A snapshot of housing in Santa Cruz County:
  • 38% of mortgaged owners spend roughly a third or more of household income on housing.
  • Almost 60% of renters spend 30% or more of their household income on rent.
  • Renters need to earn 2.6 times minimum wage to afford the average asking rent in Santa Cruz County (CHP 2021)
Variations in the County:
  • About 60% of renters in South County spend more than a third of their income on rent compared to only about 50% of renters in Mid-County.
Focus On

Housing

Explore the data to learn more about different regions of Santa Cruz County are more impacted by expensive housing.
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Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 25.6% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 21.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 24.1%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 25.6% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 21.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 24.1%.
Severe Housing Problems
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 52.7% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 53.1% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 55.8%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 52.7% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 53.1% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 55.8%.
Renters Spending 30% or More of Household Income on Rent
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 37.6% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 36.2% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 39.1%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 37.6% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 36.2% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 39.1%.
Mortgaged Owners Spending 30% or More of Household Income on Housing
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 6.8% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 5.4% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 7.7%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 6.8% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 5.4% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 7.7%.
Overcrowded Households

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to CA Counties)

Focus On

Homelessness

Explore the data to learn more about homelessness in Santa Cruz County.
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Over time, the Santa Cruz value is staying the same. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is staying the same.
Sheltered Homeless
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
Total Homeless Population
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
Unsheltered Homeless
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
Utilization of Housing Choice Vouchers

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to Trend over Time)

Local Housing Reports 
Housing Santa Cruz County Annual Report

Housing Santa Cruz County Annual Report
This report gives an overview of the status of housing in Santa Cruz County and the progress of initiatives to increase access to housing.
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Homeless Census and Survey

Homeless Census and Survey
The Point-in-Time Count is currently the only source of nationwide data on both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. 
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No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home is a community-initiated, student-engaged research project on the affordable housing crisis in Santa Cruz County.
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Housing Market Snapshot

Housing Market Snapshot

This annual housing market snapshot from the Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors shows housing market trends. 
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Community Strategies to Address Housing
Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz

Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz
This report, developed by the County Human Services Department, provides a strategic framework for addressing homelessness in Santa Cruz County. 
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CORE: Stable, Affordable, Housing & Shelter

CORE: Stable, Affordable, Housing & Shelter
The community indicators on the CORE page provide an overview of how Santa Cruz County residents are doing in key areas of this community impact.
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Affordable Housing Needs Report (2021) - California Housing Partnership

Affordable Housing Needs Report (2021) - California Housing Partnership

Affordable housing Needs Report for Santa Cruz County 2021 shares key findings and statewide policy recommendations. Produced by the California Housing Partnership. 
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Creating a Tipping Point for Ending Homelessness in the United States

Creating a Tipping Point for Ending Homelessness in the United States
This impact and learning report proposes community solutions for ending homelessness.
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Housing Data by Region
Learn more about housing costs and accessibility in different parts of Santa Cruz County by exploring the data below.
An overview of what the data shows: 
  • More seniors are living alone in North County, compared to Mid-County, South County, and the San Lorenzo Valley
  • Homeowners in Mid-County and the San Lorenzo Valley have expenses higher than North-County, South-County, or the California state average
  • Homeownership rates are lowest in South County
  • Almost 60% of South County renters spend roughly a third or more of their income in rent
 
Santa Cruz