QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

        As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K, into Mid-State Bancshares' previously filed Registration Statement File No. 333-38584 on Form S-8.

/s/  ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Orange County, California
March 21, 2002

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS