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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Santa Barbara, California, is a coastal city with a population of 87,519 as of 2022. Recent demographic data classifies Santa Barbara as a "White Majority" community, with the white population comprising 53% of the total. The city shows increasing diversity, with a Hispanic population of 34% and growing representation from other racial groups.
Over the past decade, Santa Barbara has transitioned from a pronounced "White Majority" towards a more diverse community. In 2013, 54% of the population identified as white. By 2022, while maintaining a white majority at 53%, the city has seen an increase in other racial groups, particularly the Hispanic population and those identifying as two or more races.
This shift suggests Santa Barbara is moving towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with two significant racial groups (White and Hispanic) each representing over 20% of the population. The increase in the "two or more races" category from 1% in 2013 to 6% in 2022 supports this trend towards greater diversity.
Santa Barbara has experienced substantial economic growth alongside demographic changes. The median income has risen from $64,434 in 2013 to $104,001 in 2022, an increase of over 61%. This economic uplift coincides with increasing diversity, suggesting a possible correlation between the two trends.
The population has slightly decreased from 90,431 in 2013 to 87,519 in 2022, while median income has risen. This could indicate a gentrification process, where rising costs of living may be pricing out some residents while attracting higher-income individuals.
Santa Barbara's trends align with patterns seen in many coastal California cities, where increasing diversity is often accompanied by rising property values and incomes. The significant income growth in Santa Barbara outpaces many other areas, potentially reflecting its desirability as a scenic coastal location.
Based on observed trends, Santa Barbara will likely continue its trajectory towards greater diversity. In the near future, the city might transition fully into the "Moderate Diversity" category, with the Hispanic population potentially growing to match or exceed the white population.
Economically, if current trends continue, Santa Barbara may see further increases in median income. This could lead to increased gentrification pressures, potentially slowing population growth or leading to further slight declines as housing affordability becomes a greater challenge.
In the longer term, if growth in the "two or more races" category continues alongside increases in other minority populations, Santa Barbara could eventually transition towards a "High Diversity" classification. This would depend on whether these groups each reach significant representation (over 10%) while no single group dominates above 40%.
These demographic and economic shifts will likely have significant implications for local policies, community services, and cultural dynamics in Santa Barbara, necessitating ongoing adaptation to meet the changing needs of its evolving population.