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Santa Barbara County, California — County Report Card

CA

#20 in California

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.2Health 71.7Weather & Climate 71.6

County Report Card

About Santa Barbara County, California

Santa Barbara trails the national median

Santa Barbara's composite score of 43.1 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 36th percentile nationally. This coastal county balances strong incomes with significant affordability and safety challenges.

Slightly above California's average

At 43.1, Santa Barbara outperforms California's state average of 40.9, though modest gains hide mixed underlying trends. The county succeeds in education and income but struggles with cost and safety factors.

Strong schools and solid middle-class incomes

Santa Barbara scores 94.2 for income with a median household income of $95,977, and 67.5 for schools, reflecting well-resourced educational systems. Health outcomes score a respectable 71.7, and the tax burden of 67.2 is favorable relative to state peers.

Housing barely affordable, safety concerns persist

The county's cost score of just 1.6 reflects median home values of $735,700 and rents of $2,050/month—steep for the income levels. Safety scores of 15.5 and water risks of 1.0 round out the livability picture.

For middle-income families seeking California sun

Santa Barbara appeals to middle-to-upper-income families and retirees drawn to coastal living, strong schools, and pleasant weather. Those prioritizing affordability or concerned about personal safety should explore inland California or less-expensive coastal alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax67.2Cost1.6Safety15.5Health71.7Schools67.5Income94.2Risk1Water58.9Weather71.6
🏛67.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠1.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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44.3
San Luis Obispo County
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42.9
Kern County
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27.8
Los Angeles County
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Deep Dives

Santa Barbara County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Santa Barbara County

via CrimeByCounty

Beating the National Average

Santa Barbara County reports 2,351.4 crimes per 100K, performing better than the national figure of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 96.3, reflecting a secure coastal community.

Matching State Safety Standards

The county exactly matches the California state average safety score of 96.3. Local law enforcement manages a balanced crime profile that is consistent with the rest of the state.

Safety Along the Central Coast

Santa Barbara frequently sees lower property crime rates than more urbanized neighbors like Ventura County. Its total crime rate remains stable even with the seasonal influx of tourism.

A Shift Toward Property Concerns

Violent crime in Santa Barbara sits at 384.5 per 100K, while property crime is much more common at 1,966.9. These numbers mean residents are far more likely to experience theft than violent physical encounters.

Protecting Your Coastal Property

Ensuring your home and vehicles are locked significantly reduces the risk of opportunistic property crime. Motion-sensor lighting and neighborhood watch participation are effective ways to maintain local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Santa Barbara County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Systems from Coast to Valley

Santa Barbara County oversees 128 public schools serving 66,744 students across 35 different districts. The landscape consists of 76 elementary, 16 middle, and 21 high schools, supplemented by 15 specialized programs. Charter schools are a significant presence here, representing nearly 12% of all public school options.

Elite Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

The county achieves an impressive 91.3% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,691, which sits just below the California state average of $8,762. The composite school score of 57.9 remains comfortably above the state median.

Major Districts Powering Central Coast Learning

Santa Maria-Bonita is the county's largest district by enrollment, serving 16,703 students, followed by Santa Barbara Unified with 12,579 students. The Santa Maria Joint Union High district manages the county's largest individual campuses, including Pioneer Valley High with 3,220 students. These large districts anchor the educational experience for the majority of local youth.

A Diverse Mix of Coastal and Inland Locales

The county's schools are split between suburban settings and urban centers, with a handful of town and rural campuses in the mix. Large high schools define the teenage experience, with campuses like Santa Maria High and Dos Pueblos Senior High serving over 2,000 students each. The average school size across all levels stands at 543 students.

Find Your Home Near Elite High Schools

With graduation rates exceeding 91%, Santa Barbara County offers some of the most consistent academic outcomes in the state. Families often target homes within the Santa Barbara Unified or Lompoc Unified districts to secure access to these high-performing programs. Consider school proximity as you explore the unique neighborhoods of the Central Coast.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Santa Barbara County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently Warm Coastal Conditions

Santa Barbara averages 59.7°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. This consistency defines its reputation as a year-round outdoor destination.

Warmer Than the Golden State Average

At 59.7°F, the county is exactly one degree warmer than the California state average of 58.7°F. It sits comfortably in the warmer half of the state's diverse climate zones.

Lower Rainfall Than Northern Coastal Peers

The county receives 18.8 inches of rain annually, which is significantly lower than the state average of 25.8 inches. It is notably drier than Santa Cruz County, which sees over 31 inches.

Mild Summers With Occasional Heat Spikes

Summer temperatures average 66.8°F, though the county faces 37 extreme heat days over 90°F annually. Winters are very mild at 52.2°F with absolutely zero recorded snowfall.

Prepare for Sun and Water Conservation

Air conditioning is useful for the 37 high-heat days, though coastal breezes often provide natural cooling. Residents should prioritize drought-tolerant landscaping given the low 18.8-inch rainfall average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Santa Barbara County

via SoilByCounty

The Complex Character of Central Coast Soil

Santa Barbara County features a diverse geological makeup that currently lacks specific taxonomic and pH survey data. While the state average pH sits at 6.34, this region's varied terrain likely produces pockets of unique acidity. Residents can expect a departure from the national median pH of 6.5 depending on their proximity to the coast.

Probing for Sand and Clay

Specific data for sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this area. This lack of data means site-specific observation is crucial for determining how well your soil drains. If you find your soil is difficult to work, it may have a higher clay content than the surrounding regions.

Cultivating Fertility in the American Riviera

While organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable, the county's agricultural legacy suggests high potential. Target the state average organic matter level of 3.30% to ensure your garden remains productive and resilient. Healthy soil here should strive to meet or exceed the state water capacity average of 0.141 inches per inch.

Managing Water in a Varied Topography

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for Santa Barbara remain unmapped in this dataset. Local drainage is highly dependent on whether you are in the Santa Ynez Valley or along the coastal plain. Careful water management is the key to successful farming and building in this region.

Endless Growing Seasons in Zone 10b

With a Hardiness Zone of 10b, Santa Barbara is a haven for heat-loving tropicals and citrus. This warm climate allows for year-round gardening of everything from avocados to bougainvillea. It is the perfect environment to begin your backyard orchard or vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Santa Barbara County

via LawnByCounty

A challenging environment for turf

Santa Barbara County earns a lawn difficulty score of 39.9, indicating it is much tougher to keep a green lawn here than the national average of 50.0. While the 10b hardiness zone allows for year-round growth, the local climate demands rigorous maintenance. You are working against conditions that are tougher than the California state average of 51.3.

Heat and low rainfall dominate

With only 18.8 inches of annual precipitation, your lawn receives far less than the ideal 30-50 inches required for natural health. The county experiences 37 extreme heat days annually, which quickly evaporates soil moisture. High growing degree days of 3,722 mean your grass grows fast and needs frequent mowing despite the thirsty conditions.

Building a better base

Specific soil metrics for the county are currently unavailable, but the semi-arid climate often results in compact or alkaline soils. You should focus on aerating the soil to improve water penetration during the rare 18.8 inches of rainfall. Testing your pH is vital to ensure it stays within the healthy 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake.

Surviving persistent drought cycles

Over the past year, the county spent 36 weeks in drought, highlighting the extreme water stress on local landscapes. Transitioning to drought-tolerant grass varieties is the most effective way to manage your lawn during these frequent dry periods. Mulching around lawn edges and using drip irrigation for non-turf areas preserves water for your primary grass.

Timing your planting perfectly

Warm-season grasses like Buffalo grass or Bermuda are your best bets for surviving the 37 heat days in Zone 10b. Your last spring frost typically passes by February 4, offering a very early start to the planting season. Begin seeding in early spring to establish deep roots before the peak heat of July arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Santa Barbara County's county score?
Santa Barbara County, California has a composite county score of 43 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Santa Barbara County rank among counties in California?
Santa Barbara County ranks #20 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Santa Barbara County, California?
The median annual property tax in Santa Barbara County is $4,870, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Santa Barbara County a tax score of 67.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Santa Barbara County?
The median household income in Santa Barbara County, California is $95,977 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Santa Barbara County earns an income score of 94.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Santa Barbara County, California a good place to live?
Santa Barbara County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in California. The best way to evaluate Santa Barbara County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Santa Barbara County with other counties side by side.

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