Patterson, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Patterson
63.1
#1799 nationally
Santa Cruz
60.5
#1932 nationally
Patterson leads in crime level (7.5 vs 16.8). Santa Cruz leads in average commute (22.2 min vs 43.9 min). Patterson leads in cost of living index (132 vs 205).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Patterson, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.1 (#1799) | 60.5 (#1932) |
| Population | 25,063 | 61,501 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $508,049 | $1,360,355 |
| Median Household Income | $86,031 | $105,491 |
| Average Commute | 43.9 min | 22.2 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 63 |
| Crime Level | 7.5 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 132 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+54.4 |
D
63.1 Score
Patterson, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$508,049
Population
25,063
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Patterson, CA →
D-
60.5 Score
Santa Cruz, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,360,355
Population
61,501
Crime
High
Walk Score
63
Pacific
View Santa Cruz, CA →
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