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Special Interest
Housing in Santa Cruz County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Santa Cruz County averages $829/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Arizona median of $1,543 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 30% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Santa Cruz County FMR Area are $807 for a studio, $892 for 1‑bedroom, $1,171 for 2‑bedroom, $1,629 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,676 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $342 increase for a 2-bedroom in Santa Cruz County shows a 41% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Santa Cruz County was 6.1% in 2024, compared to Arizona at 3.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
