Santa Cruz, California

California community balancing growth and livability

Pacific Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Metro

WhereAtHome Score

60.5

D-

out of 100

Overview

Santa Cruz is a California city with a population of approximately 61,501, part of the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $1,360,355. Median household income is $105,491.

Key Highlights

  • Population of approximately 61,501 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $1,360,355 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $105,491 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 22.2 minutes
  • Part of the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metro area

Key Metrics

Population 2023

61,501

Source: Census ACS

$1,360,355

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$105,491

Source: Census ACS

22.2 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2026

63

Source: Walk Score

205 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: AreaVibes / BLS

2024 Presidential Election

Santa Cruz County (county-level results)

75%
21%
Democrat 100,998
Republican 27,978
Leans D+54.4

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 15.1/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 21.4/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 66.2/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 20/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 63/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 34.1/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 60.5

Location

Santa Cruz, CA (36.9829, -122.0436)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.