IncomeBy County

Santa Barbara County, California

Income Data

+10% vs. California average
$95,977
Median Household Income
$46,679
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$95,977
+10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$46,679
+18% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
13.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#18 / 58
by median household income

How Santa Barbara County Compares

Santa Barbara County$95,977
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$95,977
Median Household Income
$46,679
Per Capita Income
$735,700
Median Home Value
13.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Santa Barbara County, California

Santa Barbara earns well above average

Santa Barbara County's median household income of $95,977 stands 28% above the national median of $74,755, signaling strong earning power in this coastal region. While not elite by California standards, this income level substantially outperforms most U.S. counties. The median home value of $735,700 reflects both desirability and the wealth of residents here.

Solid middle-upper rank in California

Santa Barbara's $95,977 median household income runs 10% above California's state average of $87,001, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 58 counties. Per capita income of $46,679 also beats the state average of $43,669 by 7%. The county attracts affluent retirees, wine country investors, and professional workers.

Outearns Central Coast peers

Santa Barbara ($95,977) exceeds Santa Cruz County ($109,266) by a smaller margin than its coastal position might suggest, though it outpaces inland counties significantly. Solano County ($99,994) edges just slightly above Santa Barbara. The proximity to Los Angeles and Silicon Valley influences income distribution across these coastal and near-coastal regions.

Rent pressures mount despite strong income

Santa Barbara residents allocate 25.6% of income to rent—approaching the unaffordable threshold—even while earning $95,977 annually. Housing costs here consume a quarter of household earnings, leaving less for savings and investments. Families need disciplined budgeting to protect wealth-building goals in this high-cost region.

Build wealth beyond the coast

With near-$96,000 household income, Santa Barbara earners can redirect savings from modest housing-cost relief into diversified investments. Consider tax-advantaged retirement accounts and real estate investment in less expensive nearby regions as wealth-building strategies. The county's strong income provides a foundation for disciplined, long-term financial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Santa Barbara County, California?
The median household income in Santa Barbara County, California is $95,977, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Santa Barbara County?
The per capita income in Santa Barbara County is $46,679, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $95,977.
How does Santa Barbara County compare to the California average?
Santa Barbara County's median household income of $95,977 is higher than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $46,679, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Santa Barbara County, California?
The per capita income in Santa Barbara County, California is $46,679, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Santa Barbara County income higher than the California average?
Santa Barbara County's median household income of $95,977 is higher than the California average of $87,001. This difference of $8,976 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Santa Barbara County rank for income in California?
Santa Barbara County ranks #18 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $95,977 and per capita income of $46,679, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Santa Barbara County

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County median: $95,977 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+10%

vs. National Median

+28%

vs. Santa Barbara County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average▲ 10% above
vs. National Median▲ 28% above

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent3.9x

Your monthly income ($7,998) vs. median rent ($2,050/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Storey County
Nevada
$96,000
+0%
Ellis County
Texas
$95,898
+0%
Culpeper County
Virginia
$96,098
+0%
Washington County
Wisconsin
$95,851
+0%
Isle of Wight County
Virginia
$96,118
+0%
Columbia County
Georgia
$96,122
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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