Santa Cruz County, California

    2023 ACS Census Data · Population 266,021

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    Santa Cruz County is a large county in California with a population of 266,021. The median household income is $109,266, 68% above the national average. The poverty rate is 11.2%, median home value is $1,015,200, and 43.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Its college education attainment is 81% above the national average.

    Economy
    Housing Cost
    Education
    Employment
    Health Access
    Broadband

    Population

    266,021

    2023 estimate

    Rank #269 of 3,222 counties

    Median Income?The midpoint of all household incomes — half of households earn more, half earn less.Learn more →

    $109,266

    Household

    Rank #84 of 3,222 counties

    Median Home Value?Estimated market value of owner-occupied homes at the 50th percentile.

    $1,015,200

    Owner-occupied

    Rank #11 of 3,222 counties

    Bachelor's Degree+?Percent of adults 25 and older who hold at least a bachelor's degree.Learn more →

    43.6%

    Adults 25+

    Rank #181 of 3,222 counties

    Location

    Demographics

    Population breakdown by race, ethnicity, and age

    Age Distribution

    Race & Ethnicity

    Female Population?Percent of the total population identifying as female.

    50.1%

    Foreign-Born?Percent of residents born outside the United States.

    17.7%

    Speak Non-English at Home?Percent of households where a language other than English is spoken at home.

    32.6%

    Veterans?Percent of civilian population 18 and over who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

    3.2%

    Economy

    Income, poverty, and employment data from the American Community Survey

    Benchmarks vs State & National

    Median Household Income

    US
    $65,047
    California
    $87,001
    Santa Cruz County
    $109,266

    26% above California avg·68% above national avg

    Poverty Rate

    US
    15.0%
    California
    12.8%
    Santa Cruz County
    11.2%

    13% above California avg·25% above national avg

    Labor Force Participation

    US
    57.6%
    California
    58.3%
    Santa Cruz County
    63.4%

    9% above California avg·10% above national avg

    Economic Indicators

    Per Capita Income?Total income divided by total population — the average income per person, regardless of household size.Learn more →

    $55,717

    Poverty Rate?Percent of residents living below the federal poverty line, which varies by household size.Learn more →

    11.2%

    Labor Force Participation?Percent of civilians 16+ who are employed or actively looking for work.Learn more →

    63.4%

    Housing

    Home values, ownership rates, and rental costs

    Benchmarks vs State & National

    Median Home Value

    US
    $209,224
    California
    $569,022
    Santa Cruz County
    $1,015,200

    78% above California avg·385% above national avg

    Median Monthly Rent

    US
    $928
    California
    $1,618
    Santa Cruz County
    $2,172

    34% above California avg·134% above national avg

    Home Ownership Rate

    US
    73.0%
    California
    63.9%
    Santa Cruz County
    60.0%

    6% below California avg·18% below national avg

    Housing Cost Burden

    US
    23.6%
    California
    36.0%
    Santa Cruz County
    37.8%

    5% below California avg·60% below national avg

    Housing Units

    106,635

    Households

    96,873

    Ownership & Cost Burden

    Persons per Household?Average number of people living in each occupied housing unit.

    2.6

    Median Owner Costs (w/ Mortgage)?Typical monthly costs for homeowners with a mortgage, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.Learn more →

    $3,431

    Broadband Subscription?Percent of households with a broadband internet subscription.Learn more →

    93.5%

    Mean Commute Time?Average one-way travel time to work, in minutes, for workers 16 and older.Learn more →

    27 min

    Education

    Educational attainment among adults

    Benchmarks vs State & National

    Bachelor's Degree Rate

    US
    24.1%
    California
    29.9%
    Santa Cruz County
    43.6%

    46% above California avg·81% above national avg

    High School Graduation Rate

    US
    88.5%
    California
    86.1%
    Santa Cruz County
    88.5%

    3% above California avg·0% below national avg

    Attainment

    Health & Access

    With Disability (under 65)?Percent of residents under 65 with a cognitive, physical, or sensory disability.Learn more →

    7.4%

    Without Health Insurance (under 65)?Percent of residents under 65 who lack any form of health insurance coverage.Learn more →

    6.3%

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