Santa Cruz County's estimated 2026 population is 259,820 with a growth rate of -0.5% 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 -1.27% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of Santa Cruz County includes 62.83% White, 16.57% other race, 4.74% Asian, and smaller percentages for Native American, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
White (62.83%)
Other race (16.57%)
Two or more races (13.74%)
Asian (4.74%)
Native American (0.99%)
Black or African American (0.96%)
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (0.17%)
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 167,132 | 62.83% |
| Other race | 44,088 | 16.57% |
| Two or more races | 36,550 | 13.74% |
| Asian | 12,608 | 4.74% |
| Native American | 2,641 | 0.99% |
| Black or African American | 2,545 | 0.96% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 457 | 0.17% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Santa Cruz County's average per capita income is $59,971. Household income levels show a median of $109,266. The poverty rate stands at 11.22%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $156,806 | $201,493 |
| Families | $131,966 | $177,238 |
| Households | $109,266 | $153,085 |
| Non Families | $66,873 | $100,915 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate