Mission Canyon is a census-designated place and an unincorporated suburb of Santa Barbara, California, located in Santa Barbara County. As of the 2000 census, the area had a total population of 2,610.

Mission Canyon is directly north--on the mountain side--of the city of Santa Barbara, and derives its name from the Mission Santa Barbara which is built between Mission Canyon and the center of the city. The canyon itself is one of the most dramatic in the Santa Ynez Mountains, with the locally highest peak (La Cumbre Peak, 3985') at the top of the watershed, and rugged sandstone formations, partially covered with chaparral, on both sides of the creek. Several popular hiking trails originate at the northern extremity of the urbanized area and lead up into the mountains.

Geography

The approximate center of Mission Canyon is located at 34°26'59" North, 119°42'59" West (34.449797, -119.716315)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.1 km² (1.6 mi²). 4.1 km² (1.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.50% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 2,610 people, 1,065 households, and 689 families residing in the CDP. The population density is 641.9/km² (1,663.6/mi²). There are 1,115 housing units at an average density of 274.2/km² (710.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP is 93.64% White, 0.42% African American, 0.15% Native American, 1.30% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.18% from other races, and 2.26% from two or more races. 6.63% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,065 households out of which 23.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% are married couples living together, 8.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% are non-families. 22.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.44 and the average family size is 2.73.

In the CDP the population is spread out with 16.9% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 35.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 45 years. For every 100 females there are 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP is $79,338, and the median income for a family is $103,442. Males have a median income of $57,222 versus $41,131 for females. The per capita income for the CDP is $43,422. 6.8% of the population and 1.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.6% of those under the age of 18 and 7.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

• Maps and aerial photos
  • Street map from Mapquest (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=decimal&latitude=34.449797&longitude=-119.716315&zoom=6)
  • Topographic map from Topozone (http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.449797&lon=-119.716315&s=200&size=m&layer=DRG100)
  • Aerial photograph from Microsoft Terraserver (http://terraserver.microsoft.com/map.aspx?t=1&s=14&lon=-119.716315&lat=34.449797&w=750&h=500)