Santa Margarita, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Santa Margarita, California had a total population of 1,149, the 1024th largest community in California. The poverty rate is 3.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.0% — among the lowest in California.
Santa Margarita Quick Facts
How Santa Margarita Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 665 | 1,149 | +72.8% |
| Median home value | $643,100 | $684,000 | +6.4% |
How Santa Margarita Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Santa Margarita Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in San Luis Obispo County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo | 48,491 | $73,685 | 30.4% | $935,100 |
| El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles) | 31,446 | $92,228 | 13.1% | $687,200 |
| Atascadero | 29,712 | $91,429 | 11.4% | $716,500 |
| Arroyo Grande | 18,372 | $102,553 | 4.8% | $814,200 |
| Nipomo | 17,516 | $110,022 | 5.7% | $723,700 |
| Los Osos | 14,166 | $108,932 | 8.1% | $805,800 |
| Grover Beach | 12,604 | $86,458 | 11.8% | $727,500 |
| Morro Bay | 10,692 | $95,843 | 8.5% | $918,200 |
| Templeton | 9,580 | $117,063 | 4.2% | $810,400 |
| Pismo Beach | 8,014 | $118,072 | 6.9% | $1,021,300 |
Cities Similar to Santa Margarita
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuolumne City | 1,148 | $57,313 | $431,200 | 21.7% | 7.5% |
| Redway | 1,145 | $23,720 | $391,500 | 0.0% | 36.7% |
| Pioneer | 1,155 | $75,714 | $462,200 | 29.4% | 6.5% |
| Big River | 1,140 | $39,773 | $126,200 | 10.6% | 20.0% |
| Millerton | 1,159 | $207,109 | $616,500 | 51.1% | 0.0% |
Population Overview
Santa Margarita is a small community located in California, within San Luis Obispo County. The total population is 1,149. It ranks as the 1024th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Santa Margarita is 37.5 years. This is 1% lower than the state median of 37.9 years. Only 13.6% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 16.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 3.0%. This is 75% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The survey records no unemployed residents in Santa Margarita, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $684,000. Housing costs are 7% lower than the state median of $734,700. 53.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% lower than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Santa Margarita has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (90.2% vs 33.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population (4.7%) is well below the state average of 40.2%.
Education
34.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 7% lower than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 98.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Santa Margarita, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Santa Margarita, California?
Santa Margarita, California has a population of 1,149 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Santa Margarita, CA?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Santa Margarita — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Margarita, CA?
The poverty rate in Santa Margarita is 3.0%. This means approximately 35 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Santa Margarita, California?
Santa Margarita's population is 90.2% White, 0.0% Black, 4.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Santa Margarita, CA?
The median home value in Santa Margarita is $684,000.
How educated is Santa Margarita, California?
34.4% of adults (25+) in Santa Margarita hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.