Santa Cruz, CA
Demographics And Statistics

We take you around Santa Cruz to find out what it's like to call it home.

Living in Santa Cruz, California

Life in Santa Cruz research summary. HomeSnacks has been using Saturday Night Science to research the quality of life in Santa Cruz over the past nine years using Census, FBI, Zillow, and other primary data sources. Here's a snapshot of Santa Cruz based on the most recently available data.

61,607 Population
$1,344,332 Median home value
$115,475 Median income
206 Cost of living +106% vs US
$2,452 Median rent
7.2% Unemployment
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Santa Cruz SnackAbility

8
Overall SnackAbility
Jobs 8/10
Housing 10/10
Affordability 3/10
Diversity 9/10
Safety 4/10
Amenities 9.5/10
Education 9/10
Commute 8/10

Crime in Santa Cruz summary. We use data from the FBI to determine the crime rates in Santa Cruz. Key points include:

  • There were 1,919 total crimes in Santa Cruz in the last reporting year.

  • The overall crime rate per 100,000 people in Santa Cruz is 3,128.2 / 100k people.

  • The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Santa Cruz is 612.9 / 100k people.

  • The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Santa Cruz is 2,515.2 / 100k people.

  • Overall, crime in Santa Cruz is 47.61% above the national average.

1,919
Total Crimes
47.61%
Above National Average
Santa Cruz
US

Crime In Santa Cruz Comparison Table

Statistic Count
Raw
Santa Cruz
/ 100k People
California
/ 100k People
National
/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K 1,919 3,128.2 2,564.5 2,119.2
Violent Crime 376 612.9 486.0 359.0
Murder 3 4.9 4.5 5.0
Robbery 63 102.7 119.1 61.0
Aggravated Assault 284 462.9 325.8 256.0
Property Crime 1,543 2,515.2 2,078.4 1,760.0
Burglary 83 135.3 305.8 229.0
Larceny 1,363 2,221.8 1,345.2 1,272.0
Car Theft 97 158.1 427.5 259.0
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Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (2024)

Cost of living in Santa Cruz summary. We use data on the cost of living to determine how expensive it is to live in Santa Cruz. Real estate prices drive most of the variance in cost of living around California. Key points include:

  • The cost of living in Santa Cruz is 206 with 100 being average.

  • The cost of living in Santa Cruz is 2.1x higher than the national average.

  • The median home value in Santa Cruz is $1,344,332.

  • The median income in Santa Cruz is $115,475.

206
Santa Cruz's Overall Cost Of Living
2.1x
Higher Than The National Average
Santa Cruz
US

Cost Of Living In Santa Cruz Comparison Table

Living Expense Santa Cruz California National Average
Overall 206 142 100
Services 114 110 100
Groceries 118 118 100
Health 410 197 100
Housing 116 120 100
Transportation 116 121 100
Utilities 120 121 100
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Source: Cost of living index, normalized to US average = 100

Santa Cruz, CA Weather

  • The average high in Santa Cruz is 68.6° and the average low is 46.7°.

  • There are 45.1 days of precipitation each year.

  • Expect an average of 38.1 inches of precipitation each year with 0.0 inches of snow.

StatSanta Cruz
Average Annual High68.6
Average Annual Low46.7
Annual Precipitation Days45.1
Average Annual Precipitation38.1
Average Annual Snowfall0.0
68.6°
Average High
45.1
Days of Rain

Source: NOAA climate normals (30-year)

Santa Cruz, CA Photos

Downtown Santa Cruzc Cropped
Source: Wikipedia User Aaronbrick | GFDL
California Santa Cruz Street With Cars And Shops
Source: Public Domain
Santa Cruz Portland Cement  On Chestnut St
Source: Wikipedia User Drew Jacksich from San Jo | CC BY 2.0
Finch In Whalebone
Source: Wikipedia User Kai Schreiber from Jersey | CC BY-SA 2.0
Intersection Of Pacific And Cathcartc Downtown Santa Cruz
Source: Public Domain
Santa Cruz Redwoodsbjpg
Source: Wikipedia User Chevy111 | CC BY-SA 4.0
Natural Bridges State Beach Santa Cruz California
Source: Wikipedia User Dvortygirl | CC BY-SA 3.0
Santacruz Beachboardwalk Carousel Palmsdscn
Source: Wikipedia User Larry Pieniazek, User:Lar | GFDL
Sunset In Santa Cruzc California
Source: Wikipedia User Reenie56 at English Wikip | GFDL

2 Reviews & Comments About Santa Cruz

HomeSnacks User · 2018-07-13 23:08:01.558614
rating starrating starrating starrating starrating star

Santa Cruz is one of my favorite places on the planet. It has a laid-back, surfer, hippie feel to it. While I would recommend holding on to one's purse in the downtown area, the overall feel of Santa Cruz is one of chic cafes, interesting shops, artsy souvenirs, street musicians, bookstores, etc.

One of my favorite places includes Miramar's on the wharf. I love the restaurant's glass wall that allows me to watch surfers, sea lions and sailboats while I indulge in clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.

I especially love being in Santa Cruz for the Woodies on the Wharf parade. The classic cars are a beautiful sight against the sun, the sand and the surf.

HomeSnacks User · 2019-03-18 01:57:33.678236
rating star

Lived here my whole life and it was as fine until the 2000's after which the homeless population sprouted yet was supported with needle exchange and medical marijuana.

Can't beat twin lakes beach st the harbor- 3 great restaurants on the water, breakfast at the Palo mar or cross nest is great.

Crackheads everywhere and people smoking weed next to cops on the street

Rankings & Articles For Santa Cruz

Locations Around Santa Cruz

Map Of Santa Cruz, CA

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Santa Cruz Demographics And Statistics

Population over time in Santa Cruz

The current population in Santa Cruz is 61,607. The population has increased 5.7% from 2010.

Year Population % Change
2024 61,607 1.1%
2023 60,953 -0.7%
2022 61,367 -2.1%
2021 62,714 -3.5%
2020 65,011 0.8%
2019 64,522 0.4%
2018 64,273 0.4%
2017 63,993 1.1%
2016 63,310 0.9%
2015 62,752 1.1%
2014 62,045 1.3%
2013 61,245 1.5%
2012 60,319 2.2%
2011 59,022 1.3%
2010 58,269 -

Race / Ethnicity in Santa Cruz

White 59.6% (36,745)
African American 1.5% (931)
American Indian 0.1% (78)
Asian 9.8% (6,029)
Hawaiian 0.1% (36)
Other 1.0% (611)
Two Or More 5.5% (3,369)
Hispanic 22.4% (13,808)
See the full breakdown

Santa Cruz is:

  • 59.6% White with 36,745 White residents.

  • 1.5% African American with 931 African American residents.

  • 0.1% American Indian with 78 American Indian residents.

  • 9.8% Asian with 6,029 Asian residents.

  • 0.1% Hawaiian with 36 Hawaiian residents.

  • 1.0% Other with 611 Other residents.

  • 5.5% Two Or More with 3,369 Two Or More residents.

  • 22.4% Hispanic with 13,808 Hispanic residents.

Race Santa Cruz CA USA
White 59.6% 33.8% 57.4%
African American 1.5% 5.2% 11.9%
American Indian 0.1% 0.3% 0.5%
Asian 9.8% 15.3% 5.9%
Hawaiian 0.1% 0.3% 0.2%
Other 1.0% 0.6% 0.6%
Two Or More 5.5% 4.4% 4.3%
Hispanic 22.4% 40.2% 19.3%

Gender in Santa Cruz

Female 50.6% (31,166)
Male 49.4% (30,441)
See the full breakdown
  • Santa Cruz is 50.6% female with 31,166 female residents.

  • Santa Cruz is 49.4% male with 30,441 male residents.

Gender Santa Cruz CA USA
Female 50.6% 50.1% 50.5%
Male 49.4% 49.9% 49.5%

Highest level of educational attainment in Santa Cruz for adults over 25

< 9th Grade 1.0% (616)
9-12th Grade 3.0% (1,848)
High School / GED 10.0% (6,160)
Some College 20.0% (12,321)
Associate's Degree 8.0% (4,928)
Bachelor's Degree 29.0% (17,866)
Master's Degree 18.0% (11,089)
Professional Degree 5.0% (3,080)
Doctorate Degree 6.0% (3,696)
See the full breakdown
  • 1.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed < 9th grade.

  • 3.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed 9-12th grade.

  • 10.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed high school / ged.

  • 20.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed some college.

  • 8.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed associate's degree.

  • 29.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed bachelor's degree.

  • 18.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed master's degree.

  • 5.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed professional degree.

  • 6.0% of adults in Santa Cruz completed doctorate degree.

Education Santa Cruz CA USA
< 9th Grade 1.0% 8.0% 4.0%
9-12th Grade 3.0% 7.0% 6.0%
High School / GED 10.0% 20.0% 26.0%
Some College 20.0% 19.0% 19.0%
Associate's Degree 8.0% 8.0% 9.0%
Bachelor's Degree 29.0% 23.0% 22.0%
Master's Degree 18.0% 10.0% 10.0%
Professional Degree 5.0% 3.0% 2.0%
Doctorate Degree 6.0% 2.0% 2.0%

Household Income For Santa Cruz, California

Less than $10,000 5.1% (316,646)
$10,000 to $14,999 4.0% (246,847)
$15,000 to $24,999 5.1% (312,390)
$25,000 to $34,999 4.9% (304,445)
$35,000 to $49,999 7.3% (448,298)
$50,000 to $74,999 9.6% (591,300)
$75,000 to $99,999 7.8% (481,779)
$100,000 to $149,999 17.5% (1,075,349)
$150,000 to $199,999 11.0% (679,824)
$200,000 or more 27.7% (1,703,818)
See the full breakdown
  • 5.1% of households in Santa Cruz earn Less than $10,000.

  • 4.0% of households in Santa Cruz earn $10,000 to $14,999.

  • 5.1% of households in Santa Cruz earn $15,000 to $24,999.

  • 4.9% of households in Santa Cruz earn $25,000 to $34,999.

  • 7.3% of households in Santa Cruz earn $35,000 to $49,999.

  • 9.6% of households in Santa Cruz earn $50,000 to $74,999.

  • 7.8% of households in Santa Cruz earn $75,000 to $99,999.

  • 17.5% of households in Santa Cruz earn $100,000 to $149,999.

  • 11.0% of households in Santa Cruz earn $150,000 to $199,999.

  • 27.7% of households in Santa Cruz earn $200,000 or more.

Income Santa Cruz CA USA
Less than $10,000 5.1% 4.5% 5.0%
$10,000 to $14,999 4.0% 2.9% 3.4%
$15,000 to $24,999 5.1% 5.0% 6.3%
$25,000 to $34,999 4.9% 5.3% 6.6%
$35,000 to $49,999 7.3% 8.1% 10.1%
$50,000 to $74,999 9.6% 13.0% 15.5%
$75,000 to $99,999 7.8% 11.6% 12.6%
$100,000 to $149,999 17.5% 17.8% 17.5%
$150,000 to $199,999 11.0% 11.3% 9.6%
$200,000 or more 27.7% 20.5% 13.4%

Source: U.S. Census ACS 5-year estimates (2024)