Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Ynez, CA
Considering a move to Santa Ynez, CA? With a friendly population of about 4,600, this scenic community offers a serene lifestyle amid rolling vineyards and abundant sunshine—boasting 76% sunny days each year. The median home price is $1,250,000, and average rents are around $2,400, reflecting its high desirability. Santa Ynez enjoys low crime rates, quick 22-minute commutes, and strong educational options, making it ideal for those seeking peace, safety, and excellent schools in California’s wine country.
Demographics - Santa Ynez, CA
Demographics - Santa Ynez, CA
Santa Ynez is a close-knit community of approximately 4,600 residents, with a median age of 50.2, reflecting its appeal to mature individuals and families. The population is predominantly White, with a notable Hispanic presence, and about 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area’s moderate density and balanced gender ratio create a peaceful, welcoming environment.
Population:
4,600
Density:
660 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.9%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Ynez, CA?
Santa Ynez features a high cost of living, with a median home value of $1,250,000 and average monthly rent around $2,400, underscoring its status as a sought-after California locale. Daily expenses, including groceries and utilities, tend to be above the national average, and the area’s cost of living index is 157, reflecting its upscale amenities and lifestyle. State taxes and housing expenses contribute significantly to the overall cost.
Median House Value:
$1,250,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,600
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
157.0
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
240.2
Utilities:
115.5
Transportation:
134.0
Health Care:
111.5
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Santa Ynez, CA a safe place to live?
Santa Ynez boasts a low crime rate, with only 85 violent crimes and 630 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer communities in the region. Residents enjoy a 1 in 1,175 chance of being affected by violent crime, contributing to a strong sense of security. The town’s safety is a key draw for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
630
Crime Index:
715
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 159
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Ynez, CA year-round?
Santa Ynez enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching up to 89°F and mild winters with lows around 39°F. The area averages 18.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 76% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and vineyard living. The pleasant weather enhances the region’s relaxed, scenic ambiance.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Residents of Santa Ynez benefit from strong household and family incomes, with typical households earning about $101,200 a year. The community boasts a high rate of educational attainment and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, while a majority own their homes and enjoy short commutes averaging 22 minutes. The area’s welcoming, prosperous neighborhoods foster a sense of stability and connection.
Median Income:
$49,800
Household Income:
$101,200
Family Income:
$117,800
Per Capita Income:
$53,700
Income Male:
$62,000
Income Female:
$46,500
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
43.5%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Ynez, CA?
Santa Ynez offers excellent educational opportunities, including highly rated public schools such as Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and Santa Ynez Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. Private options like Dunn School provide additional choices for families, and nearby Allan Hancock College offers accessible higher education. The area’s strong commitment to learning makes it appealing for families seeking quality schooling options.

Public Schools
Name:
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
Street:
2975 E Hwy 246
Phone:
805-688-6487
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Santa Ynez Elementary School
Street:
3325 Pine St
Phone:
805-688-4222
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Private Schools
Name:
Dunn School
Street:
2555 W Highway 154
Phone:
805-688-6471
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Allan Hancock College
City:
Santa Maria
State:
CA
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Santa Ynez offers access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals such as Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93.8%. With approximately 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, medical services are readily available, supporting the well-being of the community. Emergency and primary care services are conveniently located for residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital
Address:
2050 Viborg Rd, Solvang, CA 93463
Phone:
(805) 688-6431
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lompoc Valley Medical Center
Address:
1515 E Ocean Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436
Phone:
(805) 737-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Ynez, CA?
The Santa Ynez housing market is robust and competitive, with a median home price of $1,250,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental vacancy rates are low at 6.1%, and home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, indicating strong demand. The area’s low foreclosure rate underscores the stability of its real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$1,250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.18%
DMV Information
Santa Ynez residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Santa Barbara. DMV services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential motor vehicle needs, and can be accessed online or by phone. The DMV provides convenient support for both new and longtime residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
523 East Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
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.