Santa Cruz

A laid-back coastal city where natural beauty, creativity, and an active lifestyle define everyday living

Overview for Santa Cruz, CA

99,985 people live in Santa Cruz, where the median age is 37.6 and the average individual income is $57,294.881. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

99,985

Total Population

37.6 years

Median Age

High

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

$57,294.881

Average individual Income

Welcome to Santa Cruz

Set along the northern edge of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches, redwood forests, and unmistakable free-spirited energy. It’s a place where surf culture, outdoor adventure, and creative expression blend seamlessly with a strong sense of community. From iconic ocean views to walkable neighborhoods and historic charm, Santa Cruz offers a lifestyle that feels both relaxed and deeply connected to nature.

Despite its beach-town vibe, Santa Cruz remains highly livable year-round. With access to higher education, healthcare, and a growing professional community, residents enjoy a balance of coastal calm and everyday practicality—making Santa Cruz far more than just a weekend destination.

What to Love

Miles of beaches, bluffs, and scenic coastline
A relaxed, outdoors-first lifestyle
Strong arts, music, and surf culture
Easy access to redwood forests and coastal trails
A distinct identity with deep community roots

Local Lifestyle

Life in Santa Cruz revolves around the outdoors and a strong sense of individuality. Mornings might begin with a surf session, a walk along West Cliff Drive, or coffee downtown before heading to work. The city attracts a mix of professionals, families, creatives, and long-time locals who value authenticity, wellness, and connection.

Weekends are often spent hiking in nearby redwood parks, biking along coastal paths, browsing farmers markets, or enjoying live music and local events. Santa Cruz embraces a slower pace that encourages presence and balance, while still offering the amenities of a full-service city.

Dining and Shopping

Santa Cruz’s dining scene is diverse, creative, and rooted in fresh, local ingredients. From casual beachfront cafés and food trucks to chef-driven restaurants and global cuisine, the city offers options for every taste and occasion. Downtown Santa Cruz serves as a hub for dining, nightlife, and independent businesses, while neighborhood centers add convenience and character.

Shopping reflects the city’s creative spirit, with local boutiques, surf shops, bookstores, and artisan markets taking center stage. The emphasis here is on small businesses and community-supported commerce rather than big-box retail.

Things to Do and Recreation

Outdoor recreation is a defining feature of Santa Cruz living. The city is famous for its beaches, surf breaks, and coastal paths, while nearby redwood parks provide world-class hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. West Cliff Drive offers one of the most scenic coastal walks in California, with sweeping ocean views and daily wildlife sightings.

Culturally, Santa Cruz delivers year-round. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk provides classic seaside fun, while museums, galleries, and music venues support a thriving arts scene. Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and community events bring residents together throughout the year, reinforcing Santa Cruz’s close-knit yet eclectic identity.

Schools

Santa Cruz is served by multiple school districts, including Santa Cruz City Schools and surrounding elementary districts, offering a range of public education options. Schools benefit from strong community involvement and proximity to cultural and environmental resources that enhance learning.

The city is also home to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), which adds academic, cultural, and economic depth to the area. In addition, families have access to private and alternative education options throughout Santa Cruz County.

Property Listings

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® ML82003250

Around Santa Cruz, CA

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

1

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

24

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Dash Hemp Santa Cruz, Patti Kiersted Training, and Oakstrong Martial Arts.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Dash Hemp Santa Cruz page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Shopping	4.59 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Patti Kiersted Training page on Yelp Search 7940 E Zayante Rd on Google Maps	Active	3.69 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Oakstrong Martial Arts page on Yelp Search 6191 Highway 9 on Google Maps	Active	2.01 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Kymm Ann Wallin page on Yelp Search Mother's Journey on Google Maps	Beauty	4.62 miles	12 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Curls With Pearls page on Yelp	Beauty	4.96 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Bonny Doon Farm English Lavender page on Yelp Search 600 Martin Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	3.28 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Alcinda Walters page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Beauty	4.61 miles	13 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sacred Mud Henna Blessings page on Yelp Search 1030 River St on Google Maps	Beauty	4.45 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Idlewild Tattoo Parlour page on Yelp Search 16 Camp Evers Ln on Google Maps	Beauty	3.94 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Thayse Cesar page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Beauty	4.59 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Cruz, CA

Population Households Employment

Santa Cruz has 37,205 households, with an average household size of 9.44. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Cruz do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 99,985 people call Santa Cruz home. The population density is 3,593.396 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

99,985

Total Population

High

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

37.59489723458519

Median Age

48.65 / 51.35%

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

37,205

Total Households

9.44

Average Household Size

$57,294.881

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, CA

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Santa Cruz. 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