349 movers in Santa Maria

What to know when moving to Santa Maria, CA

TL;DR: Santa Maria at a Glance

The Vibe:
A community where 46.9% of residents are renters and the median household income is $84,178.
The Major Draw:
The median gross rent is $1,750, making it a practical option for many.
The Reality Check:
With a poverty rate of 13.9%, some residents may face economic challenges.
Commute:
Only 1.5% of residents use public transit.
Top Tip:
Budget for $1,750 in monthly rent and prepare for 33.5 inches of rain annually.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Santa Maria is characterized by a population of around 41,710, where 17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a balanced mix of renters and owners, with nearly half of the residents renting. The local climate features a significant amount of rainfall, particularly in winter, with 33.5 inches annually, while summers are mostly dry.

Probably not your spot if you are looking to avoid economic challenges, as a notable 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $1,750, which may fit comfortably within many budgets.
  • The median owner-occupied home value is $477,600, reflecting a moderately priced housing market.
  • About 46.9% of the population are renters, indicating a significant rental market.
  • Poverty rate stands at 13.9%, which can impact community dynamics.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

Crime data for Santa Maria is reflective of state-level trends in California. Overall, the state has seen a decrease in crime rates over recent years.

  • Violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100k residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
  • Property crime rate is 1,764 per 100k residents, 14% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
  • Notable trend: The property crime rate has decreased by 26.1% since 2022.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).

Schools & Higher Ed

Santa Maria provides access to a few educational institutions.

  • Total postsecondary institutions: 3
  • Institutions with College Scorecard data: 3
  • Named institutions include Allan Hancock College, CET-Santa Maria, and San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria.

Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

Santa Maria experiences a Mediterranean climate with an average annual rainfall of 33.5 inches, primarily during the winter months.

  • Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
    • Waller Park - 4.6 stars (2,436 reviews)
    • Preisker Park - 4.3 stars (1,160 reviews)
    • Santa Maria Fairpark - 4.2 stars (841 reviews)
    • Rotary Centennial Park - 4.6 stars (546 reviews)

Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

Employment statistics for Santa Barbara County show a stable job market.

  • Unemployment rate: 4.9% as of December 2025.
  • Employed individuals: 210,704.
  • Labor force: 221,450.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Santa Maria interstate movers?

Santa Maria moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of California

Let's see how many people move within California versus those who moved from The Golden State to another state.

Moved Within CA
46%
Moved out of CA
54%

Out of all California household moves, approximately 46% of them have been local ones, with 54% of the people moving to another state in the country.

Despite being the home of the nation’s second- and third-largest urban economies (the Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area respectively), the majority of Californians have still chosen to move out of the state.

Who regulates California local movers

When contacting local California moving companies, make sure to check their cal-T number issued by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Household goods moving companies must obtain permits from the PUC after proving financial and safety fitness.

They must also prove that they have adequate insurance and they are subject to criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Agency: California Public Utilities Commission
Address: SSRS Unit 505, Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298
Phone: (800) 848-5580
Website: www.cpuc.ca.gov

The CPUC controls privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, along with passenger transportation companies.

What do people move within California?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in CA?

Studio (7%)
1 Bedroom (22%)
2 Bedroom (26%)
3 Bedroom (22%)
4 Bedroom (7%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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