HUD Open Data · 2026
What Are the Income Limits in Santa Cruz County, California?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metro · HUD Income Limits (AMI) for Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The HUD Income Limits (2026) for Santa Cruz County, California (Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area) show a median income of $137,200 a year. The 30% AMI limit for a 4-person household is $65,250, 50% AMI is $108,750, and 80% AMI is $174,550. Source: U.S. HUD, Office of Policy Development & Research, 2026 Income Limits.
Median Income in Santa Cruz County, CA and Neighbouring Counties
Income Limits by Household Size
| Household Size | 30% AMI | 50% AMI | 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $45,700 | $76,150 | $122,200 |
| 2 | $52,200 | $87,000 | $139,650 |
| 3 | $58,750 | $97,900 | $157,100 |
| 4 | $65,250 | $108,750 | $174,550 |
| 5 | $70,500 | $117,450 | $188,500 |
| 6 | $75,700 | $126,150 | $202,500 |
| 7 | $80,950 | $134,850 | $216,450 |
| 8 | $86,150 | $143,550 | $230,450 |
How does Santa Cruz County, CA compare?
Median income ranked against all counties in California.
Higher income limits than 85% of counties in California · 10th of 58
| # | County | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Clara County | $205,500 |
| 2 | Marin County | $200,800 |
| 2 | San Francisco County | $200,800 |
| … 6 more … | ||
| 10 | Santa Cruz County(you are here) | $137,200 |
| … 45 more … | ||
| 56 | Imperial County | $75,500 |
| 57 | Modoc County | $75,300 |
| 58 | Lake County | $72,400 |
More data for Santa Cruz County, California
Nearby counties
Frequently asked questions
What are the Income Limits in Santa Cruz County, California for 2026?
The area median income in Santa Cruz County, California is $137,200 a year for 2026 (HUD applies one figure across the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area). For a four-person household, the limits work out to $65,250 at 30% of the median (extremely low income), $108,750 at 50% (very low income), and $174,550 at 80% (low income). The full table by household size is above. Source: U.S. HUD, Office of Policy Development and Research, 2026 Income Limits.
What is the median income in Santa Cruz County, California?
HUD puts the area median income for Santa Cruz County, California at $137,200 a year in 2026.
What is the 80% AMI income limit for a 2-person household in Santa Cruz County, California?
For 2026, the 80% AMI (low income) limit for a 2-person household in Santa Cruz County, California is $139,650 a year. At 50% AMI (very low income) the 2-person limit is $87,000, and at 30% AMI (extremely low income) it is $52,200. Limits for other household sizes are in the table above.
How do income limits in Santa Cruz County change with household size?
HUD publishes 2026 limits for household sizes 1 through 8. At 80% AMI in Santa Cruz County, the limit is $122,200 for a 1-person household, $139,650 for 2 people, $174,550 for 4 people, and $230,450 for 8 people. The table above lists every household size at 30%, 50%, and 80% AMI.
What do 30%/50%/80% AMI mean?
AMI stands for Area Median Income. 30% AMI means the income threshold is 30% of the area's median income. Households at or below 30% AMI are classified as extremely low income, 50% as very low income, and 80% as low income. These thresholds determine eligibility for federal housing programs like Section 8 vouchers and LIHTC properties.
When are Income Limits in Santa Cruz County updated?
HUD publishes new income limits annually, typically in spring. The 2026 figures apply for the full calendar year unless HUD issues an interim adjustment.
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