Living in Watsonville, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Watsonville · Census data 2020–2024
Watsonville has 51,712 residents with a median age of 33.8. The median household income is $78,393 (21% lower than the California median), the median home value is $686,000, the median rent is $1,889/month.
Watsonville at a glance
- Population
- 51,712
- Median age
- 33.8State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $78,393State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $686,000State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,889/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 44.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 12.4%
- Average commute
- 26 min
Is Watsonville a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 7% lower than the state median; an average commute of 26 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 21% lower than the California median; unemployment of 7.7%; a poverty rate of 14.7%.
The weather is best in July to October.
Cost of living in Watsonville
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Watsonville the median home value is $686,000, 106% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,889 per month, which is 33.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,745 a month in housing costs.
Watsonville median household income
The median household income in Watsonville is $78,393 and the income per person is $28,021. 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Watsonville: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 15,790
- Owner-occupied
- 44.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 55.2%
- Vacant
- 4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1977
- Average household size
- 3.36
Watsonville demographics
- Population
- 51,712
- Median age
- 33.8
- Under 18
- 29.1%
- 65 and older
- 13%
- Households
- 15,151
- Foreign-born
- 35.5%
- Veterans
- 2.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Watsonville ›
Education in Watsonville
12.4% of adults 25 and older in Watsonville have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 3.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Watsonville
- Unemployment rate
- 7.7%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 26 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 6.4%
- Drive alone
- 70.8%
- Public transit
- 1.4%
- Walk to work
- 1.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 89.5%
Watsonville vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watsonville | 51,712 | $78,393 | $686,000 | $1,889 |
| Interlaken | 8,068 | $109,150 | $831,000 | $1,941 |
| Freedom | 3,172 | $93,750 | $755,300 | $1,621 |
| Amesti | 2,818 | $108,833 | $879,400 | $1,660 |
| Pajaro | 2,899 | $84,875 | $750,000 | $1,850 |
| La Selva Beach | 2,302 | $160,833 | $1,325,700 | $3,379 |
| Pajaro Dunes | 143 | $112,500 | $1,750,000 | — |
| Las Lomas | 3,355 | $86,775 | $687,300 | $1,969 |
| Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley | 2,127 | $158,788 | $1,185,000 | $3,501 |
More for people moving to Watsonville
Watsonville ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Watsonville: FAQ
What is the median household income in Watsonville, CA?
The median household income in Watsonville is $78,393, 21% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Watsonville?
The median home value in Watsonville is $686,000, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Watsonville?
The median gross rent in Watsonville is $1,889 per month, about 33.8% of household income.
Is Watsonville, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 7% lower than the state median; an average commute of 26 minutes. Minuses: median household income 21% lower than the California median; unemployment of 7.7%; a poverty rate of 14.7%.
What is the median age in Watsonville?
The median age in Watsonville is 33.8 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Watsonville?
The average commute to work in Watsonville is 26 minutes; 6.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Watsonville?
The unemployment rate in Watsonville is 7.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Watsonville?
12.4% of adults in Watsonville have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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