Goleta city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Goleta city, California has a total population of 32,693, the 252nd largest city in California, with a median household income of $118,039, which is 23% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.5x the median household income.
Goleta city Quick Facts
How Goleta city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Goleta city Rankings in California
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Cities Similar to Goleta city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lathrop city | 32,696 | $118,605 | $605,000 | 23.8% | 8.6% |
| Dana Point city | 32,883 | $127,246 | $1,200,900 | 57.1% | 7.6% |
| Fair Oaks CDP | 32,030 | $111,332 | $645,600 | 46.4% | 8.3% |
| Beverly Hills city | 31,955 | $127,979 | $2,000,001 | 69.4% | 9.0% |
| Spring Valley CDP (San Diego County) | 32,215 | $104,808 | $645,300 | 30.3% | 12.0% |
Population Overview
Goleta city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 32,693. It ranks as the 252nd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Goleta city is 35.5 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Goleta city is $118,039. This is 23% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 50% higher. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%. This is 11% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.3%. This is 34% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,002,500. Housing costs are 44% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 51.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Goleta city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 36.7%. The Black or African American population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 5.3%.
Education
48.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 32% higher than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.7%. Notably, 20.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Goleta city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Goleta city, California?
Goleta city, California has a population of 32,693 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Goleta city, CA?
The median household income in Goleta city is $118,039, which is 50% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Goleta city, CA?
The poverty rate in Goleta city is 10.6%. This means approximately 3,443 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Goleta city, California?
Goleta city's population is 45.0% White, 2.0% Black, 36.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 11.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Goleta city, CA?
The median home value in Goleta city is $1,002,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x.
How educated is Goleta city, California?
48.3% of adults (25+) in Goleta city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 20.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.