CaliforniaPop. 51,712Smaller cities
Is Watsonville a Good Place to Live? Watsonville, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Watsonville ranks #1202 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #489 of 524 smaller cities and #166 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (12.5%, #473 of 476) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #393 of 468).
Watsonville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Watsonville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Watsonville?
Watsonville's cost of living index is 109.9, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1102 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,889/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $823,847, 8% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Watsonville | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 109.9#1102 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $823,847#1065 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,229/mo#1059 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $686,000#1140 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,889/mo#1033 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.8x#1251 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.9%#1224 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Watsonville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Watsonville is in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Watsonville safe?
Watsonville recorded 415 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 373 and 6% below California's 440. That ranks #739 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #328 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Watsonville Police Department. Property crime runs 991 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Watsonville | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 415#739 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 991#212 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Watsonville?
The median household in Watsonville earns $78,393, 2% above the US figure of $76,827 and 15% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 12.5% (US 4.2%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Watsonville | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $78,393#647 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 12.5%#1055 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.7%#845 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Watsonville?
The median resident of Watsonville is 33.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 12.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1290 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Watsonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 12.4%#1290 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 44.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Watsonville's schools and health?
Watsonville's 18 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.8 students per teacher and $19,840 spent per pupil. 32% of adults are obese and 13.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Watsonville | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.8#1012 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,840#215 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 32%#547 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.7%#1052 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 22.7%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,294 students are enrolled in Watsonville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Watsonville?
The average commute in Watsonville is 26.1 minutes (California 25.2); 1.4% of workers take transit and 6.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Watsonville scores 15.4 of 20 (most walkable), #21 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 62.3°F and winters 50.9°F, with 22.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Watsonville | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.1 min#868 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.7%#1093 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 70.8% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.4% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.4#21 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61.3 | 40.1 | 4.6 |
| Feb | 62.2 | 41.6 | 4 |
| Mar | 63.9 | 43.1 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 66.3 | 44.8 | 1.3 |
| May | 69 | 47.7 | 0.9 |
| Jun | 72.1 | 50.2 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 72.4 | 52.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 73.4 | 53.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 75.3 | 51.8 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 73.6 | 48.2 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 66.7 | 43.2 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 60.7 | 39.4 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Watsonville Muni Airport.
| Measure | Watsonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 57.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 62.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 22.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Watsonville Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Watsonville?
Santa Cruz County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Cruz County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.45% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Watsonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 35#143 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.45%#1255 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Santa Cruz County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Santa Cruz County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.21% | 100% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0026% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.014% | 87% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.012% | 78% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Watsonville compare with similar-size cities?
Watsonville is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #489 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 51,712.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watsonville, CAPop. 51,712 | #1202 | 44.9 | $78,393 | $1,889/mo | 415 | 26.1 min |
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #13 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data | 33.5 min |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #426 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 | 19.4 min |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #556 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 | 25.8 min |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #132 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 | 24.9 min |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #836 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 | 31.2 min |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #1076 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 | 24.2 min |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #120 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 | 25.1 min |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #670 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 | 26.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Watsonville compare with the rest of California?
Watsonville ranks #166 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 44.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 15% below the California median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | … #162 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #163 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #164 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 |
| Vallejo, CAPop. 124,268 | #165 | 45.3 | $90,171 | $2,073/mo | 778 |
| Watsonville, CAPop. 51,712 | #166 | 44.9 | $78,393 | $1,889/mo | 415 |
| Salinas, CAPop. 161,761 | #167 | 44.7 | $91,908 | $1,991/mo | 516 |
| El Cajon, CAPop. 104,449 | #168 | 44.0 | $67,511 | $1,856/mo | 457 |
| Antioch, CAPop. 116,477 | #169 | 43.8 | $97,465 | $2,278/mo | 762 |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #170 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Watsonville among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Watsonville's score calculated?
Watsonville scores 44.9 out of 100, #1202 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Watsonville. Similar-size median 55.5.
18.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Watsonville's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
73.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Watsonville. Similar-size median 58.9.
48.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Watsonville's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
52.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Watsonville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
40.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Watsonville. Similar-size median 56.1.
47.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Watsonville. Similar-size median 42.4.
15.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Watsonville. Similar-size median 50.0.
39.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Watsonville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
75.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
37.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Watsonville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Watsonville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Watsonville
Is Watsonville, CA a good place to live?
Watsonville ranks #1202 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #489 of 524 smaller cities and #166 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (12.5%, #473 of 476) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #393 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Watsonville?
Watsonville's cost of living index is 109.9, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1102 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,889/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $823,847, 8% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Watsonville?
Watsonville recorded 415 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 373 and 6% below California's 440. That ranks #739 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #328 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Watsonville Police Department. Property crime runs 991 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Watsonville?
The median household in Watsonville earns $78,393, 2% above the US figure of $76,827 and 15% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 12.5% (US 4.2%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Watsonville?
Median rent in Watsonville is $1,889/mo (Census), #1033 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,229/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Watsonville?
Zillow's typical home value in Watsonville is $823,847, up 1.3% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $686,000.
How are the public schools in Watsonville?
Watsonville's 18 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.8 students per teacher and $19,840 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Watsonville?
The average commute is 26.1 minutes, #868 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Watsonville?
Watsonville averages 57.2°F over the year, 62.3°F in summer and 50.9°F in winter, with 22.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Watsonville walkable?
Watsonville scores 15.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #21 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Watsonville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Cruz County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.45% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Watsonville?
Santa Cruz County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Watsonville?
Watsonville has 51,712 residents. The median resident of Watsonville is 33.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 12.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1290 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Watsonville compare with the rest of California?
Watsonville ranks #166 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 44.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 15% below the California median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Watsonville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Watsonville's population of 51,712 are Levittown, NY (#13 overall), Columbus, IN (#426 overall), Florissant, MO (#556 overall), Dunwoody, GA (#132 overall), and Summerville, SC (#836 overall). Watsonville is #1202.