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CITY · 2020 ACS

Goleta

California · 32,690 residents · 7.852 sq mi
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The short version

Goleta is significantly wealthier than the US average, with a median household income of $98,035. Population has fallen 41% since 2000, a loss of 22,514 residents. 48% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national rate of 33%. Median home value has more than doubled since 2000, reaching $813,000.

At a glance
Wealthier
above the US median
US median: $66,278
Mid-age
median age 38.2
US median: 38.8
More educated
48% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 33%
Less affordable
home values up 37%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $265,253
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
32,690
−41%since 2000
from 55,204 in 2000
2000 – 2025
Population density
4,163 / sq mi
−41%since 2000
from 7,031 / sq mi in 2000
US average: 280
Median age
38.2
Unchangedsince 2000
from 38.2 in 2000
US average: 38.8
Population, 2000 – 2024
27K34K42K50K58K2000201020202024Goleta
202433K
2000201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$98,035
+8%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $60,314 in 2000
US average: $66,278
2000 – 2024
Per capita income
$42,052
+46%since 2000
from $28,890 in 2000
US average: $35,364
Households earning $100K+
61.2%
+15.1 ptssince 2009
from 46.2% in 2009
US average: 43.9%
Poverty rate
9.6%
+2.9 ptssince 2000
from 6.7% in 2000
US average: 12.8%
Workforce by industry, 2020
Retail trade9%
US avg: 10%
Information7.8%
US avg: 11.1%
Other services5.2%
US avg: 6.6%
Wholesale trade4.9%
US avg: 6.7%
Finance & insurance3.3%
US avg: 5.5%
Professional, scientific, technical3.2%
US avg: 4.7%
Arts, entertainment, food3%
US avg: 2%
Public administration2.8%
US avg: 4.7%
Transportation & warehousing2%
US avg: 2.5%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing0.8%
US avg: 1.7%
Construction0.8%
US avg: 1.2%
Education & health services0%
US avg: 0.8%
Manufacturing0%
US avg: 0.5%
BARS: THIS PLACE · TICKS: US AVERAGE
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$813,000
+37%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $395,100 in 2000
US average: $265,253
2000 – 2024
Median gross rent
$1,955
+32%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $989 in 2000
US average: $1,124
Owner-occupied
51.4%
−18.0 ptssince 2000
from 69.4% in 2000
48.6% rent
Afford Score
8.3
+27%since 2000
from 6.6 in 2000
2000 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Goleta on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000
White, non-Hispanic67.4%(37,230)
Black1.1%(630)
Hispanic / Latino22.3%(12,326)
Asian6.4%(3,525)
Other0%
Diversity Score57.8%(31,910)
2020
White, non-Hispanic46.1%(15,076)
Black1.4%(474)
Hispanic / Latino35.3%(11,552)
Asian12%(3,908)
Other3.4%(1,124)
Diversity Score79.3%(25,924)
Diversity Score
79
+37%since 2000
from 58 in 2000
2000 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
47.8%
+8.8 ptssince 2000
from 39.0% in 2000
US average: 32.9%
High school or higher
88.7%
+0.9 ptssince 2000
from 87.8% in 2000
US average: 88.5%
Graduate degree
21.2%
+5.4 ptssince 2000
from 15.7% in 2000
US average: 12.7%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
18.3 min
+73%since 2000
from 10.6 min in 2000
US average: 26.9
Drive alone to work
70.2%
+2.8 ptssince 2009
from 67.4% in 2009
US average: 75.1%
No vehicle available
6.0%
+0.8 ptssince 2009
from 5.2% in 2009
US average: 8.4%
Section 07

Work & employment

Unemployment rate
4.4%
−0.5 ptssince 2011
from 4.9% in 2011
US average: 5.4%
Labor force participation
70.2%
−1.1 ptssince 2011
from 71.3% in 2011
US average: 63.4%
Management & professional
48.9%
−23.1 ptssince 2009
from 72.0% in 2009
US average: 39.3%
Section 08

People & community

Male
50.5%
−0.1 ptssince 2009
from 50.6% in 2009
Female
49.5%
+0.1 ptssince 2009
from 49.4% in 2009
Foreign born
22.6%
−1.2 ptssince 2009
from 23.8% in 2009
US average: 13.5%
Uninsured
5.6%
−85.3 ptssince 2013
from 90.9% in 2013
US average: 8.8%
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Compare Goleta to nearby cities

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GOLETA VS
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GOLETA VS
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GOLETA VS
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Frequently asked

How many people live in Goleta, California?

Goleta, California has about 32,690 residents according to the 2020 American Community Survey.

What is the median household income in Goleta, California?

The typical household in Goleta, California earns about $98,035 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Goleta, California expensive?

In Goleta, California, the median home is worth about $813,000, and the typical rent is about $1,955 a month.

How educated are people in Goleta, California?

About 47.8% of adults age 25 and over in Goleta, California hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Goleta, California?

About 9.6% of people in Goleta, California live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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