Santa Ynez 62 Average
Santa Ynez Livability #493 ranked city in California#16,577 ranked city in the USARanks better than 43% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Santa Ynez

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Santa Ynez?

Located in the state of California, Santa Ynez is a small-sized city with a population of 4,869 people. At 85%, the majority of the Santa Ynez population is White; this is followed by 5% American Indian and Alaskan and 4% Asian. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Santa Ynez is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 27 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Santa Ynez, California could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Santa Ynez and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, health & safety, education and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Santa Ynez has received a livability score of 62 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 46th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Santa Ynez ranks very well for crime (A+) and education (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Santa Ynez. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Santa Ynez has an unemployment rate of 0.8% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Santa Ynez real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Santa Ynez. The median home price for Santa Ynez homes is $1,524,860, which is 108.4% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Santa Ynez, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 10.1, which is 31.2% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Santa Ynez

See all the best places to live around Santa Ynez

How Do You Rate The Livability In Santa Ynez?

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Compare Santa Ynez, CA Livability

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      Santa Ynez transportation information

      Statistic Santa Ynez California National
      Average one way commute27min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.9%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.2%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.2%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home12.0%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Santa Ynez, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.