Español

Este sitio también está en español. Leer en español

County in California

Santa Cruz County, California

Santa Cruz County is a county in California with 264,926 residents, No. 25 of 58 by population. In Santa Cruz County, the FHA loan limit for a one-unit home is $1,249,125, and a typical home is worth $1,027,500. To rent a 2-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent ($4,254 a month) without going over 30% of your income, you need to earn about $81.81 an hour.

WhatsApp

  • Typical home price

    $1,027,500

    +40% vs. California +209% vs. U.S.

    Half of owner-occupied homes are worth more and half are worth less.

    • Santa Cruz
    • California
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

  • Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms

    $4,254 a month

    +62% vs. California +143% vs. U.S.

    HUD's reference rent for a two-bedroom apartment, with basic utilities.

    • Santa Cruz
    • California
    • United States

    Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

  • FHA limit 2026, 1 unit

    $1,249,125

    FHA high-cost area

    The most you can borrow with an FHA loan for a one-unit home here.

    • Santa Cruz
    • Floor
    • Ceiling

    Source: HUD, 2026 data

  • Property tax

    0.64% of value per year

    −9% vs. California −32% vs. U.S.

    $6,538 a year for the typical owner

    • Santa Cruz
    • California
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$1,136,188
4.8% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent
$3,469 a month
3.7% more than 12 months ago

From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Data from October 2026

In short

What is housing like in Santa Cruz County today?

With an FHA loan and the minimum down payment, a typical home would cost about $8,430 a month: 91% of the typical household income here. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $361,303 a year; the typical income here is $111,093. The typical home value is 40% more than in California overall. The typical property tax is $6,538 a year (about 0.64% of home value), higher than in California. This is a high-cost area for FHA: the limit is above the national floor.

52% of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); HUD (2026 data).

Only here

What sets Santa Cruz County apart

  1. Nearby, in Monterey County, the typical home value is $781,000: 24% less than in Santa Cruz County ($1,027,500).

  2. According to Zillow, in the 12 months to September 2026 the typical home value in Santa Cruz County rose 4.8%; in California, it rose 0.6%.

  3. From 2020 to 2025, home prices in Santa Cruz County rose 30% on FHFA's index, slower than in California (40%).

  4. 6% of homes in Santa Cruz County (5,365) are in FEMA's high-risk flood zone, and only 33% of those carry NFIP flood insurance.

  5. At $1,027,500, Santa Cruz County ranks 6th among the 58 counties in California for the highest typical home value.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); Zillow (September 2026 data); FHFA (2025 data); FEMA (As of August 3, 2026). Zillow data

The homes here

Housing in Santa Cruz County

What homes there are in Santa Cruz County, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

Detached houses, standing on their own, make up 63% of homes here, against 57% in California.

In Santa Cruz County there are many mobile homes: 7% of homes; in California, 4%.

Year built

In Santa Cruz County, half of the homes were built before 1974; in California, before 1976.

There are fewer big homes in Santa Cruz County than in California: 50% have 3 bedrooms or more, against 55%.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

At least 48% of owner-occupied homes in Santa Cruz County are worth less than $1,000,000, below the FHA loan limit for this county ($1,249,125).

Monthly rent with utilities

With a HUD fair market rent of $4,254 for 2 bedrooms, at least 74% of rented homes in Santa Cruz County sit below it.

With a mortgage

$3,524 a month

California: $2,946 a month

Without a mortgage

$956 a month

California: $829 a month

Owners with a mortgage

63%

California: 67%

In Santa Cruz County, 63% of owners have a mortgage, and their typical cost is $3,524 a month, against $2,946 in California. Without one it drops to $956.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

From 2015–2019 to 2020–2024, the typical home value in Santa Cruz County rose 36%; in California, it rose 46%.

Since 2015–2019, the typical rent in Santa Cruz County rose 32%, less than in California (36%).

The typical household income in Santa Cruz County rose 35% over that time; home values changed +36% and rent +32%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureSanta Cruz CountyCaliforniaUnited States
Rental vacancy 3.7%4.2%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.9%0.8%0.9%
More than one person per room 7.3%8.2%3.4%
People per household 2.582.842.53
Drive alone 62%66%69%
Carpool 8%10%9%
Public transit 2%3%3%
Walk or bike 6%3%3%
Work from home 19%17%15%
Other means 2%2%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Much as in California, the rental vacancy rate in Santa Cruz County is 3.7%.

In Santa Cruz County, 7.3% of households live with more than one person per room, about the same as in California.

Fewer people live in each home here: 2.58 on average, against 2.84 in California.

Many here get to work on foot or by bike: 6%, more than in California (3%).

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Do the math

What would you pay each month in Santa Cruz County?

A typical home costs more than the typical income allows

We start with a typical home of $1,027,500, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 91% of the typical household income here, which is $111,093 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $361,303 a year.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Santa Cruz County. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $35,963 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$8,430

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$1,008,889
Total interest
$1,451,554
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $17,352 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $2,592 a month

  • Tight

    $2,592 to $3,333 a month

  • Hard

    more than $3,333 a month

    Your payment · 91%

Compared with the typical household income in Santa Cruz County ($111,093 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$8,430
Principal & interest$6,835
Property tax$548
Home insurance$428
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$620

You need at least $35,963 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

Buying a home

Buying a home in Santa Cruz County

Here you'll see how prices have changed, how Santa Cruz County compares with California and the country, and what you'd pay each month with four kinds of loans.

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Santa Cruz County rose 61% in the 10 years through 2025. FHFA's index follows the price of the same homes over the years.

Period Here California United States
In 2025 +0.3% +0.8% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +30% +40% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +61% +80% +85%
See each year's change

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Santa Cruz County compared with California and the United States

Home value, rent and household income, side by side. "Typical" is the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Santa Cruz $1,027,500
  • California $734,700
  • United States $332,700
Typical rent a month
  • Santa Cruz $2,264
  • California $2,036
  • United States $1,413
Typical household income a year
  • Santa Cruz $111,093
  • California $99,122
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Santa Cruz compared with California and the United States
MeasureHereCaliforniaU.S.
Residents264,92639,287,377334,922,499
Typical home value$1,027,500$734,700$332,700
Typical household income$111,093$99,122$80,734
Typical rent$2,264$2,036$1,413
Fair Market Rent (2 bedrooms)$4,254$2,632$1,750
Hourly wage to rent a 2-bedroom$81.81$50.62$33.65
Typical property tax$6,538$5,124$3,119
Effective tax rate0.64%0.7%0.94%
Households that own their home60%56%65%
Renters spending 30% or more on rent52%55%51%
FHA limit (1 unit)*$1,249,125$546,250$541,287

FHA limit: California shows the median of its counties; the United States, the national floor. Download CSV

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Santa Cruz County

For a typical $1,027,500 home at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, the county's property tax, an example homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

Loan Monthly payment Down payment Loan amount Rate Mortgage insurance Cash to close Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down $8,430 $35,963 $1,008,889 7.18% FHA MIP · $620 $66,788 580
Conventional, 5% down $8,077 $51,375 $976,125 7.18% PMI · $488 $82,200 620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $6,545 $205,500 $822,000 7.18% None $236,325 620*
ITIN, 15% down (example) $7,495 $154,125 $873,375 8.18% None $184,950 Set by the lender
  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

Everything about buying in Santa Cruz County: income, limits and help How much house can I afford? Closing costs

Loan limits

This is a high-cost area, so FHA limits in Santa Cruz County are above the national floor. The limit is set for the whole metro area (Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA). If the loan you need is above these amounts, it doesn't fit FHA or it becomes a "jumbo" loan.

VA loans. If you have full VA entitlement, VA doesn't cap the loan amount. If you've used part of your entitlement, the calculation uses the county limit ($1,249,125 for one unit). VA loan limits (va.gov)

USDA loans. They're for homes in eligible rural areas and households with incomes within USDA's limit. Check whether the address and your income qualify on the official site. USDA eligibility (usda.gov)

Home type FHA limit Conforming limit
1 unit $1,249,125 $1,249,125
2 units $1,599,375 $1,599,375
3 units $1,933,200 $1,933,200
4 units $2,402,625 $2,402,625

Source: HUD, 2026 data · Source: FHFA, 2026 data

Taxes and risks

Property tax and flooding in Santa Cruz County

Two costs that change a lot from place to place and that a house payment does include: property tax and, in risk zones, flood insurance.

Property tax

In Santa Cruz County, the typical owner pays $6,538 a year: about 0.64% of the home's value. That is less than the rest of California and less than the national average.

  • Santa Cruz 0.64%
  • California 0.70%
  • United States 0.94%

What California publishes Homeowners' exemption (California State Board of Equalization (BOE))

Exemptions and deadlines in California

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Santa Cruz County 6.4% of homes (5,365) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 33% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. (44 CFR 59.1)
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. (42 U.S.C. 4012a)
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. (FEMA, FloodSmart)

Source: FEMA, As of August 3, 2026

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Owning a home here

Owning a home in Santa Cruz County

The natural hazards FEMA measures in Santa Cruz County, a maintenance plan for your climate and what the trades earn in your area.

Risks to your home

FEMA, National Risk Index 1.20.0 (December 2025)

According to FEMA, the natural hazard risk in Santa Cruz County is relatively high.

That rating combines the loss FEMA expects with social vulnerability and community resilience.

The loss FEMA expects each year in Santa Cruz County from all natural hazards is $335 million, counting buildings, people and crops.

Of all the hazards, FEMA expects earthquake to do the most damage to buildings: about $130 million a year.

Loss FEMA expects each year to homes and buildings, by hazard
  1. EarthquakeRelatively high $130 million a year
  2. Inland floodingRelatively high $96.6 million a year
  3. WildfireRelatively moderate $8.6 million a year
  4. TornadoVery low $163,159 a year
  5. Coastal floodingRelatively low $117,035 a year

What it means for your home

The ratings are FEMA's own. FEMA says its data is meant for planning and does not replace a local study. Drought is not shown: FEMA counts its loss in crops only.

National Risk Index, version 1.20.0 (December 2025), retrieved November 6, 2026

FEMA notice: This product uses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index dataset API or downloadable datasets but is not endorsed by FEMA. The Federal Government or FEMA cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency's website(s).

Climate and upkeep

Department of Energy (PNNL), 2021 IECC zones

Santa Cruz County is in climate zone 3C of the home energy code (IECC): marine.

The zone's number says how hot or cold it gets; the letter says how humid: A is moist, B is dry and C is marine.

  • Spring

    • Book the air conditioner's check-up before the heat: ENERGY STAR advises checking the cooling system in the spring, because contractors get busy once summer comes. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Check that the ground slopes away from the house, so water does not collect around the foundation. EPA

  • Summer

    • Seal the air ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, basement or garage with duct mastic or foil tape, then wrap them in insulation. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Look for drafts at windows and doors: close the window on a piece of paper; if it moves back and forth easily, it needs thicker weather stripping. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

  • Fall

    • Book the heating check-up in the fall. If it runs on gas or oil, the technician should check the connections: faulty ones are a fire hazard. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Clean and repair the roof gutters. EPA

  • Winter

    • Keep indoor humidity below 60 % (ideally between 30 % and 50 %). A humidity meter is inexpensive and sold at hardware stores. EPA
    • Get the house ready for the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping, and learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Ready.gov (FEMA)

All year

  • Check the air filter every month, especially in heavy-use months. If it looks dirty, change it; change it at least every 3 months. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
  • Test the smoke alarms every month and replace their batteries at least once a year. USFA (FEMA)

Each task comes from the official page beside it. The spring air-conditioning and fall heating check-ups are the timing ENERGY STAR advises; the rest is a suggested order.

Climate zones by county, 2021 IECC

What the trades charge here

BLS, wages for May 2025

TradeTypical hourly wage8 in 10 earn between
Electricians$36.83$23.22 and $60.85
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters$32.75$22.97 and $59.93
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics$37.66$22.96 and $55.67
Roofers$29.64$23.17 and $36.36
Carpenters$37.35$23.18 and $54.95
Painters, construction and maintenance$30.00$20.52 and $38.73
Maintenance and repair workers, general$24.04$18.50 and $38.04

According to BLS, an electrician earns about $36.83 an hour in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area; a plumber, about $32.75.

These are workers' hourly wages, not the price of a job.

Need help paying for a repair?

Renting

Renting in Santa Cruz County

The typical rent in Santa Cruz County is $2,264 a month. HUD also publishes a “fair market rent” by unit size: it's the one programs like Section 8 use.

52% of renter households in Santa Cruz County spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 28% spend half or more.

Fair market rent by size

To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Size Fair rent a month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $3,230 $62.12 $129,200
1 bedroom $3,390 $65.19 $135,600
2 bedrooms $4,254 $81.81 $170,160
3 bedrooms $5,531 $106.37 $221,240
4 bedrooms $5,748 $110.54 $229,920

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

Free help in Santa Cruz County

Programs and counseling in Santa Cruz County

We didn't find HUD-approved agencies with an office in this county. These are the 6 nearest; many serve by phone or online.

Official programs for the down payment and loans for buyers. Check which ones you might qualify for with your income and your county.

A family roasts marshmallows over a campfire at a forest campsite.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

California down payment programs

  1. MyHome Assistance Program

    CalHFA second loan with deferred payments for the down payment or closing costs of first-time buyers in California

    First-time buyers only. Run by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

    Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

  2. California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan

    Closed, per the source

    CalHFA down payment loan for first-generation buyers in California; when you sell, you repay the loan plus a share of the home's appreciation

    First-time buyers only. Run by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

    Shared appreciation Verified November 5, 2026

  3. MyAccess Program

    CalHFA second loan with deferred payments for the down payment or closing costs of first-time buyers who use the CalPLUS Access mortgage (FHA or conventional)

    First-time buyers only. Run by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

    Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

Which programs do I qualify for? See all California programs

Help in Spanish in Santa Cruz County

5 of the 6 agencies on this list say they serve in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Public housing agencies

They run public housing and Section 8 vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers) in this county.

  • Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz Public housing and Section 8 vouchers (831) 454-9455

Free legal help

If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.

Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Housing counseling nearby

These are the nearest agencies, with the distance in miles. Many help by phone or online. Official HUD list. Confirm hours and fees with the agency before you go.

  • Santa Clara County Asian Law Alliance

    991 W Hedding St, San Jose · 23 miles away · Spanish

    Also serves in Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

    • Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
    • Homelessness services
    • and 2 more
    (408) 287-9710

  • Project Sentinel

    1490 El Camino Real, Santa Clara · 24 miles away

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • and 5 more
    (408) 470-3730

  • Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley - Milpitas

    1608 Las Plumas Ave, San Jose · 25 miles away · Spanish

    • Budget and financial counseling
    • Budget and credit workshops
    • and 3 more
    (510) 803-3362
See every agency in California

Places

Cities in Santa Cruz County

Each city has its own page with prices, rents and help. These are the largest.

See all 12 cities of Santa Cruz County

Nearby counties

Each row compares its typical value, typical rent and FHA limit with Santa Cruz County.

Read next

Guides that help here

We picked them by this county's numbers: what weighs most here is what's worth understanding first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FHA loan limit in Santa Cruz County in 2026?

Santa Cruz County has an FHA limit of $1,249,125 for a one-unit home. For 2 units it's $1,599,375, for 3 it's $1,933,200 and for 4 it's $2,402,625. It's a high-cost area, so the limit is above the national floor.

What is the conforming loan limit in Santa Cruz County?

Santa Cruz County has a conforming limit of $1,249,125 for one-unit conventional loans in 2026. A bigger loan is a “jumbo” loan.

How much does a typical home cost in Santa Cruz County?

The typical home value in Santa Cruz County is $1,027,500 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). Across California it's $734,700.

How much does it cost to rent in Santa Cruz County?

Santa Cruz County has a typical rent of $2,264 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). HUD's fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $4,254 (Fiscal year 2027).

How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz County?

About $81.81 an hour working full time (2,080 hours a year), or $170,160 a year, so the fair market rent of $4,254 stays under 30% of income.

Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); Income Limits (Fiscal year 2026); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); National Risk Index (2025 data); IECC climate zones by county (2021 data); Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2025 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).