Santa Cruz's 2023 population is now estimated at 1,820,114. In 1950, the population of Santa Cruz was 42,220. Santa Cruz has grown by 35,742 in the last year, which represents a 2% annual change. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Santa Cruz, which typically includes Santa Cruz's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.