Watsonville, CA

Census Place

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2024 Population

51,712

US Senator

Alex Padilla

Democratic Party

US Senator

Adam Schiff

Democratic Party

2024 Median Age

33.8

3.36% 1-year increase

2024 Poverty Rate

14.7%

2.82% 1-year decrease

2024 Median Household Income

$78,393

4.82% 1-year growth

2024 Median Property Value

$686,000

4.3% 1-year growth

2024 Employed Population

21,924

1.38% 1-year decline

About

None of the households in Watsonville, CA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

76.2% of the residents in Watsonville, CA are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Watsonville, CA are CET-Watsonville (113 degrees awarded in 2024).

In 2024, the median property value in Watsonville, CA was $686,000, and the homeownership rate was 44.8%.

Most people in Watsonville, CA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 26.1 minutes. The average car ownership in Watsonville, CA was 2 cars per household.

United States California Santa Cruz County, CA Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Monterey County (North Central)--Seaside, Monterey, Marina & Pacific Grove Cities PUMA, CA Santa Cruz County (North)--Watsonville & Scotts Valley Cities PUMA, CA Santa Cruz County (South & Coastal)--Santa Cruz City PUMA, CA

Population & Diversity

Watsonville, CA is home to a population of 51.7k people, from which 76.2% are citizens.

As of 2024, 35.5% of Watsonville, CA residents were born outside of the country (18.3k people).

In 2024, there were 2.26 times more Other (Hispanic) residents (22.8k people) in Watsonville, CA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 10.1k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) and 7.16k White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

76.2%

2024 Citizenship

78.1%

2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 76.2% of Watsonville, CA residents were US citizens, which is lower than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Watsonville, CA was 78.1%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Watsonville, CA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Watsonville, CA

Other (Hispanic)
22.8k ± 1.53k
Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)
10.1k ± 1.32k
White (Hispanic)
7.16k ± 1.38k

82.3%

Hispanic Population

42.6k people

82.3% of the people in Watsonville, CA are hispanic (42.6k people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Watsonville, CA as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for California.

Most Common Origin

Mexico
3,877,888 ± 45,899 people
Philippines
827,719 ± 22,100 people
China
695,724 ± 20,296 people

In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of California was Mexico, the natal country of 3,877,888 California residents, followed by Philippines with 827,719 and China with 695,724.

Foreign-Born Population

35.5%

2024 Foreign-Born Population

18.3k people

35.1%

2023 Foreign-Born Population

18.3k people

As of 2024, 35.5% of Watsonville, CA residents (18.3k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Watsonville, CA was 35.1%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Watsonville, CA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
256 ± 120
Gulf War (2001-)
201 ± 122
Gulf War (1990s)
63 ± 74

Watsonville, CA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.27 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Watsonville, CA.

Health

90.8% of the population of Watsonville, CA has health coverage, with 35.2% on employee plans, 37.9% on Medicaid, 8.27% on Medicare, 8.83% on non-group plans, and 0.53% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in California see 1,233 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,233 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1076 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 213 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.9% were men and 50.1% were women.

Coverage

Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 31.1% under 18 years, 20.6% between 18 and 34 years, 35.6% between 35 and 64 years, and 12.8% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.9% were men and 50.1% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

9.21%

Uninsured

35.2%

Employer Coverage

37.9%

Medicaid

8.27%

Medicare

8.83%

Non-Group

0.53%

Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Watsonville, CA declined by 6.18% from 9.82% to 9.21%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Watsonville, CA changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Economy

The economy of Watsonville, CA employs 21.9k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Watsonville, CA were Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (3,052 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,786 people), and Retail Trade (2,190 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($113,517), Management of Companies & Enterprises ($96,705), and Information ($93,750).

Employment

Occupations

21.9k

2024 Value

± 1,262

−1.38%

1 Year decline

± 8.35%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Watsonville, CA declined at a rate of −1.38%, from 22.2k employees to 21.9k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Watsonville, CA, are Farming, Fishing, & Forestry Occupations (2,617 people), Sales & Related Occupations (1,837 people), and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,806 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Watsonville, CA.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for California.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in California (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

Industries

Employment by Industries

21.9k

2024 Value

± 1,262

−1.38%

1 Year decline

± 8.35%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Watsonville, CA declined at a rate of −1.38%, from 22.2k employees to 21.9k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Watsonville, CA, are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (3,052 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,786 people), and Retail Trade (2,190 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Watsonville, CA, though some of these residents may live in Watsonville, CA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$42,130

Median earning men ± $2,418

$34,025

Median earning women ± $2,444

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Information ($82,607), Public Administration ($64,347), and Manufacturing ($56,520).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Information ($138,398), Public Administration ($61,930), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($53,625).

Civics

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in California went to Kamala Harris with 58.5% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (38.3%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1.25%).

Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff are the senators currently representing the state of California. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

California is currently represented by 51 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for Watsonville, CA. Showing the available data for California.

2024 Election Results

Kamala Harris (58.5%)
Democratic Party
Donald J. Trump (38.3%)
Republican Party
Robert Kennedy (1.25%)
Independent Party

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in California went to Kamala Harris with 58.5% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (38.3%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1.25%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in California for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

Senator Elections

US Senators from California

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for California.

Alex Padilla

Senator from California

Assumed office on January 20, 2021
Appointed to the seat following the resignation of Kamala Harris, who had become Vice President of the United States.

Adam Schiff

Senator from California

Assumed office on December 8, 2024
Elected to the seat to succeed Laphonza Butler, who had been appointed to the seat following the death of Dianne Feinstein.

Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff are the senators currently representing California.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in California over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

Education

The student population of Watsonville, CA in 2024 is skewed towards men, with 103 male students and 39 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Watsonville, CA are Hispanic or Latino (111 and 98.2%), White (1 and 0.885%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (1 and 0.885%).

The largest universities in Watsonville, CA by number of degrees awarded are CET-Watsonville (113 and 100%).

The most popular majors in Watsonville, CA are Building Construction Technology (34 and 30.1%), Welding Technology (34 and 30.1%), and Medical Assistant (26 and 23%).

Admissions & Enrollments

Enrollments by Gender and Races

In 2024 there were 142 students enrolled in Watsonville, CA, 72.5% men and 27.5% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in Hispanic or Latino with 138 records, of which 28.3% were women and 71.7% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

Welding Technology
34 degrees awarded
Building Construction Technology
34 degrees awarded
Medical Assistant
26 degrees awarded

In 2024, the most common concentation for 1 to 2 Year Postsecondary Certificate recipients in Watsonville, CA was Welding Technology with 34 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a 1 to 2 Year Postsecondary Certificate from schools in Watsonville, CA according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

CET-Watsonville

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

113 degrees awarded

In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was CET-Watsonville with 113 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

In 2024, 72 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Watsonville, CA, which is 1.76 times more than the 41 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was Hispanic or Latino students. These 111 degrees mean that there were 111 times more degrees awarded to Hispanic or Latino students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, White, with 1 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Watsonville, CA was $686,000 in 2024, which is 2.06 times larger than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $657,700 to $686,000, a 4.3% increase. The homeownership rate in Watsonville, CA is 44.8%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

People in Watsonville, CA have an average commute time of 26.1 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Watsonville, CA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Housing

Property

$686,000

Median Property Value 2024

±$24,605

$6,793

Median Property Taxes

±$639

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Watsonville, CA the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Watsonville, CA compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

44.8%

Homeownership

2024

65.8%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2024

In 2024, 44.8% of the housing units in Watsonville, CA were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 43.6%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Watsonville, CA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$78,393

Median Household Income

± $5,682

15.2k

Number of Households

± 1,016

In 2024, the median household income of the 15.2k households in Watsonville, CA grew to $78,393 from the previous year's value of $74,785.

The following chart displays the households in Watsonville, CA distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Watsonville, CA is from California.

0.493

2024 Wage GINI in California

0.495

2023 Wage GINI in California

In 2024, the income inequality in California was 0.493 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.424% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for California was higher than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed less evenly in California in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in California across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024

Drove Alone (70.8%)
Carpooled (16%)
Worked At Home (6.43%)

In 2024, 70.8% of workers in Watsonville, CA drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (16%) and those who worked at home (6.43%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

26.1 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Watsonville, CA have a shorter commute time (26.1 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.66% of the workforce in Watsonville, CA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Watsonville, CA compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Watsonville, CA distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Watsonville, CA have 2 cars.

Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

14.7% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Watsonville, CA (7.54k out of 51.2k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 6 - 11, followed by Females 35 - 44 and then Females 6 - 11.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Watsonville, CA is Hispanic, followed by Other and White.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.