Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Cruz, CA
Considering a move to Santa Cruz, CA? This vibrant coastal city is home to 62,956 residents and is renowned for its beautiful weather—enjoying 70% sunny days and mild temperatures year-round. While the cost of living is high, with median home prices around $1.1M and average rents of $2,600, Santa Cruz offers quick commutes (22.5 minutes on average), outstanding educational opportunities, and easy access to the beach and nature. Crime rates are higher than average, but the city’s lively culture, university presence, and scenic charm make it a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Santa Cruz, CA
Demographics - Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz is a diverse and youthful city with a population of nearly 63,000 and a median age of 29.5, reflecting its vibrant university presence. The community is predominantly White (61.1%), with significant Hispanic or Latino (21.8%) and Asian (6.2%) populations, and over 23% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city’s balanced gender ratio and high population density contribute to its dynamic, urban atmosphere.
Population:
62,956
Density:
4,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.1%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
9.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Cruz, CA?
Living in Santa Cruz comes at a premium, with a median home value of $1.1 million and average rents around $2,600, making housing the largest expense in a city where the cost of living index is 178.5. Residents face high costs in groceries, transportation, and utilities, and California’s state income tax ranges from 1% to 13.3%. While daily expenses are above the national average, many find the city’s coastal lifestyle and amenities worth the investment.
Median House Value:
$1,100,000
Gross Rent:
$2,600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
178.5
Grocery:
125.4
Housing:
294.8
Utilities:
112.2
Transportation:
134.3
Health Care:
117.5
Miscellaneous:
109.7
Crime
Is Santa Cruz, CA a safe place to live?
Santa Cruz experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with about 332 violent crimes and 2,957 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 301, and property crime is 1 in 34. While safety is a concern in some neighborhoods, many residents enjoy the city’s active lifestyle and close-knit community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
332
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,957
Crime Index:
3,289
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 301
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Cruz, CA year-round?
Santa Cruz boasts a mild coastal climate, with summer highs around 75°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 40°F. The city enjoys about 70% sunny days each year and receives an average of 31.4 inches of rainfall, mostly in the winter months. This pleasant weather encourages year-round outdoor activities and beach living.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are characterized by a mix of students, families, and professionals, with a median household income of $89,900 and a relatively high poverty rate of 20.2%. Over half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average commute is a manageable 22.5 minutes. The city is walkable and bike-friendly, though public transit usage remains low at 4.3%.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$89,900
Family Income:
$119,700
Per Capita Income:
$40,700
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$38,500
Poverty Rate:
20.2%
Non English Speakers:
23.4%
Rent:
$2,600
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
4.3%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
51.1%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz offers a range of educational opportunities, from well-rated public and private schools to the prominent University of California, Santa Cruz campus with over 19,000 students. The city is known for high educational attainment, with more than half of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Families benefit from diverse schooling options and access to higher education within city limits.
Public Schools
Name:
Santa Cruz High School
Street:
415 Walnut Ave
Phone:
831-429-3960
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Mission Hill Middle School
Street:
425 King St
Phone:
831-429-3860
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Private Schools
Name:
Santa Cruz Montessori School
Street:
6230 Soquel Dr
Phone:
831-476-1646
Students:
310
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
19,200
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
10,400
Healthcare
Santa Cruz residents have access to quality healthcare, supported by two major hospitals offering emergency services and a strong physician-to-population ratio of 3.1 per 1,000. Health insurance coverage is high at nearly 94%, and the city’s healthcare index reflects a strong local system. Both general and specialized medical services are readily available within the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dominican Hospital
Address:
1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone:
(831) 462-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Cruz, CA?
The Santa Cruz housing market is highly competitive, with a median home price of $1.1 million and a low rental vacancy rate of 2.8%. Home values have appreciated by 7.1% over the past year, and fewer than half of residents own their homes. Strong demand and limited new construction keep prices high, making rental properties especially sought after.
Median Home Price:
$1,100,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,600
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Santa Cruz residents are handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Capitola Road in nearby Capitola. The DMV provides comprehensive services for new residents, drivers, and vehicle owners. More information and appointment scheduling are available on the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4200 Capitola Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.