For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Santa Ynez as a census-designated place (CDP).

The Santa Ynez Airport is general aviation with a paved 2,804 by 75 feet (855 m × 23 m) runway.

[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.1 square miles (13 km2), 99.86% of it land, and 0.14% of it covered by water.

This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C).

The racial makeup of Santa Ynez was 3,797 (85.9%) White, 12 (0.3%) African American, 234 (5.3%) Native American, 51 (1.2%) Asian, 4 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 147 (3.3%) from other races, and 173 (3.9%) from two or more races.

There were 1,886 housing units at an average density of 366.7 square miles (950 km2), of which 1,327 (76.2%) were owner-occupied, and 414 (23.8%) were occupied by renters.

There were 1,670 housing units at an average density of 213.7 square miles (553 km2).

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians, a federally recognized Chumash tribe is headquartered in Santa Ynez.

In the California State Legislature, Santa Ynez is in the 19th Senate District, represented by Republican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and in the 37th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Gregg Hart.