Santa Cruz Housing Profile
The lack of relatively affordable housing continues to be of chronic concern to Santa Cruz County residents and employers. It threatens not only the area's overall quality of life, but its economic vitality as well. Today, according to the California Association of Realtors, only 16% of county residents can afford a median-priced home. Due to growth that has already occurred, many local residents find themselves priced out of the market by untenable rents and home prices.
The lack of affordable housing in Santa Cruz County severely constrains the capability of the area's employers to attract and retain employees. It is a deterrent to drawing new businesses to our area. It debilitates our community by making it almost impossible for teachers, police and fire personnel, and service workers to live where they work. It causes a number of businesses whose markets are outside of Santa Cruz County to leave the area. As more growth occurs, however slight, the situation will continue to deteriorate unless something is done.
Position Statement
Our community is suffering from the cumulative impact of twenty years of neglecting housing needs. The Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce recognize the solution to this problem will require sustained commitment and action over a long period of time.
The Chamber supports increasing the number of housing units in Santa Cruz County, with a focus on serving moderate to low income individuals and families through increased-density, mixed-use developments.
The Chamber understands that in increasing the number of housing units, impacts infrastructure issues, such as water, transportation and land use. Solutions to these and other infrastructure issues must be pursued simultaneously to housing issues.
The Chamber supports achieving an increase in the number of housing units that:
The lack of affordable housing in Santa Cruz County severely constrains the capability of the area's employers to attract and retain employees. It is a deterrent to drawing new businesses to our area. It debilitates our community by making it almost impossible for teachers, police and fire personnel, and service workers to live where they work. It causes a number of businesses whose markets are outside of Santa Cruz County to leave the area. As more growth occurs, however slight, the situation will continue to deteriorate unless something is done.
Position Statement
Our community is suffering from the cumulative impact of twenty years of neglecting housing needs. The Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce recognize the solution to this problem will require sustained commitment and action over a long period of time.
The Chamber supports increasing the number of housing units in Santa Cruz County, with a focus on serving moderate to low income individuals and families through increased-density, mixed-use developments.
The Chamber understands that in increasing the number of housing units, impacts infrastructure issues, such as water, transportation and land use. Solutions to these and other infrastructure issues must be pursued simultaneously to housing issues.
The Chamber supports achieving an increase in the number of housing units that:
- Meets the broad spectrum of community needs
- Increases density
- Promotes affordability for moderate to low income-level households
- Provides for mixed uses and mixed income within a neighborhood.
The Santa Cruz Small Business Council's 2016 Annual Survey cited cost of living as the most significant barrier to business activity. More specifically, business owners pointed to the high cost of housing as a significant roadblock to recruiting and retaining employees. The available housing data in Santa Cruz reflects this concern.
Between 2011 and 2016, it was estimated that Santa Cruz County had a total of 105,034 housing units to serve a population of over 269,419. Though much of the growth experienced in the Santa Cruz area has occurred over the last 25 years, only 17% of the current housing units have been built since 1990. The development of sustainable and affordable housing is vital to the continued economic vitality of our community.
Moreover, the US Census Bureau estimates that the average resident in Santa Cruz County spends 30% of there income on housing. With only 15% of residents having successfully paid off their mortgages, and 60% being renters, it is clear that housing costs are one of the top economic concerns.
Through extensive research and strategic partnerships, the chamber will work to find solutions to Santa Cruz's housing dilemma. If you are interested in learning more about this topic and taking a look at the data, please view the county housing data page.
Source: US Census Data on Santa Cruz County
Between 2011 and 2016, it was estimated that Santa Cruz County had a total of 105,034 housing units to serve a population of over 269,419. Though much of the growth experienced in the Santa Cruz area has occurred over the last 25 years, only 17% of the current housing units have been built since 1990. The development of sustainable and affordable housing is vital to the continued economic vitality of our community.
Moreover, the US Census Bureau estimates that the average resident in Santa Cruz County spends 30% of there income on housing. With only 15% of residents having successfully paid off their mortgages, and 60% being renters, it is clear that housing costs are one of the top economic concerns.
Through extensive research and strategic partnerships, the chamber will work to find solutions to Santa Cruz's housing dilemma. If you are interested in learning more about this topic and taking a look at the data, please view the county housing data page.
Source: US Census Data on Santa Cruz County
Current and Completed Projects
The 2015 Housing Element Plan put forth by the County of Santa Cruz outlines the following projects aimed at lessening the community costs of housing.
View the entire Housing Element Plan.
View the available affordable housing units in Santa Cruz.
Lotus Apartments: a 12 unit acquisition/substantial rehabilitation project located in Live Oak targeting people with disabilities and former foster youth, completed in 2015.
Aptos Blue Apartments: completed in 2014 is a 40 unit new construction rental project located in Aptos targeting families and people with disabilities.
Schapiro Knolls: an 88 unit new construction rental project located outside the City of Watsonville, completed in 2013 targeting families, seniors and single adults.
Canterbury Park Town-homes: a 19 unit affordable home-ownership project located in Aptos completed in 2013 serving families.
Los Esteros: a 7 unit home-ownership project targeting low income families. Subdivision improvements are complete and the first 2 units went into service in 2015.
Saint Stephens Senior Apartments: 40 units outside the City of Santa Cruz.
Pippin Apartments: 26 units outside the City of Watsonville, project includes 20 units within the City limits that will serve families and people with disabilities.
(Click here for to learn more about current development projects taking place in Santa Cruz County)
The 2015 Housing Element Plan put forth by the County of Santa Cruz outlines the following projects aimed at lessening the community costs of housing.
View the entire Housing Element Plan.
View the available affordable housing units in Santa Cruz.
Lotus Apartments: a 12 unit acquisition/substantial rehabilitation project located in Live Oak targeting people with disabilities and former foster youth, completed in 2015.
Aptos Blue Apartments: completed in 2014 is a 40 unit new construction rental project located in Aptos targeting families and people with disabilities.
Schapiro Knolls: an 88 unit new construction rental project located outside the City of Watsonville, completed in 2013 targeting families, seniors and single adults.
Canterbury Park Town-homes: a 19 unit affordable home-ownership project located in Aptos completed in 2013 serving families.
Los Esteros: a 7 unit home-ownership project targeting low income families. Subdivision improvements are complete and the first 2 units went into service in 2015.
Saint Stephens Senior Apartments: 40 units outside the City of Santa Cruz.
Pippin Apartments: 26 units outside the City of Watsonville, project includes 20 units within the City limits that will serve families and people with disabilities.
(Click here for to learn more about current development projects taking place in Santa Cruz County)