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 109,707 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $502,000 and average rents near $2,000. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (79% 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 109,707 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 16% White, 2% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 53% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Santa Maria is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 128.5. Median home values are around $502,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,000. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 372 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 51. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 40°F. The area receives about 13 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 79% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
40°F
Max
66°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
73°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
13.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
79%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $76,748 and a low poverty rate of 13.2%. Over 62% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 14% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Santa Maria High School and Tommie Kunst 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
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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Marian Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.5% 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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $502,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 49%. The market has seen a 3.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.9%. Santa Maria offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Santa Maria handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Santa Maria. 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
523 S. McClelland St, Santa Maria, CA 93454
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 109,707, median home value $502,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,000, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 79%.

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