Santa Cruz, CA
Population 60,953 · California
About Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 60,953 residents. The median household income is $111,427 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Santa Cruz is 30.7 years.
Housing in Santa Cruz has a median home value of $1,180,100 and median monthly rent of $2,302. Of the 23,778 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 10,338 owner-occupied and 11,331 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Santa Cruz is 6.3% and the poverty rate is 17.6%. 57.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.7 minutes.
Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Cruz has a median household income of $111,427 (48% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,180,100, which is 382% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,302 is 98% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Cruz's income is 14% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 80% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $111,427, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 57.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,180,100. However, as a mid-sized city, Santa Cruz provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santa Cruz has a population of 60,953 with a median age of 30.7 years. Compare Santa Cruz with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Cruz
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Mesa | 60,835 | $84,337 | $738,800 | Compare |
| Pico Rivera | 60,821 | $86,956 | $621,400 | Compare |
| Woodland | 61,256 | $87,880 | $505,200 | Compare |
| San Rafael | 60,604 | $109,317 | $1,246,200 | Compare |
| Montebello | 61,376 | $74,955 | $660,700 | Compare |
| Encinitas | 61,585 | $150,471 | $1,466,000 | Compare |
| Florence-Graham | 61,723 | $61,216 | $499,100 | Compare |
| Gardena | 59,765 | $79,291 | $667,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
What is the population of Santa Cruz, CA?
The population of Santa Cruz, CA is 60,953 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Santa Cruz?
The median household income in Santa Cruz, CA is $111,427 per year.
What is the median home value in Santa Cruz?
The median home value in Santa Cruz, CA is $1,180,100.
What is the average rent in Santa Cruz?
The median monthly rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,302.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Cruz?
The unemployment rate in Santa Cruz, CA is 6.3%.