Santa Cruz, CA Census Data
The 152nd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Santa Cruz is the 152nd largest city in California by population and ranks 56th of 188 for median household income. With 60,953 residents, its poverty rate of 17.6% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
60,953
49.4% male · 50.6% female
Median Age
30.7
8.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$111,427
$32,889 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
57.7%
22.7% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.1%
Poverty Rate
17.6%
5.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 3.7%
Broadband Access
97.4%
7.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$1,180,100
Median rent: $2,302 · 48% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
Labor force participation: 58.0%
Per Capita Income
$36,596
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.5%
Disability rate: 10.9%
How Santa Cruz Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 152nd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 56th of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 175th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 25th of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 24th of 188 | Top 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Santa Cruz, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Santa Cruz, CA?
The population of Santa Cruz, CA is 60,953 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 30.7 years.
What is the median household income in Santa Cruz?
The median household income in Santa Cruz, CA is $111,427, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,596.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Cruz?
The poverty rate in Santa Cruz, CA is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 3.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Santa Cruz residents have a college degree?
57.7% of adults (25+) in Santa Cruz hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Santa Cruz?
The median home value in Santa Cruz, CA is $1,180,100. Median rent is $2,302 per month, with 48% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz's population is 65.8% White, 1.9% Black, 22.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 9.9% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Santa Cruz rank among California cities?
Santa Cruz is the 152nd largest city in California by population, the 56th highest for median household income, the 175th lowest for poverty rate, the 25th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Cruz?
The unemployment rate in Santa Cruz, CA is 6.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 58.0%. Per capita income is $36,596.
Cities Similar to Santa Cruz
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.