Carefree, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,683
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$147,165/yr
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,315
-2.4% year-over-year change

Carefree population

How many people live in Carefree

Carefree is home to 3,683 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Carefree locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
3,683
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
1,769
Female
52%
1,914
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,769 48% 1.2%
Female 1,914 52% -0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Carefree is 65, with the population distributed as follows: about 0.5% are children under 15, then 5.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 6.4% of the population, while another 37.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 49.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
64.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
0.5%
15 to 24
5.9%
25 to 44
6.4%
45 to 64
37.9%
Over 65
49.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18 0.5% 38.5%
15 to 24 216 5.9% -5.3%
25 to 44 237 6.4% -2.5%
45 to 64 1,395 37.9% -2.2%
Over 65 1,817 49.3% 3.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Carefree, 91.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 1.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.1%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,368 91.4% 3.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 225 6.1% -31.6%
Non-citizens 90 2.4% -10.0%
Racial breakdown
White
97.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 3,584 97.3%
Black or African American 1 0%
Asian 54 1.5%
Two or more races 44 1.2%

Households in Carefree

A peek inside Carefree households

Carefree has 1,845 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.4% are families, while the remaining 28.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,845
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
527
Family households
1,318
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 527 28.6% -14.6%
Family households 1,318 71.4% 7.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Carefree

The housing landscape of Carefree

Carefree's housing consists of 2,315 units, with 81.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,315
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,889 81.6%
1 unit, attached 280 12.1%
3 or 4 units 52 2.2%
5 to 9 units 29 1.2%
20 to 49 units 39 1.7%
50 or more units 26 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carefree

In Carefree, the median construction year is 1988. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 46 2% -9.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 246 10.6% 4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 447 19.3% -2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 526 22.7% 13.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 463 20% -2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 476 20.6% -7.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 111 4.8% -36.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Carefree occupancy rates

Out of the 1,845 occupied housing units in Carefree, 91.1% are owner-occupied, while 8.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,845
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
165
Owner occupied
1,680
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 165 8.9% 0.0%
Owner occupied 1,680 91.1% -0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
20.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Carefree housing costs

Housing costs in Carefree come to a median of $1,852 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,538.

Median housing costs per month
$1,852/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Carefree
$1,538/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Carefree

Carefree education at a glance

About 10.5% of the population in Carefree went to high school, while 22.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 37.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 0.5% -5.3%
High school diploma 375 10.5% -3.6%
College diploma 819 22.9% 6.1%
Associate degree 242 6.8% -3.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,330 37.2% -4.4%
Graduate degree 795 22.2% 5.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Carefree

How much people earn in Carefree

The average annual household income in Carefree was $177,031 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $147,165, reflecting a +4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carefree
$177,031/year
-4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carefree
$147,165/year
4.1% year-over-year change

Carefree income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $167,557 overall. Overall, 88.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $167,557 14.1%
Over 65 $131,745 2.3%
Above poverty level
3,201
Below poverty level
409
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,201 88.7% 0.8%
Below poverty level 409 11.3% -3.8%

Average renter income in Carefree

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carefree, their median household income was $38,047 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 48.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,047
Rent-to-income ratio
48.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Carefree

Workforce and job types in Carefree

The job market in Carefree is powered by 1,468 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.7% run their own businesses, 61.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,468
-4.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,386
Blue collar
82
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,386 94.4% -3.9%
Blue collar 82 5.6% -5.8%
Employer type
Self employees
15.7%
Private companies
61.9%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 231 15.7% 8.4%
Private companies 909 61.9% -7.1%
Governmental workers 234 15.9% -4.1%
Not for profit companies 94 6.4% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-14.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carefree stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Carefree

How people get around in Carefree

In Carefree, the average commute time is 36 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 46.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
36 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 596 46.2% -2.8%
Walk 46 3.6% 9.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Carefree by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
85377 3,437 1,714 $149,167 $171,680

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FAQs about Carefree demographics 

What is the total population of Carefree?

Carefree has a total population of 3,683 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carefree?

The gender ratio in Carefree is as follows:
  • 48% males (1,769 residents)
  • 52% females (1,914 residents)

What is the median age in Carefree?

The median age in Carefree is 64.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carefree?

The age distribution in Carefree is as follows:
  • Under 15: 0.5% (18 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.9% (216 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 6.4% (237 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 37.9% (1,395 residents)
  • Over 65: 49.3% (1,817 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carefree?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carefree is as follows:
  • White: 97.3% (3,584 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (54 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.2% (44 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Carefree are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.4% of the population in Carefree.

How many housing units are there in Carefree?

There are 2,315 housing units in Carefree, reflecting a -2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Carefree and what is the average household size?

Carefree has a total of 1,845 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carefree?

Carefree has a median household income of $147,165, representing a +4.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carefree?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Carefree, with a workforce of 1,468 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.4% (1,386 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.6% (82 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.7% (231 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.9% (909 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (234 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.4% (94 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025