Santa Cruz County's estimated 2026 population is 256,287 with a growth rate of -0.99% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. Santa Cruz County is the 25th largest county in California. The 2010 population was 263,174 and has seen a growth of -2.62% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
Overall: 39.8 years
Female: 40.7 years
Male: 38.8 years
There are 216,213 adults, (50,275 of whom are seniors) in Santa Cruz County.
Female: 132,899 (50.2%)
Male: 132,027 (49.8%)
The racial composition of Santa Cruz County includes 60.02% White, 17.07% other race, 4.89% Asian, and smaller percentages for Native American, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 159,010 | 60.02% |
| Other race | 45,229 | 17.07% |
| Two or more races | 41,912 | 15.82% |
| Asian | 12,961 | 4.89% |
| Native American | 3,172 | 1.2% |
| Black or African American | 2,200 | 0.83% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 442 | 0.17% |
Santa Cruz County's average per capita income is $61,017. Household income levels show a median of $111,093. The poverty rate stands at 11.62%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $160,777 | $207,160 |
| Families | $133,378 | $181,829 |
| Households | $111,093 | $156,439 |
| Non Families | $69,306 | $103,574 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate