Santa Cruz County, CA home prices

Santa Cruz County, CA: the typical home is worth $1,157,195 as of 2026-05, up +2.9% over the past year and +286.5% since 2000. Listings run about $734/sq…

Data as of May 2026 · by the Real Estate Price Map data team · methodology & sources

1975: $31,727 → 2026: $1,157,195 (36.5×) pre-2000 estimated via FHFA index

Market read

At $1,157,195, homes in Santa Cruz County sit 127% above the California median ($509,844) and 395% above the US median ($233,954). That ranks #6 of 58 California counties by price.

Prices are holding steady (+2.9% in the last year) — a balanced market.

Homes here move at a steady pace — a median 48 days on the market, with 16% of listings cutting their asking price.

At 11.3× local income, that's pricier than the typical US county (~3.8×).

Against the typical US price-to-income and price-to-rent, homes here look ~104% expensive for local incomes and rents.

Renting looks cheaper — buying the typical home runs ~$5,712/mo (P&I, 20% down) vs $3,599/mo to rent.

Home value history

Zillow ZHVI, monthly from 2000 · recessions shaded. See the full 1975 history on the interactive map →

Nearby counties

Santa Clara County, CA ($1,652,163) · San Mateo County, CA ($1,609,425) · Alameda County, CA ($1,084,730) · San Benito County, CA ($772,130) · Contra Costa County, CA ($789,696) · Monterey County, CA ($850,449)