Scotts Valley, CA
Population 12,138 · California
About Scotts Valley, CA
Scotts Valley is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 12,138 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $140,887 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Scotts Valley features a median home value of $1,092,000, which is 346% above the national median of $244,900. This places Scotts Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,362, 103% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,440 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (3,631 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (1,377 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Scotts Valley shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Scotts Valley have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.4% of Scotts Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 11.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 12.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Scotts Valley, CA
Compared to national averages, Scotts Valley has a median household income of $140,887 (87% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,092,000, which is 346% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,362 is 103% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Scotts Valley's income is 44% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 67% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Scotts Valley, CA?
Scotts Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $140,887, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 54.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,092,000. However, Scotts Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Scotts Valley has a population of 12,138 with a median age of 47.8 years. Compare Scotts Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Scotts Valley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamalpais-Homestead Valley | 12,153 | $238,158 | $1,811,100 | Compare |
| Commerce | 12,072 | $71,768 | $583,200 | Compare |
| San Marino | 12,279 | $187,633 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Newman | 12,299 | $75,344 | $381,900 | Compare |
| Tehachapi | 12,366 | $67,785 | $344,700 | Compare |
| Rossmoor | 11,895 | $200,833 | $1,234,700 | Compare |
| Fortuna | 12,413 | $61,603 | $353,200 | Compare |
| Los Alamitos | 11,784 | $98,539 | $1,003,900 | 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.
Compare Scotts Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Scotts Valley
What is the population of Scotts Valley, CA?
The population of Scotts Valley, CA is 12,138 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Scotts Valley?
The median household income in Scotts Valley, CA is $140,887 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Scotts Valley?
The median home value in Scotts Valley, CA is $1,092,000, which is 346% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Scotts Valley?
The median monthly rent in Scotts Valley, CA is $2,362, which is 103% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Scotts Valley?
The unemployment rate in Scotts Valley, CA is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Scotts Valley, CA a good place to live?
Scotts Valley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,138 and a median age of 47.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Scotts Valley, CA?
54.4% of residents in Scotts Valley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Scotts Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Scotts Valley, CA: median home value is $1,092,000 (346% above national), median rent is $2,362/month, and median household income is $140,887. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Scotts Valley?
The poverty rate in Scotts Valley, CA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Scotts Valley, CA?
Scotts Valley's population is 11.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 12.3% of residents are foreign-born.