CountyScore

Santa Barbara County

California · CA

#41 in California
56.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Santa Barbara County, California

Santa Barbara exceeds national baseline

Santa Barbara's composite score of 56.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates better-than-average livability by U.S. standards, though it trails California's overall average. It represents a more balanced profile than many high-cost coastal counties.

Slightly below California's average

Santa Barbara scores 56.4 compared to California's state average of 61.3, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. It outperforms many inland and northern California regions but lags coastal tech hubs. The score reflects a county with moderate affordability advantages relative to the Bay Area or LA.

Balance of tax benefits and moderate costs

Santa Barbara combines a tax score of 83.7 (0.662% effective rate) with a cost score of 38.6—notably better than Bay Area peers. A median home at $735,700 and rent at $2,050/month make this more accessible than San Francisco or Silicon Valley. The county offers a middle ground between affordability and coastal living.

Income levels lag neighboring regions

The income score of 46.0 with median household income of $95,977 trails state and Bay Area benchmarks, suggesting fewer high-paying job opportunities. Residents earn comfortably but not at tech-industry levels. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable, preventing a fuller livability assessment.

For those seeking California coastal balance

Santa Barbara attracts mid-career professionals and families seeking California's coast without Silicon Valley prices or salaries. The $96k median income and moderate housing costs work well for dual-income households in education, healthcare, or hospitality. This county rewards those valuing quality of life and community over maximum earnings potential.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.7Cost38.6SafetyComing SoonHealth75.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome46Risk1WaterComing Soon
🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Santa Barbara County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Oswego County
New York
56.5
Median income: $68,461
Palm Beach County
Florida
56.6
Median income: $81,115
Suffolk County
Massachusetts
56.6
Median income: $92,859
Rockingham County
New Hampshire
56.4
Median income: $113,927
Franklin County
Ohio
56.6
Median income: $73,795

Deep Dives

Santa Barbara County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Santa Barbara County

via TaxByCounty

Santa Barbara taxes nearly double national

Santa Barbara County residents pay a median of $4,870 in property taxes—nearly twice the U.S. median of $2,690. With an effective rate of 0.662%, the county sits slightly below California's state average of 0.714%, but still lands in the top 20% nationally.

Below state average, above the middle

Santa Barbara's 0.662% effective rate ranks it in the lower half of California counties—a relatively favorable position. In dollar terms, the county's $4,870 median tax payment sits slightly above California's state average of $4,045.

Cheaper than San Luis Obispo peers

Santa Barbara homeowners pay $4,870 annually on a median home worth $735,700. The county's effective rate of 0.662% beats the state average and compares favorably to nearby coastal counties with similar home values.

A $736K home costs $4,870 yearly

The typical Santa Barbara homeowner pays $4,870 annually in property taxes on a median home valued at $735,700. Adding mortgage-related assessments brings the effective total closer to $5,434 for most residents.

Overassessments could add up to savings

Thousands of Santa Barbara County homeowners may be paying too much in property taxes due to overassessment. A simple appeal—which costs nothing to file—can potentially save you hundreds each year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Santa Barbara County

via CostByCounty

Santa Barbara's housing squeeze tightens

Santa Barbara renters dedicate 25.6% of income to housing—3.2 percentage points above California's average of 22.4%—making it less affordable than most of the nation. With median income at $95,977, residents here earn nearly 28% more than the national median, yet still feel the pinch of coastal living.

Above-average cost burden statewide

Santa Barbara ranks in the upper tier of California's least affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 25.6% and median home values of $735,700. The county's coastal appeal and limited housing supply drive costs well above the state average.

Pricier than inland alternatives

Santa Barbara renters pay $2,050 monthly compared to $1,618 statewide, a 27% premium that reflects the county's desirability. Solano County to the north offers similar-quality housing at $2,088—nearly identical—yet Santa Barbara homes cost $146,000 more at median ($735,700 vs. $589,600).

The Santa Barbara housing equation

A household earning $95,977 annually pays $2,050 in rent or $2,094 for ownership, consuming roughly one-quarter of gross income. This leaves limited flexibility for emergency savings, retirement contributions, or other major expenses.

Santa Barbara calls—but budget carefully

The coastal lifestyle comes at a cost: you'll need income above $90,000 to comfortably afford median rents here. If housing affordability matters, inland counties like Solano offer similar rental prices with lower home values and faster wealth-building potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Santa Barbara County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Santa Barbara County

via HealthByCounty

Santa Barbara health trajectory shifts

Santa Barbara residents live to 80.6 years, slightly above the U.S. average of 78.3 years. However, 16.7% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 18%, reflecting health challenges despite higher longevity.

Above state average, facing gaps

Life expectancy in Santa Barbara County reaches 80.6 years, edging above California's 78.5 average by 2.1 years. Yet the county's uninsured rate of 9.2% significantly exceeds the state average of 7.2%, indicating access barriers for some residents.

Health disparities within region

Santa Barbara's 16.7% poor/fair health rate ties with nearby Santa Cruz County but trails Bay Area neighbors San Mateo (13.2%) and Santa Clara (14.8%). The county's 9.2% uninsured rate ranks among the highest in this regional cluster.

Uninsured challenges, mental health strength

Nearly 1 in 11 Santa Barbara residents lack health insurance at 9.2%, creating barriers to preventive care and routine treatment. The county partially compensates with 669 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this comparison—though primary care access at 77 per 100K remains below state needs.

Find affordable coverage now

With 9.2% uninsured, many Santa Barbara residents qualify for subsidized plans. Visit coveredca.com today to compare options, check eligibility for cost assistance, and secure coverage that protects your health and finances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Santa Barbara County

via RiskByCounty

Santa Barbara faces very high disaster risk

Santa Barbara County's composite risk score of 98.98 places it firmly above the national average with a 'Relatively High' rating. The county confronts serious exposure to multiple natural hazards, with particularly acute wildfire and earthquake threats.

Among the state's most vulnerable counties

Santa Barbara's 98.98 score significantly exceeds California's 88.72 average, marking it as one of the state's highest-risk counties. The county's coastal position and mountainous terrain combine to amplify hazard exposure.

Wildfire risk exceeds nearby counties

Santa Barbara (98.98) faces notably higher wildfire risk (99.20) than most neighboring coastal counties, though comparable overall risk to San Luis Obispo and Ventura. The county's chaparral-covered hillsides create particularly acute fire conditions during drought seasons.

Wildfires and earthquakes dominate here

Wildfire risk reaches 99.20 in Santa Barbara—among California's absolute highest—while earthquake risk scores 99.36, threatening infrastructure and homes countywide. Flood risk (98.63) completes a triple threat, with coastal and foothill residents at particular vulnerability.

Wildfire and earthquake insurance non-negotiable

Santa Barbara residents must secure standalone wildfire and earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude both. Given the county's 99.20 wildfire risk, defensible space maintenance and evacuation planning are equally critical to insurance coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.