Healthy Environments Healthy Environments
Clean, safe, sustainable natural environment and a built environment and infrastructure that support health and well-being

Impact 1: Quality of Natural Environment and Natural Resources

The community indicators on this page provide an overview of how Santa Cruz County residents are doing in key areas of this community impact. This helps us understand how our community is doing overall, and whether particular people or areas in the county are experiencing greater challenges or hardships that need to be addressed. To learn more about any community indicator, click See More Data. 
Indicators

Concern for the Environment

Concern for the environment is an important indicator because many aspects of the community's health, wellbeing and livelihood depend on the quality of the natural environment.
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Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (22.5%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (21.6%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (22.5%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (21.6%).
Concern for the Enviornment: Water Pollution
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (23.7%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (15.5%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (23.7%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (15.5%).
Concern for the Environment: Litter
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (14.3%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (19.5%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (14.3%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (19.5%).
Concern for the Environment: Water Availability/Saltwater Intrusion

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to Prior Value)

Indicators

Annual Ozone Air Quality; Annual Particle Pollution

Ozone primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing breathing difficulties, aggravating existing lung diseases, and inflaming lung tissue. 
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Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (1) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (1). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (1) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (1).
Annual Ozone Air Quality
(Compared to Prior Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly.
Annual Ozone Air Quality
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (5) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (5). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (5) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (5).
Annual Particle Pollution
(Compared to Prior Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
Annual Particle Pollution
(Compared to Trend over Time)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Environmental Stewardship

Concern for the environment can empower advocacy organizations to build on the connections among environmental stewardship, public health, and safety issues. 
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Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (58.2%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (58.1%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (58.2%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (58.1%).
Residents that Installed Higher Efficiency Water Fixture Inside Their Home
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (60.2%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (61.2%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (60.2%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (61.2%).
Residents that Learned about Local Wildlife, Birds, or Fish to Protect Our Wildlife
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (50.4%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (57.7%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (50.4%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (57.7%).
Residents Who Have Reduced Storm Water and Irrigation Run-off From Their Yard

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to Prior Value)

INDICATOR

Health of County Beaches

Data for this indicator set is limited. We encourage users to explore this monthly update of water quality (standards set by the California State Water Resources Control Board) in Santa Cruz County. 
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Health of County Beaches - Swim Advisory Days

Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly.

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to Trend over Time)

INDICATORS

Exposure to Hazardous Toxic Substances (Including Pesticides)

Although a data source is not available at this time, DataShare partners are monitoring different sources and options to fill this gap. If you know of a specific data source or another indicator that offers similar information, please contact datasharescc@gmail.com 
Indicators

Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity

Although a data source is not available at this time, DataShare partners are monitoring different sources and options to fill this gap. If you know of a specific data source or another indicator that offers similar information, please contact datasharescc@gmail.com 
Indicators

Use of "Natural Capital" Valuation Tool

Data unavailable at this time - for more information on natural capital valuation see Nature' Value in Santa Cruz County. 

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