Santa Cruz, CA—95065
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Santa Cruz, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Santa Cruz, CA is $1,313,000, with a year-over-year change of -2.5%. This indicates that home prices in Santa Cruz, CA are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.8%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $1,313,000 | -2.5% |
| Single Family | $1,331,000 | -2.0% |
| Condos | $787,000 | -3.3% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $974,000 | -0.9% |
3 Bed | $1,314,000 | -2.6% |
4 Bed | $1,585,000 | -2.3% |
| 5 Bed | $1,914,000 | 0.1% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Santa Cruz, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $4,290, with a year-over-year rent change of 5.1%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Santa Cruz, CA is 1-bedrooms: $2,710, 2-bedrooms: $3,750, 3-bedrooms: $5,300, 4-bedrooms: $6,500. The most common rental property sizes in Santa Cruz, CA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 33.7% and 27.8% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,750 | $4,290 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $2,710 | $2,710 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $3,750 | $3,750 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $5,300 | $5,300 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $6,500 | $6,500 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Santa Cruz, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Santa Cruz, CA is 78. This is a increase of 53.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 17.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $1,360,000 | -24.0% |
Listing Count | 12 | 57.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.2% | 57.0% |
Days on Market | 78 | 53.0% |
Demographics — Santa Cruz, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Santa Cruz, CA has a population of 8,030, which has decreased by -3.9% over the past 5 years. Santa Cruz, CA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 19.2% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 49.6% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 20.5% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 8,030 | -3.9% |
% Under 18 | 19.2% | -10.3% |
% Seniors | 21.4% | 9.2% |
% WFH | 20.5% | 113.5% |
% w/ College Degree | 49.6% | -1.4% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Santa Cruz, CA is a predominantly white area, with 68.4% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 0.6% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Santa Cruz, CA is hispanic, making up 21.3% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 10.4% of the population in Santa Cruz, CA, and this percentage has decreased by 11.9% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 68.4% | -0.6% |
% Black | 0.7% | -41.7% |
% Hispanic | 21.3% | -9.4% |
% Asian | 4.0% | 42.9% |
% Foreign Born | 10.4% | -11.9% |
Mortgage and Risk — Santa Cruz, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 77 mortgage originations in Santa Cruz, CA, of which 97.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 34.0%, with 0.0% above 90% LTV (normal). This implies small mortgage risk in Santa Cruz, CA. Investor activity is low, as 1.0% of loans were by investors. 13.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 77 |
% Conventional Loans | 97.0% |
% Government Loans | 3.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 3.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 13.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Santa Cruz, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Santa Cruz, CA under the Section 8 program is 26.7%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Santa Cruz, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 245 |
Total Units Section 8 | 245 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 26.7% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 91.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $960 | $2,710 | $3,670 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,060 | $3,750 | $4,810 |
| 3 Bedroom | $690 | $5,300 | $5,990 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$120 | $6,500 | $6,380 |
Affordability — Santa Cruz, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 9 |
| Median Home Price | $1,313,000 |
| Median Household Income | $143,000 |