Goleta, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Goleta, California is 32,693 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 252nd-largest city in California. The median household income is $118,039, the median home value is $1,002,500, and the median age is 35.5.
The population has grown 8.2% since 2010 (30,143 → 32,611).
32,693
Population
4164
People / sq mi
$118,039
Median Income
$1,002,500
Median Home Value
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Goleta covers 7.9 sq mi of land at 4164 people per square mile.
About Goleta, CA
In Goleta, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $1,002,500. With 32,693 residents, Goleta is a city in California.
Households take in a median $118,039, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. About 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $1,002,500, with typical rent around $2,385.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US cities — 48.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 17.9%, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Goleta — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Goleta city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Goleta city had a population of 30,143 in 2010 and 32,611 in 2024, a 8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,762 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.58%.
32,611
Population (2024)
30,143
Population (2010)
32,762
Peak (2020)
0.58%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 30,143 |
| 2011 | 30,176 |
| 2012 | 30,387 |
| 2013 | 30,639 |
| 2014 | 30,880 |
| 2015 | 30,963 |
| 2016 | 30,921 |
| 2017 | 31,098 |
| 2018 | 30,954 |
| 2019 | 30,911 |
| 2020 | 32,762 |
| 2021 | 32,727 |
| 2022 | 32,669 |
| 2023 | 32,664 |
| 2024 | 32,611 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 51.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$118,039
Median Household Income
$52,610
Per Capita Income
5.4%
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$1,002,500
Median Home Value
$2,385
Median Rent
51.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.7%
High School+
48.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.4%
Drive Alone
61.7%
Public Transit
17.9%
Work From Home
18.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
18.1%
Foreign Born
65.1%
Non-English at Home
3.1%
Veterans
8.4%
With Disability
94.3%
Health Insurance
97.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 30.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 15.9% |
| Manufacturing | 9.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.9% |
| Information | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.4% |
| Construction | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.9% |
| Public Administration | 2.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Goleta, California has a population of 32,693 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 252nd-largest city in California.
The median household income in Goleta, California is $118,039, with 5.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Goleta, California is $1,002,500, with median monthly rent at $2,385 and a homeownership rate of 51.2%.
The median age in Goleta, California is 35.5 years. The population is 52.2% male and 47.8% female.
The population has grown 8.2% since 2010 (30,143 → 32,611).
Where to stay in Goleta
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.