Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scotts Valley, CA
Thinking of moving to Scotts Valley, CA? With a population of around 12,200 and a median home price of $1.13 million, Scotts Valley offers a safe, close-knit community with excellent schools and high educational attainment. Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate with 67% sunny days, low violent crime rates, and a quick commute to Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley. Strong household incomes and easy access to nature make Scotts Valley an appealing choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Scotts Valley, CA
Demographics - Scotts Valley, CA
Scotts Valley is home to about 12,200 residents, with a median age of 43.7 that reflects its appeal to families and established professionals. The city boasts a predominantly White population, with Hispanic or Latino and Asian communities adding to its diversity, and about 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a friendly, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
12,200
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
77.2%
Asian:
6.7%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Scotts Valley, CA?
Living in Scotts Valley comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value of $1,130,000 and average rent around $2,700 per month. The city’s cost of living index is well above the national average, mainly due to housing and transportation expenses, while utilities and groceries are also higher than average. State income taxes vary widely, which can affect overall affordability for residents.
Median House Value:
$1,130,000
Gross Rent:
$2,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
170.5
Grocery:
120.0
Housing:
245.0
Utilities:
110.5
Transportation:
137.0
Health Care:
117.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Scotts Valley, CA a safe place to live?
Scotts Valley enjoys very low violent crime rates, with only 70 incidents per 100,000 people, making it one of the safer communities in the area. Property crime is more common but still moderate, giving residents peace of mind. Overall, the city offers a secure environment for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Crime Index:
1,160
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,420
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Scotts Valley, CA year-round?
Scotts Valley offers a mild coastal climate, with summer highs around 80°F and winter lows seldom dropping below 39°F. Residents enjoy 67% sunny days each year and average annual rainfall of 49 inches, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. The area’s comfortable temperatures and abundant sunshine make for enjoyable living year-round.
Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
The community in Scotts Valley is affluent and well-educated, boasting a median household income of $136,000 and a poverty rate of just 4.5%. Nearly all adults have at least a high school diploma, and over half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Low unemployment and short commutes add to the city’s appeal for professionals and families.
Median Income:
$60,800
Household Income:
$136,000
Family Income:
$155,000
Per Capita Income:
$60,700
Income Male:
$74,000
Income Female:
$63,000
Poverty Rate:
4.5%
Non English Speakers:
14.0%
Rent:
$2,700
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
28.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.4%
Bachelors or More:
56.5%
Education
How are the schools in Scotts Valley, CA?
Scotts Valley offers excellent educational opportunities, with highly rated public schools such as Scotts Valley High and Vine Hill Elementary, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Private schooling and proximity to the University of California, Santa Cruz—just eight miles away—provide a full range of academic options. The city’s strong educational attainment further enhances its family-friendly reputation.
Public Schools
Name:
Scotts Valley High School
Street:
555 Glenwood Dr
Phone:
831-439-9555
Students:
840
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Vine Hill Elementary
Street:
151 Vine Hill School Rd
Phone:
831-438-1090
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.1
Private Schools
Name:
Baymonte Christian School
Street:
5000 Granite Creek Rd
Phone:
831-438-0100
Students:
370
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
19,500
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Santa Cruz and Watsonville, both offering emergency services and comprehensive care. With nearly 95% health insurance coverage and a high ratio of physicians per capita, Scotts Valley ensures quality healthcare for its community. The city’s healthcare index reflects strong access and reliable medical resources.
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:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Scotts Valley, CA?
Scotts Valley’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,130,000 and owner occupancy at over 74%. Rental options are available, with average rents for two-bedroom homes at $2,700 and low vacancy rates. Moderate home appreciation and minimal foreclosures make it a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$1,130,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Scotts Valley residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office located in nearby Capitola. The DMV provides comprehensive vehicle registration, licensing, and driver services both in person and online. Access to the DMV is convenient for local drivers and new residents alike.
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.