countyscore
41.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.4Health 82.5Weather & Climate 78.8

County Report Card

About Santa Cruz County, California

Santa Cruz slightly outpaces the national middle

With a composite score of 41.6, Santa Cruz falls just below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 40th percentile. The county blends coastal charm with Bay Area proximity, but housing costs remain prohibitive.

Just above California's state average

Santa Cruz's 41.6 score edges out California's state average of 40.9, reflecting modest outperformance across several dimensions. The county ranks mid-tier among state peers.

Strong incomes and health in a coastal setting

Santa Cruz scores 97.4 for income with a median household income of $109,266, and 82.5 for health, reflecting a prosperous and well-informed population. Tax burden scores of 71.8 provide favorable relief relative to other coastal counties.

Housing costs and schools need attention

The county's cost score of 0.8 masks median home values of $1.015 million and rents of $2,172/month—steep for most California households. School scores of 43.9 and water/flood risks of 2.2 round out the concerns.

For affluent professionals seeking coastal living

Santa Cruz attracts well-to-do professionals and remote workers seeking beach access, natural beauty, and strong health services without commuting to the Bay. Those unable or unwilling to spend $1 million+ on housing should look inland.

Score breakdown

Tax71.8Cost0.8Safety14.5Health82.5Schools43.9Income97.4Risk2.2Water50.6Weather78.8
🏛71.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤78.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Santa Clara County
California
42.2
San Mateo County
California
47.6
Alameda County
California
40.6
San Benito County
California
43.3
Monterey County
California
39
San Francisco County
California
43.6
Stanislaus County
California
35.6
Contra Costa County
California
40.1

Deep Dives

Santa Cruz County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Santa Cruz County

via TaxByCounty

Santa Cruz taxes more than double U.S.

Santa Cruz County residents pay a median of $6,305 in property taxes—more than double the national median of $2,690. With an effective rate of 0.621%, the county ranks below California's state average of 0.714%, landing in roughly the top 30% nationally.

Below average rate, above average taxes

Santa Cruz County's 0.621% effective rate is notably below California's 0.714% state average, placing it in the lower half of counties. Yet residents still pay $6,305 median annually—$2,260 more than the state average of $4,045—due to higher home values.

More affordable than the Bay Area

Santa Cruz homeowners pay $6,305 annually on a median home worth $1.01 million—substantially less than San Mateo ($9,167) or Santa Clara ($9,766) counties to the north. The county's lower effective rate of 0.621% also beats both neighbors.

A $1.01M home costs $6,305 yearly

The typical Santa Cruz homeowner pays $6,305 in annual property taxes on a median home valued at $1.01 million. Adding mortgage-related assessments brings the total closer to $7,178 for most residents.

Appeals could recover hundreds annually

Many Santa Cruz County homeowners carry outdated or inflated assessed values on their property records. Filing a property tax appeal costs nothing and could reduce your annual taxes, especially if your home's market value has shifted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Santa Cruz County

via CostByCounty

Coastal living, middling affordability

Santa Cruz renters spend 23.9% of their income on housing—1.5 points above California's average and somewhat above national norms. With median income at $109,266, residents earn 46% more than the national median, offsetting high coastal costs.

Moderate burden among California counties

Santa Cruz sits in California's middle range for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 23.9% and median home values of $1.02 million. The county avoids the extremes of Bay Area coastal counties while remaining pricier than inland alternatives.

Gateway to the Santa Cruz mountains

Santa Cruz renters pay $2,172 monthly—significantly less than San Mateo ($2,893) or Santa Clara ($2,814)—while homes cost $360,600-$497,600 less than neighboring counties. This makes it an attractive alternative for those seeking coastal California at lower cost.

Santa Cruz household budgets

A household earning $109,266 annually dedicates $2,172 to rent or $2,413 for ownership—roughly one-quarter of gross income. This leaves moderate room for savings and other living expenses compared to higher-cost neighbors.

Santa Cruz: coastal living at discount rates

If you're priced out of San Mateo or Santa Clara but want California coast access, Santa Cruz offers 20-25% lower rents and $360K-$500K cheaper homes. The tradeoff: a 90-minute commute to major tech hubs, though remote work makes this increasingly viable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Santa Cruz County

via IncomeByCounty

Santa Cruz exceeds U.S. norms substantially

Santa Cruz County's median household income of $109,266 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 46%, positioning it well above most American counties. Per capita income of $55,717 nearly beats the national median household income itself. This coastal county enjoys strong income fundamentals across its workforce.

Strong upper-middle rank statewide

Santa Cruz's $109,266 income runs 26% above California's state average of $87,001, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier of the state's 58 counties. Per capita income of $55,717 exceeds California's average of $43,669 by 28%. The county attracts educated professionals drawn to its coastal lifestyle.

Outearns inland but trails Bay titans

Santa Cruz ($109,266) significantly outearns Shasta County ($71,931) and most rural California counties, but trails Bay Area powerhouses San Mateo ($156,000) and Santa Clara ($159,674). Solano County ($99,994) edges slightly below Santa Cruz. The geographic proximity to Silicon Valley influences but doesn't match these inland communities' income levels.

Housing costs squeeze earnings gains

Santa Cruz residents allocate 23.9% of their $109,266 income to rent, with median home values of $1,015,200 consuming substantial household wealth. While the rent-to-income ratio stays below the affordability danger zone, the absolute costs remain steep. Strong income here translates into manageable housing situations but limits other wealth-building opportunities.

Build on coastal income advantage

With $109,266 household income, Santa Cruz earners can comfortably fund retirement accounts and investment portfolios after housing costs. Consider regional diversification strategies, such as investment property in more affordable neighboring counties, to amplify wealth growth. The county's income strength provides a solid foundation for accelerated financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Santa Cruz County

via CrimeByCounty

Coastal Life with Moderate Risks

Santa Cruz County reports 2,425.8 crimes per 100K, slightly exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. Even with this higher rate, the county maintains a solid safety score of 96.2.

Near the State Safety Average

The county sits just 0.1 points below the California state safety average of 96.3. Its public safety profile is typical for a coastal community with a heavy tourism and student population.

Comparing Coastal Neighbors

Santa Cruz shares a similar safety profile with San Mateo, though its violent crime rate is slightly higher. It serves as a generally safer alternative to the more densely packed regions of the inner Bay Area.

Violent vs Property Crime Breakdown

The violent crime rate of 448.7 per 100K is higher than the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate of 1,977.1 remains slightly below the national property crime figure.

Securing Your Home Perimeter

Focusing on perimeter security is essential since property crimes are the most frequent offense. Outdoor lighting and secure fencing can effectively deter opportunistic theft in residential areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Santa Cruz County

via HealthByCounty

Santa Cruz defies mortality trends

Santa Cruz residents live to 81.8 years, beating the U.S. average of 78.3 years by 3.5 years. Yet 16.6% report poor or fair health, slightly below the national 18% rate, indicating mixed wellness signals.

Above state average on life span

At 81.8 years, Santa Cruz's life expectancy surpasses California's 78.5 average by 3.3 years. The county's 6.5% uninsured rate falls slightly below the state average of 7.2%, suggesting reasonable coverage access.

Middle of the Bay Area pack

Santa Cruz's 81.8-year life expectancy trails San Mateo (84.1) and Santa Clara (83.8) but exceeds Santa Barbara (80.6). At 16.6% poor/fair health and 6.5% uninsured, the county ranks mid-range on regional health metrics.

Outstanding mental health access

Santa Cruz boasts 977 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest concentration of any county in this analysis—reflecting strong behavioral health infrastructure. With 6.5% uninsured and 102 primary care providers per 100K, physical healthcare access remains solid.

Protect your health plan

Santa Cruz's strong provider network is most valuable when residents hold active coverage. Visit coveredca.com to verify your plan is current, update information after job or life changes, and reconnect if coverage has lapsed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Santa Cruz County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-Focused Learning on the Coast

Santa Cruz County provides 83 public schools for 37,059 students across 19 districts. The system is balanced between 41 elementary schools and 20 high schools, ensuring coverage from the coast to the redwoods. Charter schools play a major role in the local landscape, accounting for 16.9% of all public institutions.

Competitive Graduation on a Lean Budget

The county maintains a graduation rate of 85.7%, which sits just below the state and national averages. Education is delivered efficiently, with per-pupil spending at $7,901, significantly lower than the $8,762 state average. Despite these budget constraints, the county's school score remains nearly on par with broader California benchmarks.

Pajaro Valley Unified Leads the County

Pajaro Valley Unified is the dominant district, managing 34 schools and over 17,000 students. In the charter sector, Ocean Grove Charter serves a massive population of 3,023 students across the region. Watsonville High stands out as the largest traditional campus, providing a home to 2,244 students.

From Coastal Cities to Rural Redwoods

The county offers a diverse geographic mix, with 37 schools in cities and 15 in rural areas. While the average school size is 469 students, the experience varies from the bustling halls of Watsonville High to smaller, specialized rural campuses. This variety allows families to choose between large urban high schools and intimate charter environments.

Live and Learn in Santa Cruz

Families seeking a blend of coastal lifestyle and strong community schools should explore the Pajaro Valley and Santa Cruz City districts. With charter schools representing a significant portion of the options, there are many unique paths to graduation here. Homebuyers often find that proximity to top-performing high schools like Aptos or Santa Cruz High adds significant value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Santa Cruz County

via RiskByCounty

Santa Cruz ranks among nation's riskiest

Santa Cruz County's 97.81 composite risk score places it well above the national average with a 'Relatively High' rating. The county faces serious multi-hazard exposure driven by coastal position, seismic activity, and significant wildfire potential.

High-risk but slightly lower than neighbors

Santa Cruz's 97.81 score exceeds California's 88.72 average, though it ranks lower than neighboring San Mateo (99.24) and Santa Clara (99.75). The county still represents significant disaster vulnerability within a particularly hazard-prone region.

Slightly safer than nearby Bay Area peers

Santa Cruz (97.81) faces lower risk than Santa Clara (99.75) and San Mateo (99.24), but comparable threat levels to Monterey County. All three counties share substantial earthquake and wildfire exposure as part of the seismic California coast.

Earthquakes and wildfires threaten most

Santa Cruz's earthquake risk reaches 99.27 while wildfire risk scores 97.33, affecting both coastal and mountain communities. Flood risk (96.18) rounds out the top three hazards, particularly threatening creek-adjacent properties and low-lying neighborhoods.

Earthquake and wildfire insurance essential

Santa Cruz residents should prioritize earthquake and wildfire insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude both hazards. Flood insurance is also important, particularly for properties near the Pacific Ocean, creeks, or historically flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Santa Cruz County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Coastal Warmth Year-Round

Santa Cruz maintains an average temperature of 58.5°F, staying above the national median. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean prevents the extreme temperature swings found inland.

Reflecting the Heart of California Weather

The county's 58.5°F average almost perfectly mirrors the California state average of 58.7°F. It occupies a middle-of-the-road position in the state's temperature rankings.

One of the Wettest Local Counties

Santa Cruz receives 31.3 inches of rain, far exceeding the California average of 25.8 inches. It is significantly wetter than its neighbor Santa Clara, which receives 10 inches less rain annually.

Cool Coastal Summers and Stable Winters

Summer averages stay cool at 64.5°F, and the county sees zero annual snowfall. Residents enjoy 18 days of extreme heat, while winter temperatures stay stable at 51.4°F.

Focus on Moisture and Rain Preparation

Given the high 31.3-inch rainfall, maintaining gutters and ensuring proper home drainage is essential. Lightweight jackets are the most practical year-round clothing choice for this steady climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Santa Cruz County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Acidic Soils on the Coast

Santa Cruz County boasts a high soil score of 65.0, reflecting its exceptional agricultural value. Its average pH of 6.09 is noticeably more acidic than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.34. This profile creates a specific environment where acid-loving plants can truly thrive.

Balanced Texture with a Sandy Edge

The soil is nearly half sand at 49.9%, balanced by 29.7% silt and 18.2% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent workability, though the clay provides enough structure for nutrient retention. It is a versatile mix that suits a variety of deep-rooted crops and ornamental plants.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

With a staggering 8.74% organic matter, Santa Cruz far exceeds the state average of 3.30% and the national average of 2.0%. Its available water capacity of 0.159 inches per inch is also higher than the state average of 0.141. These numbers indicate a highly fertile soil that holds moisture and nutrients efficiently.

Handling Slow Infiltration Rates

The county is categorized under Hydrologic Group D, which typically indicates high runoff potential and very slow infiltration. This means that while the soil is fertile, water moves through it slowly once it is saturated. Gardeners should plan for proper runoff management to prevent waterlogging during the rainy season.

Blueberries and Berries Thrive in 9b

The combination of 9b hardiness and acidic, organic-rich soil makes Santa Cruz perfect for blueberries, strawberries, and redwoods. These conditions provide a rare opportunity to grow specialty crops that struggle in more alkaline regions. Start your garden today to experience the productivity of some of California's best soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Santa Cruz County

via LawnByCounty

California's easiest lawn conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 76.8, Santa Cruz County is one of the easiest places in the nation to grow a lawn. The Zone 9b climate and ample moisture create a near-perfect environment for turf. You are far ahead of the national median score of 50.0 and the state average of 51.3.

Abundant rain and gentle temps

Your 31.3 inches of annual precipitation falls right into the ideal range for healthy grass, reducing your reliance on sprinklers. You only deal with 18 extreme heat days per year, protecting your lawn from the stress of high-temperature browning. The 3,252 growing degree days provide enough warmth for steady growth without overwhelming maintenance needs.

Sandy soil needs careful feeding

The soil here is nearly 50% sand with an 18.2% clay content, leading to excellent drainage but fast nutrient leaching. With a pH of 6.09, your soil is in the 'sweet spot' for grass health, though the sandy texture means you should fertilize in smaller, more frequent doses. The high 31.3 inches of rain moves through this soil quickly, so keep an eye on moisture levels.

Zero drought days this year

Santa Cruz has seen 0 weeks of drought over the last year, a rare feat for a California county. This lack of water stress allows your lawn to develop a thick, healthy canopy that naturally resists weeds. To maintain this resilience, continue to water deeply twice a week rather than daily light sprinkling.

A long and productive season

Cool-season grasses like Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue thrive in the coastal air and 9b hardiness zone. Your growing season starts exceptionally early, as the last spring frost typically occurs on January 31. Seeding in the early fall or late winter takes full advantage of the 31.3 inches of natural rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Santa Cruz County's county score?
Santa Cruz County, California has a composite county score of 41.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Santa Cruz County rank among counties in California?
Santa Cruz County ranks #28 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Santa Cruz County, California?
The median annual property tax in Santa Cruz County is $6,305, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Santa Cruz County a tax score of 71.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Santa Cruz County?
The median household income in Santa Cruz County, California is $109,266 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Santa Cruz County earns an income score of 97.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Santa Cruz County, California a good place to live?
Santa Cruz County scores 41.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in California. The best way to evaluate Santa Cruz County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Santa Cruz County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.