Community Connectedness Community Connectedness
A sense of belonging, diverse and inclusive neighborhoods and institutions, vibrant arts and cultural life, and civic engagement

Impact 3: Increased Civic Engagement

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

Opportunity to Have a Say on Important Issues

 
Data unavailable at this time
Indicator

Voter Turnout

Voting ensures that all citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues such as the use of tax dollars, civil rights and foreign policy.
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Voter Turnout: Presidential Election

Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 86.0% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 82.9% while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 79.4%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 86.0% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 82.9% while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 79.4%.
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to the CA Value (80.7%), Santa Cruz has a value of 86.0% which is higher and better. Compared to the CA Value (80.7%), Santa Cruz has a value of 86.0% which is higher and better.
(Compared to CA State Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is staying the same. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is staying the same.
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (86.0%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (84.1%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (86.0%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (84.1%).
(Compared to Prior Value)

County: Santa Cruz

INDICATOR

Voter Registration

Citizens who are registered to vote tend to be more informed and active participants in the community.
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Voter Registration

Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 92.3% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 84.7% while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 80.0%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 92.3% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 84.7% while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 80.0%.
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to the CA Value (87.9%), Santa Cruz has a value of 92.3% which is higher and better. Compared to the CA Value (87.9%), Santa Cruz has a value of 92.3% which is higher and better.
(Compared to CA State Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (92.3%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (82.6%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (92.3%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (82.6%).
(Compared to Prior Value)

County: Santa Cruz

INDICATOR

Participation in Civic, Social, Faith-Based Associations

Research suggests that belonging to voluntary groups and membership organizations enhances perceptions of social trust, and that individuals with strong networks are more likely to perform healthy behaviors.
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Social Associations

Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 7.5 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 6.0 while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 4.6. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 7.5 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 6.0 while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 4.6.
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to the CA Value (6.0), Santa Cruz has a value of 7.5 which is higher and better. Compared to the CA Value (6.0), Santa Cruz has a value of 7.5 which is higher and better.
(Compared to CA State Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (7.5) is greater and better than the previously measured value (7.4). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (7.5) is greater and better than the previously measured value (7.4).
(Compared to Prior Value)

County: Santa Cruz

INDICATOR

Participation in Government

Civic engagement refers to actions designed to address or bring to light community issues. Civic engagement includes volunteering, advocacy, and participating in local governmental processes. 
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Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (37.5%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (40.7%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (37.5%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (40.7%).
Civic Engagement: Attended a Town Meeting, Public Hearing, or Public Affair
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (20.0%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (26.7%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (20.0%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (26.7%).
Civic Engagement: Joined a Political Advocacy Group
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (33.3%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (41.3%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (33.3%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (41.3%).
Civic Engagement: Met with, emailed, called, or signed a letter to a local politician
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (48.2%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (54.1%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (48.2%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (54.1%).
Civic Engagement: Signed a Petition

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to Prior Value)

Indicators

Volunteerism

 
Data unavailable at this time
 
Santa Cruz