Median Income
$34,750
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$209,400
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.5%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$550
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.7%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Santa Cruz Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population225
Median Age27.8 yrs
Density363/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 18%
Economy
C
Median Income$34,750
Per Capita$17,123
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$3,815M
Commute22 min
Housing
B
Home Value$209,400
Rent$550
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$320,034
Health
Obesity29.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F
AQI37 (Good)
Elevation5,775 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.5%
High School+74.6%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 33% / D 63%
Commute22 min
Libraries2
Is Santa Cruz a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Santa Cruz receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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 $34,750, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Santa Cruz is $209,400, 26% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
9.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Santa Cruz experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Santa Cruz has a population of 225 with a density of 363 people per square mile. The median age is 27.8 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (17.8%), with 13.8% Hispanic.
Population
27.8yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Santa Cruz vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 50.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Spanish | 49.5% |
| 269% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Santa Cruz vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Santa Cruz is $34,750, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income: Santa Cruz vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,750 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,123 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $2,191 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $130,620 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 606 |
| County GDP | $3,815M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Santa Cruz is $209,400, 26% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $550 (53% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,034.
Home Values
| Census Median | $209,400 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,034 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $550 |
| 53% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.90% |
In Santa Cruz, 29.7% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 23.1% report depression. 28.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Santa Cruz vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.7% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 65.6% |
| Premature Death | 3,583/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Crime Rates: Santa Cruz vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Santa Cruz has an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,775 ft (1,760 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 363/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.9940°N, 106.0358°W |
| County FIPS | 35028 |