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).
Goleta city, CA Climate
Goleta city, CA has an average annual temperature of 15.7°C (60°F) and receives about 461 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.7°C
Avg Temp
461
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12° / 54° | 91 mm |
| February | 13° / 55° | 102 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 90 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 32 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 7 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 2 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 0 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 1 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 8 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 14 mm |
| November | 15° / 58° | 50 mm |
| December | 12° / 54° | 64 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Goleta city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Goleta city, CA are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near 6°C low). February is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Goleta
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.