Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Maria, CA
Thinking of moving to Santa Maria, CA? With a population of around 110,000, Santa Maria offers affordable coastal California living with median home prices near $502,000 and average rents around $2,000. Residents benefit from a mild Mediterranean climate with 79% sunny days, quick commutes averaging 23 minutes, and access to reputable schools and healthcare. While the city has a diverse community and competitive cost of living for the region, be mindful of moderate crime rates and a family-friendly atmosphere supported by nearby colleges and local amenities.
Demographics - Santa Maria, CA
Demographics - Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria is a diverse city of about 110,000 residents, with a notably young median age of 30.7 and a dense urban feel. Over half the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting a multicultural community. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a large proportion of residents identifying as ethnic minorities.
Population:
109,707
Density:
4,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
53.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
16.2%
Black:
1.7%
Asian:
6.3%
Others:
75.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Maria, CA?
Living costs in Santa Maria are higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 128.5. Median home values are around $502,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,000, while other expenses like utilities and groceries are also above average for the U.S. Residents face California’s variable state tax rates and moderate monthly utility bills.
Median House Value:
$502,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$185
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,740
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.5
Grocery:
117.2
Housing:
148.0
Utilities:
113.6
Transportation:
129.2
Health Care:
110.3
Miscellaneous:
106.7
Crime
Is Santa Maria, CA a safe place to live?
Santa Maria experiences moderate crime rates compared to national averages, with a 1 in 269 chance of violent crime and 1 in 51 chance of property crime. The city’s crime index is 2,321, indicating that while it is generally safe, residents should remain mindful in certain neighborhoods. Most incidents involve property-related offenses.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
372
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,949
Crime Index:
2,321
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 269
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Maria, CA year-round?
Santa Maria enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs typically reaching 77°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. The city sees about 79% sunny days each year and receives around 13 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes are gentle, offering comfortable living conditions.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Residents of Santa Maria benefit from a median household income of $76,748, though per capita income is lower at $25,500, and the poverty rate is about 13%. The community is family-oriented, with most adults having at least a high school diploma and commute times averaging just under 23 minutes. A majority of neighbors speak languages other than English, adding to the city’s rich cultural character.
Median Income:
$25,500
Household Income:
$76,748
Family Income:
$83,590
Per Capita Income:
$25,500
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
53.4%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
62.1%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria provides a mix of public and private school options, including Santa Maria High School and St. Louis de Montfort School, and is home to Allan Hancock College. The city’s public schools have moderate student-teacher ratios, and higher education is accessible both locally and at nearby California Polytechnic State University. Educational attainment is growing, with more than 60% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Santa Maria High School
Street:
901 S Broadway
Phone:
805-925-2567
Students:
3,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Tommie Kunst Junior High School
Street:
930 Hidden Pines Way
Phone:
805-361-5800
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Louis de Montfort School
Street:
5095 Harp Road
Phone:
805-937-5571
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Allan Hancock College
City:
Santa Maria
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
California Polytechnic State University
City:
San Luis Obispo
State:
CA
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Santa Maria offers access to quality healthcare services, anchored by Marian Regional Medical Center and supported by 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents. Approximately 90% of the population has health insurance coverage. The city’s healthcare index suggests reliable and affordable care for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Marian Regional Medical Center
Address:
1400 E Church St, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone:
(805) 739-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria’s housing market features a median home price of $502,000 and an average rent of $2,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, with home values appreciating at 3.7% in the past year. Nearly half of residents own their homes, and rental vacancies are low at around 4%. The market is stable with limited new construction and a very low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$502,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Santa Maria is served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on S. McClelland Street. Residents can access a wide range of DMV services locally or through the state’s official website. The office is conveniently located for easy access to vehicle registration and licensing.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
523 S. McClelland St, Santa Maria, CA 93454
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.