What are current fha rates in Santa Cruz County?

Today's fha rates in Santa Cruz County start at 6.860% for qualified borrowers. Rates are updated daily using live investor pricing data from Safe Rate's pricing engine.

FHA Mortgage Rates — who qualifies in Santa Cruz County?

FHA loans require just 3.5% down with credit scores as low as 580. Government-backed and flexible — see today's FHA rates.

What are current mortgage rates in Santa Cruz County?

As of today, a standard conventional rate in Santa Cruz County is 6.860% (APR 6.880%) for a 30-year fixed loan. This assumes a 20% down payment and a 740+ credit score. Rates are updated daily using Safe Rate's live pricing engine.

How much does a home cost in Santa Cruz County?

The average home value in Santa Cruz County is $1,160,596, with +15.1% appreciation over the past two years. At a 10.3x price-to-income ratio, buyers typically need to stretch beyond standard guidelines.

What is the typical monthly mortgage payment in Santa Cruz County?

Based on the average home value with a standard conventional loan, the estimated principal and interest payment is $4,909/mo. Total PITI costs will also include property taxes ($6,545/yr locally), homeowners insurance (est. $86/mo), and any applicable mortgage insurance.

How do I qualify for a mortgage?

Conventional loans typically require a 620+ credit score and 3–20% down. With 20% down you avoid PMI. FHA loans are available with as little as 3.5% down and a 580+ credit score. VA loans offer 0% down for eligible veterans. Requirements vary by loan program. Contact a licensed loan officer for guidance specific to your situation.

How are these mortgage rates calculated?

Safe Rate's pricing engine ingests live investor rate sheets daily and calculates the best available rate for each scenario based on Santa Cruz County's median home value, local loan limits, and FHFA market data. Rates shown represent the most competitive offer available for each scenario, not a rate lock or commitment.

Safe Rate Local

Mortgage Rates in Santa Cruz County, CA

6.860%APR 6.880% · $4,909/mo (20% Down)

Updated daily · May 23, 2026+0.458% (14d)

Safe Rate Choice20% Down Conv.

← Back to Santa Cruz County Hub

14-Day Rate Trend

↑ +0.458%

LO 6.402%HI 6.860%TODAY 6.860%

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FHA Loan Details for Santa Cruz County

2025 HUD guidelines · Computed from local median home value

✅

FHA eligible · Est. loan amount $902,821 is within the high-cost area limit

2025 FHA loan limit for this area: approx. $1,209,750 (high-cost area) · Verify exact limit on HUD.gov ↗

Min. Down Payment

$40,621

3.5% of purchase price

Upfront MIP (UFMIP)

$15,799

1.75% · financed into loan

Monthly MIP

$414/mo

0.55%/yr · added to payment

MIP Duration

<10% down

Life of loan · 11 yrs if ≥10%

• Minimum credit score: 580 for 3.5% down · 500–579 requires 10% down
• Debt-to-income ratio: typically up to 57% with compensating factors
• UFMIP can be financed into the loan — no cash required at closing for this fee
• Annual MIP rate shown is 0.55% for a 30-yr loan with LTV >90%. Rate varies by term and LTV.

Product	Key Attributes	Rate / APR ↑	Mo. Payment ↕	Points
FHA 3.5% Down FHA purchase, 3.5% down +$414/mo MI	3.5% Down680 FICO30-yr	6.078% 7.040% APR	$5,554 Principal & Interest	$0 Points
5% Down Conv. Conventional, avg credit, 5% down +$593/mo MI	5% Down700 FICO30-yr	6.080% 6.990% APR	$5,469 Principal & Interest	$0 Points
Lower Credit FHA FHA for buyers with lower credit scores +$414/mo MI	3.5% Down580 FICO30-yr	6.185% 7.148% APR	$5,617 Principal & Interest	$0 Points
10% Down Conv. Conventional purchase, 10% down +$561/mo MI	10% Down720 FICO30-yr	6.810% 6.954% APR	$5,495 Principal & Interest	$0 Points

Mortgage Rates in Santa Cruz County: Local Market Snapshot

Median Home Value

$1,160,596

2-Yr Appreciation

15.1%

increase

Median Income

$113,012

household

Price-to-Income

10.3x

stretched

Rates updated daily via Safe Rate's pricing engine using live investor rate sheets, calibrated to Santa Cruz County's local loan limits and FHFA market data. Your actual rate depends on credit score, down payment, and lender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Market Snapshot

FIPS 06087

Average Home Value: $1,160,596
Average Rent: $2,289/mo
Average Income: $113,012
Property Tax: $6,545/yr
Avg Loan: $614,667
Avg LTV: 65.7%

Estimated Insurance

Homeowners Insurance

HO-3 policy · covers dwelling, property & liability

$86/mo

Flood Insurance$264/mo

Risk TierVery High

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Rates are representative estimates using base pricing sourced from national wholesale lenders. Safe Rate Mortgage is a broker driven platform. Estimated rates incorporate 1.40% lender paid compensation (minimum $2,000, maximum $4,000). At initial launch, no compensation occurs. Demographic and housing data sourced from public HUD and FHFA datasets.