By Vince Sanders
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
355 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.
