Living in Santa Cruz County, Arizona

A complete guide of the county from schools to diversity

Should You Move to Santa Cruz County?

Santa Cruz County is home to 425,264 Arizona residents. Over the past ten years, the county has seen an increase in growth of 88.85%, ranking it #293 in the US and #2 in Arizona for population growth.

Based on the counties residents and economy, Santa Cruz County, AZ is OK for retirees and great for families.

When considering schools and educational attainment, 87.6% of residents over 25 years of age graduated high school and 20.9% completed their bachelor’s degree or higher. The majority of students in Santa Cruz County attend public school.

If diversity is essential, Santa Cruz County received a B grade in diversity.

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Who Lives in Santa Cruz County?

Discover more about the people who make up the county

Total Population

425,264

10-Year Change

88.85%

Households are Families

74.5%

Per Households

13

B
Diversity Grade
White alone
63.3%
Black or African American alone
5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
5%
Asian alone
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.3%
Hispanic or Latino
28.6%
C
Retirement
B
Raising a Family
Under 5 years
5.7%
Under 18 years
19.5%
Over 65 years
25.4%

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Housing in Santa Cruz County

Buying or renting? Here’s more about real estate in the county.

Total Households

Own vs. Rent

Own 78.1%
Rent 21.9%

Connect with a local Santa Cruz County REALTOR®

Buying or selling? We’ll help you connect with the right real estate agents in Santa Cruz County or anywhere you need help.

Typical Age of Homes

2000 to 2009

Common Residence Type

single-family homes

Moving advice

Increase your odds of a quick sale, earning more money, or saving your rental deposit by . A study by HomeLight found home sellers who invest in cleaners earned $3,700 more.

Santa Cruz County Schools

Explore the school district and schools

B+

B

B

B

B-

B-

B-

B-

C

C+

C-

C+

C

B-

D+

C-

C

D

D-

D+

D+

C-

D

C-

C
Student-Teacher Ratio

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District in Santa Cruz County, CA, is home to 18,164 students across 34 schools. Based on enrollment numbers, Pajaro Valley Unified ranks #71 in California. Grades from K to 12 are offered in the district.

Pajaro Valley Unified School District received a student-teacher ratio grade of C, averaging 21.66 students per teacher.

Learn more about the Pajaro Valley Unified School District and explore its schools.

District Schools

34

Student Enrollments

18,164

Student-Teacher Ratio

21.66:1

How does Pajaro Valley Unified School District compare?

Cost of Living in Arizona

How Does Arizona Compare?

36
in Cost of Living
9
in Minimum Wage
31
in Living Wage

Arizona State Taxes

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Should you move to Arizona?

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, offers an enticing blend of stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and a thriving economy. The state is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from the majestic Grand Canyon to the red rocks of Sedona, the saguaro cactus-filled Sonoran Desert, and the snow-capped peaks in Flagstaff.

Arizona is not just a desert; it’s a state with diverse climates. It’s home to some of the hottest spots in the country, but also hosts a winter wonderland in the northern high country. That’s right – snow in Arizona!

Economically, Arizona has traditionally been rooted in the “Five C’s”: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate. Today, it boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, with Phoenix, the state’s vibrant capital, being a hub for tech, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Cities like Chandler and Tempe have welcomed large operations from tech companies such as Intel and Amazon, driving job growth and fueling economic development. Phoenix also houses major league sports teams, like the Diamondbacks, the Suns, and the Cardinals.

Living in Arizona also means enjoying a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Native American, Mexican, and Western traditions. Art lovers can visit world-class museums and galleries in Phoenix and Scottsdale or explore the vibrant artist colony in Tubac.

All of these factors combined make Arizona an attractive destination for individuals and families alike. Just remember to stay hydrated – those dry desert summers can be a scorcher!

Need some help with your move?

Moving labor can be hired by the hour, helping you budget for the heavy stuff or your entire move.

Santa Cruz County Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the zip code

Median Household Income

$65,488

US Average $74,580

How does Santa Cruz County compare?

Unemployment rate

6.4%

Poverty rate

11.4%

Primary Occupations

Office and administrative support occupations

Secondary Occupations

Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations

Crime in Santa Cruz County

Learn more about the school district for this zip code.

Total Crimes (2022)

Crime Rate

Per 100,000 residents

Explore More Places

Check out more of Santa Cruz County, or explore the surrounding area
California

Santa Cruz

California

Watsonville

Arizona

Rio Rico

Arizona

Nogales

California

Live Oak

California

Scotts Valley

California

Soquel

California

Capitola

California

Rio del Mar

85611 Elgin, AZ

85621 Nogales, AZ

85624 Patagonia, AZ

85637 Sonoita, AZ

85646 Tubac, AZ

85648 Rio Rico, AZ

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