Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County, CA, has a population of approximately 448,229 (2020 Census). Racial makeup includes 45.3% Hispanic or Latino, 42.9% White, 4.8% Asian, and 2.2% Black or African American. About 22.1% of residents are under 18 years old, and 15.4% are 65 years or older. The median household income is around $75,835, with 12.4% of the population living below the poverty line. The county encompasses diverse communities, including the city of Santa Barbara and college town Isla Vista.

Santa Barbara County, CA, has a competitive housing market with a median home price of approximately $1.3 million as of 2023. The median rent is about $2,500 per month. Home values have seen a year-over-year increase of roughly 10%. The county's housing supply is limited, with a low vacancy rate, contributing to high prices. Affordability remains a concern, with many residents spending over 30% of their income on housing.

Santa Barbara County, CA, oversees elections for local, state, and federal offices, with specific election dates varying each cycle. As of 2023, key positions in focus include Board of Supervisors, City Council seats, and various special districts like school boards.

2022 General Election Highlights:

• Voter Registration: Approx. 221,000
• Turnout: About 73%
• Key Races:
  • Board of Supervisors (District 2): Laura Capps vs. Susan Epstein
  • State Senate (19th District): Monique Limón (D) vs. Gail Pellerin (D)
  • U.S. House (24th District): Salud Carbajal (D) vs. Brad Allen (R)

Special measures often include funding initiatives, policy changes, and bond measures. For accurate up-to-date information, the Santa Barbara County Elections Office website is the best resource.

Santa Barbara County, CA, has a well-educated population. As of recent data, approximately 37.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is higher than the national average of around 33.1% and somewhat lower than California's state average of approximately 37.9%. High school diploma attainment in the county stands at about 88.1%, compared to the national average of 89.7% and California's average of 83.3%. Thus, Santa Barbara County demonstrates a higher level of post-secondary educational attainment than the national average and is competitive with state averages in California.

As of recent data, Santa Barbara County, CA shows a labor force of approximately 225,000 people with an unemployment rate around 5.1%, slightly above the national average of 3.7% and California's average of 4.5%. The top industries include education and health services (employing about 25%), leisure and hospitality (15%), and government (13%). The county's employment landscape heavily leans on tourism, agriculture, and higher education. Notably, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), is a significant employer, reflecting the higher proportion in education services compared to national and state averages. Agriculture, vital in this region, employs about 10%, far surpassing the national average of around 1%. The tech sector is growing but remains smaller compared to state averages, highlighting the county’s unique economic drivers.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Santa Barbara County, CA, is about $88,700. This compares to the national average household income of approximately $68,700 and the California state average of around $91,400.

Santa Barbara County's income is higher than the national average but slightly lower than the state average, reflecting the county's relatively affluent status yet recognizing the high cost of living within California.

As of the latest data, Santa Barbara County, CA, experiences a relatively moderate crime rate. The following table summarizes key crime statistics per 1,000 residents:

These values reflect a balance between urban and rural areas in the county, with certain areas experiencing higher incidences due to varying socio-economic factors.