Santa Cruz-Watsonville Metro Area

The Santa Cruz-Watsonville metropolitan area is the 257th largest metro area in the United States, with a total population of 128,305 spread across 14 cities and towns in CA. Anchored by Santa Cruz, this metro area is a significant economic and cultural hub that draws residents and businesses from across the region.

Residents of the Santa Cruz-Watsonville metro area earn an average household income of $129,640, while the average home value sits at $1,050,600. Renters in the area pay an average of $2,133 per month, making the cost of living relatively high compared to the national average. About 51.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the area's highly educated workforce.

The Santa Cruz-Watsonville metro reports an average violent crime rate of 362.2 per 1,000 residents, which is above the national average. Property crime averages 3,053.4 per 1,000 residents across the metro. The area experiences an average annual temperature of 60.1°F, with distinct four-season weather. The average poverty rate across cities in this metro is 5.4%, indicating strong economic conditions.

With 14 distinct communities ranging from major urban centers to smaller suburban towns, the Santa Cruz-Watsonville metro area offers a wide variety of living options. Despite its more compact size, the metro area provides a range of communities with their own unique character and appeal. Explore the full list of cities below to find detailed data on population, income, housing costs, and more.