Single women now account for 25% of all first-time homebuyers in the United States — the highest share ever recorded. That’s one in four. In 1985, it was one in nine.

Women are buying homes on single incomes, in one of the most expensive real estate markets in American history, and they’re doing it in growing numbers. Santa Cruz County is worth understanding if you’re one of them.

The Numbers

The shift has been building for decades. In 1981, when NAR first started tracking buyer demographics, 73% of homebuyers were married couples. Single women were 11%. Single men were 10%.

Today, married couples have dropped to 62%. Single women have nearly doubled to 20% of all buyers — and among first-time buyers specifically, that number is 25%. Single men, by comparison, have barely moved. Their share is 8%.

For the first time in NAR’s history, single women first-time buyers out-earn single men, with a median income of $73,000 versus $66,400. Women aren’t waiting. They’re buying on their own terms.

Santa Cruz County on a Single Income

Santa Cruz County isn’t an easy place to buy. Median home prices are well above national averages. Single-income buyers face real constraints: debt-to-income ratios, down payment requirements, and competition from two-income households. The Santa Cruz County real estate guide gives useful market context before you start touring.

None of that has stopped single women from buying homes in high-cost California markets. The Bay Area and surrounding coastal counties have seen this trend play out clearly. Women relocating from San Jose or the Peninsula often find Santa Cruz County offers something the South Bay doesn’t: a slower pace, natural surroundings, and a community that tends to suit people who want a life, not just a commute.

That combination has a particular appeal for single buyers. There’s no negotiating with a partner about the neighborhood. You choose what’s important to you.

What Santa Cruz County Offers

The county has real range. If walkability and proximity to coffee shops, restaurants, and the water matter, downtown Santa Cruz and the Westside deliver. If quiet and space are the priority, Aptos, Soquel, and the San Lorenzo Valley are worth a serious look. Scotts Valley sits between the mountains and the valley floor — newer construction, good schools, closer to Silicon Valley.

Condos and townhomes in Capitola and Live Oak offer entry points below the single-family median. They’re easier for a single person to manage. You can also search current Santa Cruz County listings to compare price points by area.

A Few Practical Notes

Get pre-approved before you look.

In this market, sellers won’t wait. Offers have to be ready. Pre-approval also clarifies exactly what you can carry on one income — which is useful information before you fall in love with something.

Understand Proposition 19.

If you’re 55 or older and selling a home elsewhere in California, you can transfer your existing property tax base to a new home in Santa Cruz County. That’s a meaningful financial advantage.

FHA loans are worth knowing.

A 3.5% down payment makes entry easier for first-time buyers. The tradeoff is you have to pay for mortgage insurance.

Single doesn’t mean alone in the transaction.

You’ll have a lender, an agent, and your own clear priorities. In some respects, solo buyers have an easier time — one set of opinions, one decision-maker, no compromise. The process is the same as buying with a partner.

FAQ

Are single women really buying more homes than single men?

Yes, by a wide margin. Single women account for 20% of all buyers and 25% of first-time buyers nationally. Single men account for 8% of all buyers. The gap has widened steadily since the 1980s.

Is Santa Cruz County realistic on a single income?

It depends on the income and the price point. Entry-level condos and townhomes are available below $700,000 in some areas. Talking with a lender will tell you quickly what’s in your range.

What neighborhoods suit single buyers in Santa Cruz County?

It depends on your priorities. Downtown Santa Cruz, Seabright, and Capitola offer walkability and community. Aptos and Soquel offer space and quiet. Scotts Valley offers newer construction and easy access to the freeway. All are worth considering.

What’s the first step?

Talk to a lender and get pre-approved. Then talk to a knowledgeable agent about the local market. If schools affect resale or your plans, review the Santa Cruz County school district guide. The two conversations together will give you a realistic picture.

I’ve been helping buyers through this market for more than 35 years. If you’re thinking about making a move on your own, send me a note and we can look at the local options.