Solvang, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Solvang, California had a total population of 6,034, the 615th largest city in California, with a median household income of $109,091, which is 10% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.7x the median household income.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Solvang Quick Facts
How Solvang 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 | 6,034 | 6,034 | +0.0% |
| Median household income | $118,208 | $109,091 | -7.7% |
| Median home value | $936,900 | $949,600 | +1.4% |
How Solvang 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 diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Solvang Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Santa Barbara County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria | 110,462 | $84,746 | 17.3% | $531,700 |
| Santa Barbara | 87,779 | $106,182 | 14.0% | $1,570,800 |
| Lompoc | 43,646 | $72,004 | 17.3% | $472,900 |
| Goleta | 32,685 | $122,370 | 9.3% | $1,062,100 |
| Orcutt | 31,454 | $111,416 | 8.0% | $624,500 |
| Eastern Goleta Valley | 28,295 | $146,284 | 7.9% | $1,361,700 |
| Isla Vista | 13,920 | $25,972 | 70.4% | $1,218,800 |
| Carpinteria | 13,036 | $100,658 | 7.0% | $1,043,100 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | 12,121 | $69,327 | 17.5% | $452,900 |
| Montecito | 9,031 | $231,005 | 8.3% | $2,000,000+ |
Cities Similar to Solvang
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak View | 6,141 | $110,440 | $819,100 | 25.9% | 8.3% |
| Cambria | 5,978 | $99,147 | $930,200 | 48.8% | 10.5% |
| Bear Valley Springs | 5,912 | $120,481 | $496,200 | 40.0% | 4.6% |
| East Pasadena | 5,479 | $109,136 | $1,069,200 | 56.8% | 9.3% |
| Happy Valley | 5,944 | $92,222 | $334,100 | 14.1% | 8.9% |
Population Overview
Solvang is a small city located in California, within Santa Barbara County. The total population is 6,034. It ranks as the 615th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Solvang is 54.2 years. This is 43% higher than the state median of 37.9 years. Only 13.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 18.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Solvang is $109,091. This is 10% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 35% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%. This is 6% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.8%. This is 73% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $949,600. Housing costs are 29% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 57.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Solvang is White (non-Hispanic), making up 61.1% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 25.4%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (61.1% vs 33.8%). The Asian population (2.9%) is well below the state average of 15.3%.
Education
38.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 3% higher 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 91.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Solvang, 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 Solvang, California?
Solvang, California has a population of 6,034 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Solvang, CA?
The median household income in Solvang is $109,091, which is 35% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Solvang, CA?
The poverty rate in Solvang is 11.3%. This means approximately 664 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Solvang, California?
Solvang's population is 61.1% White, 2.7% Black, 25.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Solvang, CA?
The median home value in Solvang is $949,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x.
How educated is Solvang, California?
38.2% of adults (25+) in Solvang hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.