Barangay Santa Maria

Barangay Santa Maria forms part of Nabunturan, a municipality in Davao De Oro, and is classified as a mid-sized barangay.

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Barangay Santa Maria had a population of 3,701. This made it the 6th largest of 28 barangays in Nabunturan by population, placing it in the upper half of the municipality. Residents of Barangay Santa Maria accounted for approximately 4.39% of the total population of Nabunturan, which stood at 84,340 in the same census year.

Census comparisons between 2015 and 2020 show Barangay Santa Maria moving from 2,960 residents to 3,701 residents, an intercensal change of +25.0%. The trajectory indicates a growing community. The Philippine Statistics Authority classifies Barangay Santa Maria as urban, reflecting the density and built-up character of the area.

Nabunturan is a municipality comprising 28 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 Davao De Oro, which contains 237 barangays across its component cities and municipalities, Barangay Santa Maria ranks 67th by 2020 population. Davao De Oro 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.