street:
6875 El Colegio Rd
Phone:
805-685-4418
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Santa Barbara
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Distance:
0.5 miles
Students:
26,000
Name:
Santa Barbara City College
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
13,900
Healthcare
Isla Vista residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Santa Barbara, and the area offers a solid physician-to-population ratio of 2.6 per 1,000. Health insurance coverage is high at over 91%, ensuring good access to medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
Address:
351 S Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, 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:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Isla Vista, CA?
Isla Vista’s housing market is dominated by rentals, with only 6.5% owner-occupied homes and a median home price of $900,000. Rents for a two-bedroom average $2,600, and the market remains competitive with low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$900,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,600
Owner Occupied Rate:
6.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services at the nearby California Department of Motor Vehicles office in Santa Barbara or online, making it convenient to handle vehicle registrations and licensing.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
535 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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.