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Market MapArizonaSanta Cruz

Santa Cruz County

ArizonaPopulation: 47,838
59
/100
Hold
#401 of 1,000 counties
#3 in Arizona (15 counties)
Analysis by RentalCalcs Research·Independent data + algorithm-driven scoring
Updated July 20, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$282,899
Median Home Price
23% above national median
$1,377/mo
Median Rent
5% below national median
5.84%
Rent-to-Price Ratio
Top 54% nationally
-$588
Est. Monthly Cash Flow
With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Scenario comparison

Same $1,377/mo rent assumption, 20% down, 6.85% rate. What changes is the acquisition price.
ScenarioPurchase priceMonthly cash flowCap rateCash-on-cash
75% of median
value-add or distressed
$212,175-$217/mo5.1%-5.3%
Median
typical MLS deal
$282,899-$588/mo3.8%-10.8%
125% of median
newer / premium
$353,624-$959/mo3.0%-14.2%

Price History

Median Home Price

Median Rent

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Quick Investment Calculator

20%
5%50%100%

Purchase

Purchase Price$282,899
Down Payment (20%)$56,580
Loan Amount$226,319
Interest Rate6.85%

Monthly Cash Flow

Gross Rent+$1,377
Monthly P&I-$1,483
Est. Expenses (35%)-$482
Net Cash Flow-$588/mo
3.8%
Cap Rate (all cash)
-10.8%
Cash-on-Cash Return
5.84%
Rent-to-Price Ratio
Negative leverage: At 6.85% rates, borrowing costs exceed the 3.8% cap rate. All-cash buyers may see better returns.

* Based on county median values. 35% expenses include taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and property management. Actual results vary by property.

Run Full AnalysisTry House Hack Strategy

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score
59/100
59
Cash Flow(30%)
58/100

Based on 5.84% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.

Appreciation(25%)
60/100

Based on 1.0% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)
50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)
69/100

Based on price relative to estimated local incomes.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

  • +Complete rent data available

Challenges

  • -Negative cash flow at typical financing (-$588/mo)
  • -Negative leverage (cap rate 3.8% < mortgage rate 6.9%)

Economic Indicators

Population
47,838
Median Income
—
Data pending
Unemployment Rate
—
Data pending
Price-to-Income
—
Data pending

Who this market fits

Best for
  • +All-cash buyers: removing debt service flips the cap rate to actual yield
Skip if
  • −You need positive cash flow on day one at typical leverage
  • −You can't tolerate negative leverage (cap rate below mortgage rate today)

Compare to Nearby Counties

CountyVerdict
GrahamAZ
67$295,571$1,7447.08%BuyView
CochiseAZ
60$256,552$1,3126.14%BuyView
CurrentSanta CruzAZ
59$282,899$1,3775.84%Hold
YumaAZ
58$277,098$1,3815.98%HoldView
La PazAZ
55$264,493Est. pending—HoldView
PinalAZ
50$364,073$1,8476.09%HoldView

The Bottom Line

HoldSanta Cruz is a neutral market. Consider house hacking or targeting below-market deals.

Santa Cruz County in Arizona scores 59/100, ranking #401 of 1,000 US counties (top 51%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental loses about $588/month; the 5.84% gross rent-to-price ratio doesn't survive debt service. The thesis here is appreciation, value-add, house hacking, or all-cash.

Monthly Cash Flow
$-588/mo
Cap Rate
3.8%
Cash-on-Cash
-10.8%

Related markets

Markets like Santa Cruz with stronger cash flow

  • Graham County for cash-flow rentals
  • Cochise County for cash-flow rentals
  • Pinal County for cash-flow rentals

Cheaper alternatives to Santa Cruz

  • Cochise County, lower entry price
  • La Paz County, lower entry price
  • Yuma County, lower entry price

Head-to-head comparisons

  • Santa Cruz vs Yuma for rentals
  • Santa Cruz vs Cochise for rentals
  • Santa Cruz vs La Paz for rentals
All counties in Arizona →

Rent vs buy in Arizona cities

Rent vs buy in Phoenix, AZMedian $455,490 · rent $1,736/moRent vs buy in Tucson, AZMedian $339,306 · rent $1,510/moRent vs buy in Chandler, AZMedian $455,490 · rent $1,736/moRent vs buy in Glendale, AZMedian $455,490 · rent $1,736/moRent vs buy in Gilbert, AZMedian $455,490 · rent $1,736/moAll Arizona citiesFull rent-vs-buy directory for the state

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