Santa Cruz County

CA · Pop. 45,084 · Mixed County

6Homestead Score

Santa Cruz County is a mixed county in CA with a population of approximately 45,084.

$/Acre: $13,021

Property Tax: 0.73%

Growing Season: 261 days

Broadband: 32%

Safety: 5/10

Density: 102.7/sq mi

Pros

No building codes, Long growing season

Cons

Expensive land, Limited internet, Higher crime rate

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.73%

Local Sales Tax0.56%

Combined Sales Tax7.81%

Cost of Living Index118.9

Median Household Income$86,430

Poverty Rate23.8%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$13,021

Median Home Price$713K

Acres for Sale3858

Building CodeNone

Permit Required

Zoning TypeMinimal Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size2.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7

Growing Season261 days

Annual Rainfall74.8 inches

Avg Summer High78°F

Avg Winter Low43°F

Soil TypeClay

Soil Quality8/10

Elevation3,607 ft

Top CropsCotton

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought6/10

Wildfire9/10

Tornado1/10

Flood3/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceMunicipal

Well Depth (avg)119 ft

Water AvailabilityAbundant

Solar (Avg PSH)5.7

Wind Potential5/10

Electric Rate$0.17/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceRare

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceRestricted

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessNo

Safety

Violent Crime /100K528

Property Crime /100K693

Overall Safety5/10

Sheriff Response22 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital44.7 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities2

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage32%

Cell CoveragePoor

Starlink Available

Nearest Town9 miles

Nearest City63 miles

School District8/10

Farmers Markets1

Public Land Nearby59%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate6.6%

Ag EconomyWeak