Santa Cruz County, California

Income Data

+26% vs. California average
$109,266
Median Household Income
$55,717
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$109,266
+26% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$55,717
+41% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
10.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#10 / 58
by median household income

How Santa Cruz County Compares

Santa Cruz County$109,266
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$109,266
Median Household Income
$55,717
Per Capita Income
$1,015,200
Median Home Value
10.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Santa Cruz County, California

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Santa Cruz County, California?
The median household income in Santa Cruz County, California is $109,266, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Santa Cruz County?
The per capita income in Santa Cruz County is $55,717, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $109,266.
How does Santa Cruz County compare to the California average?
Santa Cruz County's median household income of $109,266 is higher than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $55,717, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Santa Cruz County, California?
The per capita income in Santa Cruz County, California is $55,717, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Santa Cruz County income higher than the California average?
Santa Cruz County's median household income of $109,266 is higher than the California average of $87,001. This difference of $22,265 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Santa Cruz County rank for income in California?
Santa Cruz County ranks #10 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $109,266 and per capita income of $55,717, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Santa Cruz County

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County median: $109,266 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+26%

vs. National Median

+46%

vs. Santa Cruz County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average26% above
vs. National Median46% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($9,106) vs. median rent ($2,172/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.