Barangay Sta. Cruz

Classified as a large barangay, Barangay Sta. Cruz is one of the administrative divisions of Santa Maria in Bulacan, Central Luzon, Philippines.

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Barangay Sta. Cruz had a population of 11,364. This made it the 10th largest of 24 barangays in Santa Maria by population, placing it in the middle tier of the municipality. Residents of Barangay Sta. Cruz accounted for approximately 3.92% of the total population of Santa Maria, which stood at 289,820 in the same census year.

Census comparisons between 2015 and 2020 show Barangay Sta. Cruz moving from 9,211 residents to 11,364 residents, an intercensal change of +23.4%. The trajectory indicates a growing community. The Philippine Statistics Authority classifies Barangay Sta. Cruz as urban, reflecting the density and built-up character of the area.

Santa Maria is a municipality comprising 24 barangays, and serves as the governing unit directly responsible for local services in Barangay Sta. Cruz, including public health, sanitation, peace and order, and civil registration. Within the wider province of Bulacan, which contains 569 barangays across its component cities and municipalities, Barangay Sta. Cruz ranks 73rd by 2020 population. Bulacan is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, a category that reflects the province's annual regular income.

The barangay's legislative and executive affairs are handled by a Punong Barangay and the Sangguniang Barangay, elected nationwide during the Barangay and SK Elections. The next BSKE is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, following the synchronized election schedule set by COMELEC Resolution No. 11191.