Median Income
$111,427
48% higher than US avg
Home Value
$1,180,100
319% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
596/100K
57% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
57.7%
71% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$2,302
98% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.7%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Santa Cruz Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population60,953
Median Age30.7 yrs
Density4,784/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$111,427
Per Capita$54,688
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$21,092M
Commute23 min
Housing
F
Home Value$1,180,100
Rent$2,302
Ownership47.7%
Zillow$1,313,461
Housing Units23,749
Rent Burden32.6%
Crime
F
Violent596/100K
Property4,493/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault417/100K
Burglary533/100K
Health
Obesity26.7%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking10.5%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain30.6 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation89 ft (27 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+57.7%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+28.3%
School Score4.68
Community
2024 VoteR 21% / D 75%
Commute23 min
Broadband94.7%
EV Stations50
Libraries16
Is Santa Cruz a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Santa Cruz receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs. Santa Cruz has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Santa Cruz is $111,427, which is significantly higher than the national average / 48% above $75,149. This places Santa Cruz among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Santa Cruz is $1,180,100, making it a premium housing market at 319% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,302 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 10.6x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 596 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,493 per 100,000, 129% above the national average.
Education
Santa Cruz is a highly educated community / 57.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Santa Cruz enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Santa Cruz has a population of 60,953 with a density of 4,784 people per square mile, spread across 15.8 square miles. The median age is 30.7 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (65.8%), with 3.5% Hispanic, 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 74.4% of residents, while 25.6% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.7yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Santa Cruz vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
74.4%
5% below US avg
Spanish
25.6%
91% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Santa Cruz vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Santa Cruz is $111,427, which is 48% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $54,688 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,300. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 10,171 business establishments, including 734 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Santa Cruz vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $111,427 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $54,688 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,300 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $115,937 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 10,171 |
| County GDP | $21,092M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 734 |
| Healthcare | 939 |
| Retail | 822 |
| Manufacturing | 281 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,787 |
| 180% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 53.0% |
| Public Transit | 4.8% |
| Work from Home | 19.3% |
The median home value in Santa Cruz is $1,180,100, 319% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,313,461, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.9% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $2,302 (98% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $3,298 for a one-bedroom to $4,214 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 23,749 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $9,787 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.6x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $1,180,100 |
| 319% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,313,461 |
| Median List Price | $1,345,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $1,345,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $918 |
| Homes Sold | 28 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.9% |
| Price Drops | 27.0% |
| Inventory | 37 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,302 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,422 |
| Rent Burden | 32.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $3,179 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,298 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,214 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,377 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,659 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.3% |
| Housing Units | 23,749 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,787 |
| 180% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.83% |
In Santa Cruz, 26.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 10.5% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 18.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:977. The dentist ratio is 1:1,106. 98.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-21)
PM2.5
10.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
16.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
135.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Santa Cruz vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.7% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.5% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.9% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:977 |
| Dentists | 1:1,106 |
| Mental Health | 1:102 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,482/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 939 |
Santa Cruz has a violent crime rate of 596 per 100,000 residents, 57% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 416.8 per 100,000, robbery at 134.8, rape at 44.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,493 per 100,000, 129% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,621, burglary at 533, vehicle theft at 339 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 25 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Santa Cruz receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Santa Cruz vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 596.1/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 44.4/100K |
| Robbery | 134.8/100K |
| Assault | 416.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,492.6/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
| Burglary | 533.2/100K |
| Theft | 3,620.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 338.6/100K |
| Arson | 52.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 25 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3,900 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Santa Cruz enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 317 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. 80% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 89 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 89 ft (27 m) |
| Area | 15.8 sq mi (41.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,784/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9744°N, 122.0353°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Santa Cruz County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.6"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
6.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 80.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0341 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,217 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Aug 24, 2014 |
The 2014 South Napa, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
140 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
5 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M5.4 |
34 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
129 km |
| Sep 17, 1991 |
22 km NW of San Simeon, California |
M5.2 |
144 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km E of Interlaken, California |
M5.1 |
31 km |
| Aug 12, 1998 |
10 km SW of Ridgemark, California |
M5.1 |
57 km |
| Jan 16, 1993 |
9 km E of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
51 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
85 km |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
2 km E of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
39 km |
| May 14, 2002 |
5 km SSW of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
39 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
34 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km N of Aromas, California |
M4.7 |
35 km |
| Feb 4, 1991 |
33 km SE of Big Sur, California |
M4.7 |
113 km |
| May 21, 1996 |
8 km ESE of East Foothills, California |
M4.7 |
51 km |
| Aug 11, 1993 |
14 km ESE of Alum Rock, California |
M4.7 |
49 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
21 km NE of Soledad, California |
M4.6 |
88 km |
| Mar 24, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Interlaken, California |
M4.6 |
28 km |
| Aug 18, 1999 |
0 km S of Bolinas, California |
M4.6 |
119 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
15 km SW of Westley, CA |
M4.5 |
83 km |
| Jan 12, 2011 |
9 km SSE of San Juan Bautista, California |
M4.5 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
31 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 10 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1998 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 1985 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 1951 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2024 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 2005 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 20, 2001 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1998 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Dec 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1965 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1958 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 6, 2019 |
EF0 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jan 6, 2019 |
EF0 |
2 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 22, 2012 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2007 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 1998 |
EF0 |
2 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1998 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 4.5 m (15 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1868 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
4.5 m |
30 |
81 km |
| 1989 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.0 m |
62 |
15 km |
| 1856 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.6 m |
— |
63 km |
| 1906 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
91 km |
| 1865 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
28 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (405,787 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX |
405,787 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
BASIN COMPLEX |
164,537 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
SOBERANES |
131,921 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
CZU AUG LIGHTNING |
85,894 |
25 km |
| 2020 |
RIVER |
51,582 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
LICK |
47,424 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
CANYON |
36,851 |
75 km |
| 1999 |
KIRK COMPLEX (FIVE) |
36,162 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
ANNIE |
17,383 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
CORRAL |
16,138 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
CORRAL |
12,006 |
84 km |
| 1985 |
LEXINGTON |
11,550 |
22 km |
| 2009 |
LOCKHEED |
8,287 |
20 km |
| 2003 |
BIRD |
7,727 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
CARMEL |
7,299 |
70 km |
| 1984 |
SITE 300 3 |
6,911 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
GLORIA |
6,686 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
TESLA |
6,638 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
DEL PUERTO |
6,441 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
MIDWAY |
6,243 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
6.6 in |
Wettest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
4.6 in |
Coldest |
Santa Cruz has a seasonal temperature swing of 14°F / from 50°F in December to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (6.6") and July the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Santa Cruz. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $2,065 |
| Toddler | $1,411 |
| Preschool | $1,107 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,765 |
| Toddler | $1,449 |
| Preschool | $1,359 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Cruz
What is the population of Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has a population of 60,953 residents and is located in California. The population density is 4,784 people per square mile, spread across 15.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Santa Cruz expensive to live in?
Santa Cruz is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $111,427, 48% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $1,180,100 (319% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,302 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Santa Cruz safe?
The violent crime rate in Santa Cruz is 596 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,493 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Santa Cruz receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,300. There are 10,171 business establishments in the area, including 734 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 19.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Santa Cruz?
The median home value in Santa Cruz is $1,180,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,313,461. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,302. Fair market rent is $3,298 for a 1-bedroom and $4,214 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.7%. The average annual property tax is $9,787.
How are the schools in Santa Cruz?
Schools in Santa Cruz have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 57.7% of adults in Santa Cruz hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 28.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Santa Cruz?
The obesity rate in Santa Cruz is 26.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.5% of adults are smokers. 18.9% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 98.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:977.
What is transportation like in Santa Cruz?
The average commute in Santa Cruz is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 53% of workers drive alone to work, 4.8% use public transit, and 19.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Santa Cruz?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Cruz is 65.8% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 74.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 25.6% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.