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
The poverty rate is what most separates Santa Cruz County from the typical county: 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 48,209 residents, Santa Cruz County is a county in Arizona. It ranks #12 among counties in Arizona by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $53,614, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $216,100, with typical rent around $781.
Roughly 24.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.3%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Santa Cruz County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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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Part of Arizona
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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.