California · Metropolitan Area
Santa Cruz is a mid-size city in California with a population of 60,953. Residents earn $111,427 per year, which is 48% above the national average.
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, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. 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.
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.
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.
With 826 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,154 per 100,000, 163% above the national average.
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.
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. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
| English Only | 74.4% |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 25.6% |
| 91% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $111,427 |
| 48% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $54,688 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,300 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $115,937 |
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 10,171 |
| County GDP | $21,092M |
| Restaurants | 734 |
| Healthcare | 939 |
| Retail | 822 |
| Manufacturing | 281 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,787 |
| 180% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.83% |
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Work from Home | 19.3% |
| Census Median | $1,180,100 |
| 319% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,313,461 |
| Median List Price | $1,345,000 |
| Median List Price | $1,345,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $918 |
| Homes Sold | 28 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.9% |
| Price Drops | 27.0% |
| Inventory | 37 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,302 |
| 98% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,422 |
| Studio | $3,179 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,298 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,214 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,377 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,659 |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,787 |
| 180% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.83% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.9% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,482/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 939 |
| Total Violent | 826.0/100K |
| 117% above US avg | |
| Murder | 1.6/100K |
| 75% below US avg | |
| Rape | 99.3/100K |
| Robbery | 171.8/100K |
| Assault | 553.3/100K |
| Total Property | 5,154.5/100K |
| 163% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 662.0/100K |
| Theft | 4,101.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 390.9/100K |
| Arson | 37.8/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 25 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg | |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 30.6 inches |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 80.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
| Elevation | 89 ft (27 m) |
| Area | 12.7 sq mi (33.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,784/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9744°N, 122.0353°W |
| County FIPS | 06087 |
Winner: Democrat by 54.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 57.7% |
| 71% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.1% |
| School Test Score | 4.68 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 4,784/sq mi |
| Total Area | 12.7 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 50 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 56 |
| Public Libraries | 16 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 939 |
| Restaurants | 734 |
| Retail Stores | 822 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 25 |
| Avg Commute | 22.7 min |
| Work from Home | 19.3% |