Greater Santa Cruz, Central Coast, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
84,642
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$123,816/yr
-4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
39,118
0.7% year-over-year change

Santa Cruz population

How many people live in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is home to 84,642 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Santa Cruz locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
84,642
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
41,636
Female
50.8%
43,006
Value Percent YoY change
Male 41,636 49.2% -0.1%
Female 43,006 50.8% -0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Santa Cruz is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.5% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.5% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.5%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
23.5%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
23.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,439 13.5% -3.0%
15 to 24 10,407 12.3% 4.8%
25 to 44 19,871 23.5% -0.8%
45 to 64 23,275 27.5% -2.1%
Over 65 19,650 23.2% 1.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Santa Cruz, 87.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 4.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.7%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 74,276 87.8% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,525 7.7% -4.0%
Non-citizens 3,841 4.5% -2.8%
Racial breakdown
White
74.5%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
12.3%
Other
7.7%
Value Percent
White 63,077 74.5%
Black or African American 550 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 341 0.4%
Asian 3,611 4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 124 0.2%
Two or more races 10,393 12.3%
Other 6,546 7.7%

Households in Santa Cruz

A peek inside Santa Cruz households

Santa Cruz has 34,925 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.1% are families, while the remaining 37.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
34,925
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,243
Family households
21,682
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,243 37.9% 1.7%
Family households 21,682 62.1% -0.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Santa Cruz

The housing landscape of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz's housing consists of 39,118 units, with 62.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 9.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
39,118
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 24,340 62.2%
1 unit, attached 3,905 10%
2 units 1,249 3.2%
3 or 4 units 2,100 5.4%
5 to 9 units 1,425 3.6%
10 to 19 units 730 1.9%
20 to 49 units 661 1.7%
50 or more units 986 2.5%
Mobile home 3,703 9.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 19 0%
Homes built since 2020
195
191.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, the median construction year is 1974. About 8.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,161 8.1% -2.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,150 5.5% -1.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,347 8.6% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,950 15.2% -1.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,213 23.6% 3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,211 18.4% 0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,697 9.4% -2.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,327 6% -4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,867 4.8% 11.1%
Built in 2020 or later 195 0.5% 191.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Santa Cruz occupancy rates

Out of the 34,925 occupied housing units in Santa Cruz, 65.9% are owner-occupied, while 34.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
34,925
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,905
Owner occupied
23,020
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,905 34.1% 0.3%
Owner occupied 23,020 65.9% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Santa Cruz housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Cruz come to a median of $2,425 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,460.

Median housing costs per month
$2,425/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Santa Cruz
$2,460/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz education at a glance

About 15.9% of the population in Santa Cruz went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 28.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,588 2.3% 7.8%
High school diploma 11,159 15.9% -4.8%
College diploma 16,283 23.2% -0.3%
Associate degree 7,064 10% -1.7%
Bachelor's degree 20,013 28.5% 1.0%
Graduate degree 14,211 20.2% 4.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Santa Cruz

How much people earn in Santa Cruz

The average annual household income in Santa Cruz was $176,664 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $123,816, reflecting a -4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Cruz
$176,664/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Cruz
$123,816/year
-4.8% year-over-year change

Santa Cruz income by age

In Santa Cruz, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $145,450. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $139,992 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $115,119, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $91,144 in earnings. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $115,119 N/A
25 - 44 $145,450 3.6%
45 - 64 $139,992 -10.3%
Over 65 $91,144 7.3%
Above poverty level
76,318
Below poverty level
7,060
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 76,318 91.5% -0.6%
Below poverty level 7,060 8.5% 2.9%

Average renter income in Santa Cruz

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Santa Cruz, their median household income was $67,977 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$67,977
Rent-to-income ratio
43.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Santa Cruz

Workforce and job types in Santa Cruz

87% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.7% run their own businesses, 57.8% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
38,432
Blue collar
5,715
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 38,432 87% 0.2%
Blue collar 5,715 13% -8.4%
Employer type
Self employees
15.7%
Private companies
57.8%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,928 15.7% -4.7%
Private companies 25,494 57.8% -0.7%
Governmental workers 7,491 17% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 4,234 9.6% -1.5%

Transportation in Santa Cruz

How people get around in Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, the average commute time is 56 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
56 min
-31.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 29,467 91.2% -2.1%
Taxicab 25 0.1% -55.4%
Bus or trolleybus 425 1.3% 21.4%
Railroad 30 0.1% 150.0%
Motorcycle 171 0.5% -34.7%
Bicycle 857 2.6% -9.5%
Walk 1,338 4.1% -12.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Santa Cruz by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95062 35,607 15,470 $112,106 $147,985
95065 7,997 2,898 $153,222 $204,686
95066 15,135 6,195 $151,250 $205,724
95073 11,639 4,516 $118,169 $161,315
95003 24,951 9,905 $148,412 $193,251
95010 8,707 4,242 $105,236 $148,269
95018 6,594 2,799 $129,464 $170,901
95041 623 309 $96,898 $130,495

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FAQs about Santa Cruz demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a total population of 84,642 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Cruz?

The gender ratio in Santa Cruz is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (41,636 residents)
  • 50.8% females (43,006 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Cruz?

The median age in Santa Cruz is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Cruz?

The age distribution in Santa Cruz is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.5% (11,439 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (10,407 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.5% (19,871 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (23,275 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.2% (19,650 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Cruz?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Cruz is as follows:
  • White: 74.5% (63,077 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (550 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (341 residents)
  • Asian: 4.3% (3,611 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (124 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.3% (10,393 residents)
  • Other: 7.7% (6,546 residents)

What percentage of the population in Santa Cruz are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.8% of the population in Santa Cruz.

How many housing units are there in Santa Cruz?

There are 39,118 housing units in Santa Cruz, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Santa Cruz and what is the average household size?

Santa Cruz has a total of 34,925 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a median household income of $123,816, representing a -4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Santa Cruz?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87% (38,432 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13% (5,715 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.7% (6,928 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.8% (25,494 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (7,491 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (4,234 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025