Explore Santa Barbara local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for Santa Barbara County.
At a glance: Santa Barbara is an incorporated city in Santa Barbara County. Population: 85,083 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 54,832 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
Santa Barbara faces the Santa Barbara Channel below the steep Santa Ynez Mountains. Its harbor, beach frontage, and compact downtown create a strong relationship between the waterfront and the city's inland civic and commercial streets. Central Library on East Anapamu Street and Eastside Library on East Montecito Street provide neighborhood access to public learning resources. Municipal parks, the harbor, and community facilities extend civic life well beyond the downtown visitor district. Santa Barbara incorporated on April 9, 1850, before California became a state. It is a charter city using a council-manager government and is the seat of Santa Barbara County.
Yes. Eastside Library is at 1102 East Montecito Street; check the library's current schedule before visiting.
No. Santa Barbara is both a city and the county seat, but the two governments have different responsibilities.
Santa Barbara County Elections publishes official results and voter information for city residents.
54,832 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
CA Slates began with shared voter guides in 2012 and expanded into its current publication family and connected program.