Santa Cruz County

Agriculture is concentrated in the coastal lowlands of the county's northern and southern ends.

Welcome to Santa Cruz County

General

Santa Cruz County is set snugly against the Pacific coastline and the neighboring counties of San Mateo County, Santa Clara County and Monterey County. It has a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean, as well as of the northern portion of the Monterey Bay with a backdrop of redwood encrusted mountains that soak up the sea fog. The County of Santa Cruz has a population of roughly 271,000.
 
The county is situated on a wide coastline with over 29 miles (47 km) of beaches. It is a strip about 10 miles (16 km) wide between the coast and the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains at the northern end of the Monterey Bay. It can be divided roughly into four regions: the rugged "north coast"; the urban City of Santa Cruz, Soquel, Capitola, and Aptos; mountainous Bonny Doon, San Lorenzo River Valley; and the fertile "south county", including Watsonville and Corralitos. Agriculture is concentrated in the coastal lowlands of the county's northern and southern ends. Most of the north coastal land comprises relatively flat terraces that end at steep cliffs
 

Business and the Economy

In the 19th century, Santa Cruz's economy was based on milling lumber, making lime cement from limestone, and tanning leather. By the mid 19th century, Santa Cruz was the second largest manufacturing area in the state. As natural resources depleted, tourism became the more important economic sector in the area.
 
In the 21st century, the leading industry segments in this County have a different balance to that of neighboring San Mateo County and Santa Clara County. They are focused on Technology, Tourism, Sports, Artisanal, Marine Sciences, Agriculture, Genomics, Creative and Retail.
 

Living and Visiting

Despite containing only 4 cities, with populations varying from 10,000 to 60,000, the County of Santa Cruz has plenty of communities to choose from: there are a further 4 unincorporated communities and 26 census-designated places.

Overview for Santa Cruz County, CA

62,714 people live in Santa Cruz County, where the median age is 29 and the average individual income is $46,720. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

62,714

Total Population

29 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$46,720

Average individual Income

Around Santa Cruz County, CA

There's plenty to do around Santa Cruz County, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

84
Very Walkable
Walking Score
100
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score
46
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Paradise Dogs, Three Waves Coffee, and Golden Roots Kitchen.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Paradise Dogs Logo
Dining · $ 1.11 miles 23 reviews 5/5 stars
Three Waves Coffee Logo
Dining 3.99 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Golden Roots Kitchen Logo
Dining 2.82 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Castelli Fashions Logo
Shopping 3.89 miles 41 reviews 5/5 stars
The Body Shop Fitness Studio Logo
Active 4.42 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Redwood Coast Tours Logo
Active 0.57 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Cruz County, CA

Population Households Employment

Santa Cruz County has 22,067 households, with an average household size of 2.37. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Cruz County do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 62,714 people call Santa Cruz County home. The population density is 4,922.59 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

62,714

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

29

Median Age

49.07 / 50.93%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
22,067

Total Households

2.37

Average Household Size

$46,720

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Santa Cruz County, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Santa Cruz County. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS

For Sale
MLS® 81954794

$10,850,000

164 Pleasant Valley Road , Aptos, CA 95003
4 Beds 6 Baths
For Sale
MLS® ML81968863

$9,800,000

618 Beach Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,192 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML81957240

$9,495,000

2950 Pleasure Point Drive , Santa Cruz, CA 95062
4 Beds 4 Baths
For Sale
MLS® ML81911744

$8,000,000

5515 Coast Road , Santa Cruz, CA 95060
2 Beds 3 Baths 1,621 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML81952731

$7,250,000

220 Falcon Hill , Santa Cruz, CA 95065
5 Beds 5 Baths 5,036 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® ML81973873

$3,999,000

4930 Cliff Drive, Capitola, CA 95010
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,288 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® ML81966486

$3,650,000

296 Allan Lane, Corralitos, CA 95076
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,815 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML81973401

$2,295,000

21130 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
3 Beds 3 Baths 1,850 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML81977733

$1,749,000

15377 Stetson Road , Los Gatos, CA 95033
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,800 Sq.Ft.

COMMERCIAL LISTINGS

For Sale
MLS® 324048734

$800,000

120 Gharkey St #4, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
5 Beds 5 Baths 3,849 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 324048733

$800,000

120 Gharkey St #3, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
5 Beds 5 Baths 3,849 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 324048610

$800,000

120 Gharkey St #1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
5 Beds 5 Baths 3,849 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 324043779

$799,000

120 Gharkey St #2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
5 Beds 5 Baths 3,849 Sq.Ft.

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