Barangay Santa Maria

Barangay Santa Maria forms part of City of Pagadian, a city in Zamboanga Del Sur, and is classified as a mid-sized barangay.

According to the 2020 Philippine census, Barangay Santa Maria had a population of 4,553. This made it the 16th largest of 54 barangays in City of Pagadian by population, placing it in the upper half of the city. Residents of Barangay Santa Maria accounted for approximately 2.16% of the total population of City of Pagadian, which stood at 210,452 in the same census year.

The barangay recorded 5,158 residents in the 2015 intercensal count and 4,553 residents in the 2020 Census — a net change of -11.7%, consistent with a contracting settlement. Barangay Santa Maria is officially classified as urban, reflecting the density and built-up character of the area.

City of Pagadian is a city comprising 54 barangays, and serves as the governing unit directly responsible for local services in Barangay Santa Maria, including public health, sanitation, peace and order, and civil registration. Within the wider province of Zamboanga Del Sur, which contains 779 barangays across its component cities and municipalities, Barangay Santa Maria ranks 32nd by 2020 population. Zamboanga Del Sur is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, a category that reflects the province's annual regular income.

Like every Philippine barangay, Barangay Santa Maria is led by an elected Punong Barangay (barangay captain) supported by seven Sangguniang Barangay members (kagawads), an SK Chairperson, a Barangay Secretary, and a Barangay Treasurer. The next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, with officials serving four-year terms under Republic Act No. 12232.