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ZIP Code · CA

ZIP 95076

Pop. 82,806·Santa Cruz County·285th most expensive ZIP in California
Median rent (all units)
$3,179/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.9%
Month-over-Month
-0.4%
vs US Median
+$1,214
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 95076 · $3,179
More expensive than 92% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,610
1 BR
$2,710
2 BR
$3,440
3 BR
$4,400
4 BR+
$4,640
Research median
$3,440/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$38,148/yr
At $3,179/mo median
Location
StateCA
CountySanta Cruz County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (5.9% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.9% YoY, -0.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 95076 (Watsonville, CA) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
82,806
Median income
$91,099
Median age
36.4
Renters
43.3%
Age distribution
27%
21.3%
24.7%
15.6%
Under 1827%
18–3421.3%
35–5424.7%
55–6411.4%
65+15.6%
Gender
51.6%
48.4%
Male51.6%
Female48.4%
Race & ethnicity
35%
73%
White35%
Black0.6%
Hispanic73%
Asian2.3%
Education (25+)
28.4%
24.7%
28.4%
18.5%
No HS diploma28.4%
HS diploma24.7%
Some college28.4%
Bachelor's+18.5%
Housing tenure
56.7%
43.3%
Owner56.7%
Renter43.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 95076 in Watsonville, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$81,318 → $91,099
up 12.0%
Population
85,739 → 82,806
down 3.4%
Renter share
43.3% → 43.3%
+0.0 pts
Bachelor's+
18.1% → 18.5%
+0.4 pts
Median age
34.1 → 36.4
+2.3 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 95076 in Watsonville, CA now reports about $91,099, up from $81,318 in 2021. Census counts show ZIP 95076 in Watsonville, CA losing about 2,933 residents over the five-year window, down 3.4% on net.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 95076

About renting in ZIP 95076

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 95076 covers Watsonville, CA. The median rent here is $3,179/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,710/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $3,440/mo.

At 42% of local median household income ($91,099/yr), ZIP 95076 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 95076?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 95076 (Watsonville, CA) is $3,179. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 95076 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 95076's median rent of $3,179/mo is $1,214 (62%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 95076 compare to other ZIPs in California?

ZIP 95076 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in California, ranking #285 out of 907 ZIPs tracked at $3,179/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 95076?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $127,000/year (~$61/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,179/mo in ZIP 95076. The local median household income is $91,099/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 95076?

Rent in ZIP 95076 has increased 5.9% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 95076 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 95076 is considered stretched for renters. At $3,179/mo, rent takes approximately 42% of the local median household income ($91,099/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 95076 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 95076 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 43.3% of ZIP 95076 households are renters, while 56.7% are owner-occupied. ZIP 95076 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 95076 compare to the rest of Watsonville?

ZIP 95076 is more affordable than Watsonville overall. At $3,179/mo, it's $78 below the Watsonville citywide median of $3,257/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 95076 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 95076 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
42%
STRETCHED

At $3,179/mo, rent takes ~42% of ZIP 95076's median household income ($91,099/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 95076 42%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 95076 (Watsonville, CA)

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