Watsonville, CA
Population 51,968 · California
About Watsonville, CA
Watsonville is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 51,968 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,785 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watsonville features a median home value of $657,700, which is 169% above the national median of $244,900. This places Watsonville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,784, 53% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,792 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (6,657 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (8,610 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watsonville shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Watsonville have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.7% of Watsonville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 79.0% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 35.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Watsonville, CA
Compared to national averages, Watsonville has a median household income of $74,785 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $657,700, which is 169% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,784 is 53% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Watsonville's income is 24% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 1% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Watsonville, CA?
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,785) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $657,700. However, as a mid-sized city, Watsonville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Watsonville has a population of 51,968 with a median age of 32.7 years. Compare Watsonville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Watsonville
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral City | 52,047 | $67,031 | $420,700 | Compare |
| Lincoln | 51,629 | $108,108 | $628,500 | Compare |
| Placentia | 52,384 | $110,575 | $871,000 | Compare |
| Palm Desert | 51,551 | $79,508 | $491,600 | Compare |
| Paramount | 52,546 | $70,912 | $500,400 | Compare |
| Glendora | 51,350 | $111,915 | $820,800 | Compare |
| Aliso Viejo | 51,320 | $137,970 | $863,800 | Compare |
| Novato | 52,689 | $112,193 | $1,007,100 | 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 Watsonville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watsonville
What is the population of Watsonville, CA?
The population of Watsonville, CA is 51,968 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 Watsonville?
The median household income in Watsonville, CA is $74,785 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watsonville?
The median home value in Watsonville, CA is $657,700, which is 169% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Watsonville?
The median monthly rent in Watsonville, CA is $1,784, which is 53% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watsonville?
The unemployment rate in Watsonville, CA is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watsonville, CA a good place to live?
Watsonville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 51,968 and a median age of 32.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Watsonville, CA?
12.7% of residents in Watsonville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Watsonville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watsonville, CA: median home value is $657,700 (169% above national), median rent is $1,784/month, and median household income is $74,785. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Watsonville?
The poverty rate in Watsonville, CA is 15.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Watsonville, CA?
Watsonville's population is 79.0% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 35.1% of residents are foreign-born.