California / County

Moving to Santa Maria, CA

Thinking of making a move to Santa Maria, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Maria, CA

Considering a move to Santa Maria, CA? This welcoming community of 109,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $530,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (74% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Santa Maria's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Santa Maria, CA

Santa Maria has a population of 109,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 31 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 43% White, 2% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 56% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
109,500
Density
4,250 per sq mi
Median Age
31.3
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
56.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
43.0%
Black
1.7%
Asian
5.0%
Others
50.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Santa Maria, CA?

The cost of living in Santa Maria is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 138.4. Median home values are around $530,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$530,000
Gross Rent
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
138.4
Grocery
116.8
Housing
155.2
Utilities
123.5
Transportation
129.0
Health Care
114.8
Miscellaneous
112.7

Crime

Is Santa Maria, CA a safe place to live?

Santa Maria is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 390 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 38. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
390
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,650
Crime Index
3,040
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 38

Weather

What is the weather like in Santa Maria, CA year-round?

Santa Maria experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 79°F and cold winters dipping to 39°F. The area receives about 15 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 74% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
39°F
Max
66°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
79°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
14.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
74%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $74,500 and a low poverty rate of 15.8%. Over 69% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$57,000
Household Income
$74,500
Family Income
$80,900
Per Capita Income
$25,800
Income Male
$38,500
Income Female
$32,100
Poverty Rate
15.8%
Non English Speakers
50.8%
Rent
$1,850
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Public Transport Usage
3.5%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
68.5%
Bachelors or More
14.8%

Education

How are the schools in Santa Maria, CA?

Santa Maria offers quality education options, with public schools like Ralph Dunlap Elementary School and Fesler Junior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Allan Hancock College and California Polytechnic State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Ralph Dunlap Elementary School
Street
1600 S School St
Phone
805-361-8050
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
23.1
Name
Fesler Junior High School
Street
901 E Foster Rd
Phone
805-361-8160
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
24.0

Private Schools

Name
St. Joseph High School
Street
4120 S Bradley Rd
Phone
805-937-2038
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Allan Hancock College
City
Santa Maria
State
CA
Distance
3 miles
Students
10,000
Name
California Polytechnic State University
City
San Luis Obispo
State
CA
Distance
32 miles
Students
22,000

Healthcare

Santa Maria residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Marian Regional Medical Center and Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail Medical Unit nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 88.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Name
Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail Medical Unit
Address
812 W Foster Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Phone
(805) 739-8771
Type
Medical Services
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
88.6%
Health Care Index
69.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Santa Maria, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $530,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.7%. Santa Maria offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$530,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Santa Maria handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Santa Maria, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Santa Maria, review the core fields on this page: population 109,500, median home value $530,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 74%.

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