Median Age
38 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 17% of Residents
Under 20
22%
Over 65
18%
Goleta
Goleta, CA Area Guide
Avg Rent
$2,471
Population
33,837
Renter Mix
49% Rent
Between the mountains and the sea, you'll find Goleta.
Beaches
•
Pacific Ocean
•
Agriculture
•
Coastal Living
•
College Town
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Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Goleta earns its nickname "The Good Land" in ways that are easy to feel the moment you arrive. The city sits just 10 miles from Santa Barbara, giving residents quick access to that city's dining and entertainment scene while enjoying a quieter pace at home. Goleta Beach draws visitors and locals alike, and the Ellwood Mesa Butterfly Preserve offers a one-of-a-kind natural spectacle each winter. The University of California, Santa Barbara sits just south of the city, lending a lively, intellectual energy to the surrounding area. Goleta itself incorporated as a city only in 2002, making it one of the newer municipalities on the California coast.
The rental market here offers a solid range of options, from cozy studio apartments to spacious multi-bedroom homes within established apartment communities. Townhomes and garden-style units are common throughout residential corridors, and newer developments have added more contemporary living options to the mix. Whether you're drawn by the hiking trails, the local farmers markets, or the proximity to major employers like Deckers Brands, Goleta delivers a California coastal lifestyle that feels genuinely grounded rather than resort-polished.
Explore the City
You can take your dog for a walk at Lake Los Carneros.
Goleta offers many modern homes for those looking to settle down.
Community is a big plus to Goleta.
Many locals walk their dog on the beach in Goleta.
Goleta has many great spots to take a break.
Dean: A Coffee Shop is a staple in Goleta.
Demographics
Median Household Income
$109,880
Average: $132,543
Education
13,301
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
18,275
Workers Employed
Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.
Housing Distribution
In Goleta, there are roughly the same number of renters and homeowners.
Renters
49%
Non-Renters
51%
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
Bachelor's or Higher
35%
Other Education
65%
Rent Trends
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Goleta, CA is $1,358 for a studio, $2,476 for one bedroom, $3,959 for two bedrooms, and $4,837 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Goleta has decreased by -2.7% in the past year.
Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$2,476/month
592 Sq Ft
House
$7,865/month
2,154 Sq Ft
Getting Around
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Goleta, CA is for everyday living.
Somewhat Walkable
Walkability
30
/ 100
Limited Public Transit
Transit
30
/ 100
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
100
/ 100
Fairly Bikeable
Bikeability
40
/ 100
Scores provided by
Schools
Public
Grades K-5
429 Students
Public
Grades K-5
429 Students
Public
Grades K-5
418 Students
Public
Grades K-5
418 Students
Public
Grades K-5
369 Students
Public
Grades K-8
269 Students
Public
Grades K-8
269 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
731 Students
Public
Grades K-12
26 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,149 Students
Dos Pueblos Senior High School
Public
Grades 9-12
2,149 Students
Public
Grades K-12
26 Students
School data provided by
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
Points of Interest
Shopping Centers
Parks and Recreation
- Isla Vista County Park
- Lake Los Carneros Park
- Stow Grove Park
- Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens
- Tuckers Grove County Park
Commuter Rail
Airports
- Santa Barbara Municipal
Top Apartments in Goleta
Houses for Rent in Goleta
Search Nearby Rentals
Nearby City Rentals
Nearby Neighborhood Rentals
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Nearby City Guides
Methodology
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.