Santa Cruz County, Arizona Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 12th-largest in Arizona
The population of Santa Cruz County, Arizona is 48,209 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest county in Arizona. The median household income is $53,614, the median home value is $216,100, and the median age is 37.9.
The population of Santa Cruz County has grown 6.6% since 2010 (47,402 → 50,508), a +0.45% annualized rate.
48,209
Population
+0.45%
Annual growth
39
People / sq mi
$53,614
Median Income
$216,100
Median Home Value
Santa Cruz County covers 1,236 sq mi of land at 39.0 people per square mile.
About Santa Cruz County, AZ
Santa Cruz County is a county in Arizona with a population of 48,209. It ranks #12 among counties in Arizona by population. The median age is 37.9, in line with the national median. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The median household income in Santa Cruz County is $53,614, below the US median of $74,580. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $216,100, with monthly rent averaging $781. The homeownership rate of 68.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Santa Cruz County reflects 24.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.3 minutes each way.
Santa Cruz County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Santa Cruz County had a population of 47,402 in 2010 and 50,508 in 2024, a 6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 50,508 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.46%.
50,508
Population (2024)
47,402
Population (2010)
50,508
Peak (2024)
0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 47,402 |
| 2011 | 47,640 |
| 2012 | 47,330 |
| 2013 | 46,902 |
| 2014 | 46,596 |
| 2015 | 46,493 |
| 2016 | 46,412 |
| 2017 | 46,578 |
| 2018 | 46,446 |
| 2019 | 46,728 |
| 2020 | 47,712 |
| 2021 | 47,962 |
| 2022 | 48,801 |
| 2023 | 49,647 |
| 2024 | 50,508 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 42.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
37.9
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.4% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,614$-23,258 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,629 |
| Per-capita income | $25,634 |
| Poverty rate | 16.5%+7.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Santa Cruz County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
78.5%
Public transit
6.3%
Work from home
24.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$216,100$-142,800 vs state
Median home value
$781
Median rent
68.4%
Homeownership rate
18,997
Total housing units
88.5%
Occupied
11.5%
Vacant
31.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.5%
With health insurance
91.8%
With broadband internet
16.6%
Foreign-born
4.6%
Veterans (18+)
12.5%
With a disability
21.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.7%
High School+
24.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Cruz County, Arizona has a population of 48,209 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest county in Arizona. Population density is 39 people per square mile.
The population of Santa Cruz County has grown 6.6% since 2010 (47,402 → 50,508), a +0.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Santa Cruz County, Arizona is $53,614, with mean (average) household income of $70,629 and per-capita income of $25,634. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Santa Cruz County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (42.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Santa Cruz County, Arizona is 37.9 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in Santa Cruz County is $216,100 and median monthly rent is $781. 68.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,997 total housing units, 11.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Santa Cruz County, Arizona is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.9%.
Phoenix is among the largest cities associated with Santa Cruz County, Arizona, with a population of 1,624,832.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.