Santa Maria, CA—93454
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Santa Maria, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Santa Maria, CA is $612,000, with a year-over-year change of -0.5%. This indicates that home prices in Santa Maria, CA are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.5%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $612,000 | -0.5% |
| Single Family | $624,000 | -0.5% |
| Condos | $378,000 | -2.1% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $342,000 | -2.3% |
2 Bed | $461,000 | 0.2% |
3 Bed | $607,000 | -0.5% |
4 Bed | $677,000 | -0.4% |
| 5 Bed | $741,000 | 0.1% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Santa Maria, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Santa Maria, CA is $2,430, with a year-over-year rent change of -2.4%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Santa Maria, CA is studios: $1,880, 1-bedrooms: $1,960, 2-bedrooms: $2,420, 3-bedrooms: $3,290, 4-bedrooms: $4,300. The most common rental property sizes in Santa Maria, CA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 37.8% and 24.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,340 | $2,430 |
| Studio Rent | $1,900 | $1,880 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,900 | $1,960 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,400 | $2,420 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $3,100 | $3,290 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $4,300 | $4,300 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Santa Maria, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Santa Maria, CA is 46. This is a increase of 34.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 15.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $612,000 | 10.0% |
Listing Count | 40 | -6.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | -6.0% |
Days on Market | 46 | 34.0% |
Demographics — Santa Maria, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Santa Maria, CA has a population of 41,700, which has increased by 2.7% over the past 5 years. Santa Maria, CA is a popular place for families, as children make up 29.9% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 17.8% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 5.4% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 41,700 | 2.7% |
% Under 18 | 29.9% | 1.0% |
% Seniors | 13.8% | 13.1% |
% WFH | 5.4% | 22.7% |
% w/ College Degree | 17.8% | 1.7% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Santa Maria, CA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 73.4% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has grown by 7.8% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Santa Maria, CA is white, making up 19.6% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 25.9% of the population in Santa Maria, CA, and this percentage has decreased by 11.9% 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 | 19.6% | -19.0% |
% Black | 1.1% | -50.0% |
% Hispanic | 73.4% | 7.8% |
% Asian | 3.0% | -36.2% |
% Foreign Born | 25.9% | -11.9% |
Mortgage and Risk — Santa Maria, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 288 mortgage originations in Santa Maria, CA, of which 81.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 57.0%, with 27.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Santa Maria, CA. Investor activity is low, as 6.0% of loans were by investors. 21.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 288 |
% Conventional Loans | 81.0% |
% Government Loans | 19.0% |
% Investor Loans | 6.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 21.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Santa Maria, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Santa Maria, CA under the Section 8 program is 17.5%. 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 and 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Santa Maria, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,000 |
Total Units Section 8 | 964 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 17.5% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 88.9% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $490 | $1,900 | $2,390 |
| 2 Bedroom | $300 | $2,400 | $2,700 |
| 3 Bedroom | $500 | $3,100 | $3,600 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$220 | $4,300 | $4,080 |
Affordability — Santa Maria, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 6.5 |
| Median Home Price | $612,000 |
| Median Household Income | $84,200 |