Isla Vista is a compact, energetic coastal community adjacent to UC Santa Barbara, known for its walkable streets, bicycle culture, bluff-top parks, sandy coves, and strong student-housing demand. Real estate includes apartment buildings, duplexes, condominiums, and a limited number of single-family properties, with some locations offering direct ocean or Channel Islands views. The neighborhood's proximity to the university, beaches, restaurants, and employment centers makes it primarily an investment-focused market, supported by persistent rental demand and limited coastal land. Buyers evaluating Isla Vista real estate often focus on income potential, location, and long-term scarcity, while sellers benefit from the area's unique position beside a major university and one of California's most scenic stretches of coastline.
13,717 people live in Isla Vista, where the median age is 21.2 and the average individual income is $13,289. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Isla Vista, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Bake Your Day SB, Simply Sholeh, and Lazy Eye Shop.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 2.5 miles | 22 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.69 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 2.5 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.62 miles | 69 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.48 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.01 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Isla Vista has 4,589 households, with an average household size of 2.61. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Isla Vista do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 13,717 people call Isla Vista home. The population density is 24,884 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
