Santa Maria, CA Census Data
The 63rd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Santa Maria is the 63rd largest city in California by population and ranks 127th of 188 for median household income. With 109,880 residents, its poverty rate of 15.5% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
109,880
49.9% male · 50.1% female
Median Age
29.3
9.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$84,617
$6,079 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
15.1%
19.9% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 63.3%
Poverty Rate
15.5%
3.1% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 15.5%
Broadband Access
93.6%
3.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$478,200
Median rent: $1,842 · 51% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
Labor force participation: 61.4%
Per Capita Income
$32,724
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.3%
Disability rate: 11.4%
How Santa Maria Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 63rd of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 127th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 158th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 168th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 152nd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Santa Maria, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Santa Maria, CA?
The population of Santa Maria, CA is 109,880 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 29.3 years.
What is the median household income in Santa Maria?
The median household income in Santa Maria, CA is $84,617, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $32,724.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Maria?
The poverty rate in Santa Maria, CA is 15.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 15.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Santa Maria residents have a college degree?
15.1% of adults (25+) in Santa Maria hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 63.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Santa Maria?
The median home value in Santa Maria, CA is $478,200. Median rent is $1,842 per month, with 51% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Santa Maria?
Santa Maria's population is 37.0% White, 1.0% Black, 78.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Santa Maria rank among California cities?
Santa Maria is the 63rd largest city in California by population, the 127th highest for median household income, the 158th lowest for poverty rate, the 168th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Maria?
The unemployment rate in Santa Maria, CA is 7.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.4%. Per capita income is $32,724.
Cities Similar to Santa Maria
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.