Santa Barbara, CA—93101
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Santa Barbara, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Santa Barbara, CA is $1,423,000, with a year-over-year change of -3.2%. This indicates that home prices in Santa Barbara, CA are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 3.0%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $1,423,000 | -3.2% |
| Single Family | $1,490,000 | -3.8% |
| Condos | $1,053,000 | -2.7% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $1,071,000 | -2.2% |
2 Bed | $1,275,000 | -2.6% |
3 Bed | $1,568,000 | -2.9% |
4 Bed | $1,895,000 | -2.0% |
| 5 Bed | $2,529,000 | 3.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Santa Barbara, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,020, with a year-over-year rent change of -2.7%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Santa Barbara, CA is studios: $2,590, 1-bedrooms: $2,900, 2-bedrooms: $4,690, 3-bedrooms: $5,830, 4-bedrooms: $6,540. The most common rental property sizes in Santa Barbara, CA are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 37.8% and 34.1% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,650 | $4,020 |
| Studio Rent | $2,500 | $2,590 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $2,950 | $2,900 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $4,280 | $4,690 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $5,300 | $5,830 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $6,300 | $6,540 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Santa Barbara, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Santa Barbara, CA is 42. This is a decrease of -3.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 22.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $1,760,000 | -12.0% |
Listing Count | 45 | -1.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.1% | -1.0% |
Days on Market | 42 | -3.0% |
Demographics — Santa Barbara, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Santa Barbara, CA has a population of 30,500, which has decreased by -3.6% over the past 5 years. Santa Barbara, CA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 19.0% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 41.1% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 14.0% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 30,500 | -3.6% |
% Under 18 | 19.0% | 5.6% |
% Seniors | 12.9% | 10.3% |
% WFH | 14.0% | 145.6% |
% w/ College Degree | 41.1% | 10.2% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Santa Barbara, CA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 48.3% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has shrunk by 1.6% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Santa Barbara, CA is white, making up 42.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 25.9% of the population in Santa Barbara, CA, and this percentage has decreased by 10.4% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 42.5% | -3.6% |
% Black | 1.0% | -41.2% |
% Hispanic | 48.3% | -1.6% |
% Asian | 3.2% | 0.0% |
% Foreign Born | 25.9% | -10.4% |
Mortgage and Risk — Santa Barbara, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 155 mortgage originations in Santa Barbara, CA, of which 97.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 41.0%, with 1.0% above 90% LTV (normal). This implies small mortgage risk in Santa Barbara, CA. Investor activity is low, as 6.0% of loans were by investors. 12.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 155 |
% Conventional Loans | 97.0% |
% Government Loans | 3.0% |
% Investor Loans | 6.0% |
% Second Loans | 6.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 12.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Santa Barbara, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Santa Barbara, CA under the Section 8 program is 15.9%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Santa Barbara, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,719 |
Total Units Section 8 | 1,719 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 15.9% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 89.2% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $290 | $2,950 | $3,240 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$630 | $4,280 | $3,650 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$460 | $5,300 | $4,840 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$910 | $6,300 | $5,390 |
Affordability — Santa Barbara, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 16.8 |
| Median Home Price | $1,423,000 |
| Median Household Income | $79,900 |