Sun City, Maricopa County, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
37,486
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,586/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
26,626
-1.7% year-over-year change

Sun City population

How many people live in Sun City

Sun City is home to 37,486 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43% of Sun City locals are male, and 57% are female.

Total population
37,486
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43%
16,103
Female
57%
21,383
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,103 43% -0.7%
Female 21,383 57% -1.9%
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 Sun City is 73, with the population distributed as follows: about 1.2% are children under 15, then 1.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 3.5% of the population, while another 19.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 74.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
72.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
1.2%
15 to 24
1.3%
25 to 44
3.5%
45 to 64
19.2%
Over 65
74.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 469 1.2% 10.3%
15 to 24 489 1.3% 63.0%
25 to 44 1,319 3.5% 6.2%
45 to 64 7,189 19.2% -5.0%
Over 65 28,020 74.8% -1.6%
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 Sun City, 93.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.5% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.1%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 34,965 93.3% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,919 5.1% 1.1%
Non-citizens 602 1.6% -10.8%
Racial breakdown
White
89.7%
Black or African American
1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 33,616 89.7%
Black or African American 563 1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 120 0.3%
Asian 358 1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 63 0.2%
Two or more races 2,108 5.6%
Other 658 1.8%

Households in Sun City

A peek inside Sun City households

Sun City has 22,718 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.2% are families, while the remaining 52.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
22,718
-2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,000
Family households
10,718
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,000 52.8% -3.4%
Family households 10,718 47.2% -1.1%
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 Sun City

The housing landscape of Sun City

Sun City's housing consists of 26,626 units, with 61.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 26.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
26,626
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,332 61.3%
1 unit, attached 7,140 26.8%
2 units 235 0.9%
3 or 4 units 521 2%
5 to 9 units 588 2.2%
10 to 19 units 363 1.4%
20 to 49 units 244 0.9%
50 or more units 993 3.7%
Mobile home 199 0.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 0%
Homes built since 2020
17
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sun City

In Sun City, the median construction year is 1973. About 0.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 52 0.2% 40.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 83 0.3% -9.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 446 1.7% -22.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,685 28.9% 1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 15,400 57.8% -1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,389 5.2% -7.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 738 2.8% -15.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 434 1.6% 28.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 382 1.4% -9.5%
Built in 2020 or later 17 0.1% N/A
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.

Sun City occupancy rates

Out of the 22,718 occupied housing units in Sun City, 84.2% are owner-occupied, while 15.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
22,718
-2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,595
Owner occupied
19,123
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,595 15.8% -9.9%
Owner occupied 19,123 84.2% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
14.7%
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.

Sun City housing costs

Housing costs in Sun City come to a median of $825 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,569.

Median housing costs per month
$825/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 Sun City
$1,569/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 Sun City

Sun City education at a glance

About 36% of the population in Sun City went to high school, while 28.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 425 1.2% -16.3%
High school diploma 13,325 36% -1.2%
College diploma 10,557 28.5% -1.7%
Associate degree 3,149 8.5% -3.9%
Bachelor's degree 5,512 14.9% -0.1%
Graduate degree 4,035 10.9% 0.0%
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 Sun City

How much people earn in Sun City

The average annual household income in Sun City was $66,036 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,586, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sun City
$66,036/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sun City
$54,586/year
4.8% year-over-year change

Sun City income by age

In Sun City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $2,499. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,774 overall. Overall, 88.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $2,499 0.0%
45 - 64 $66,774 7.0%
Over 65 $51,473 2.6%
Above poverty level
32,850
Below poverty level
4,112
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 32,850 88.9% -0.9%
Below poverty level 4,112 11.1% -6.2%

Average renter income in Sun City

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sun City, their median household income was $43,929 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,929
Rent-to-income ratio
42.9%
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 Sun City

Workforce and job types in Sun City

The job market in Sun City is powered by 6,958 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 67.5% are employed by private companies, and 8.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,958
6.4% year-over-year change
White collar
5,112
Blue collar
1,846
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,112 73.5% 5.2%
Blue collar 1,846 26.5% 9.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
67.5%
Governmental workers
8.3%
Not for profit companies
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 697 10% -3.3%
Private companies 4,695 67.5% 4.0%
Governmental workers 578 8.3% 25.9%
Not for profit companies 988 14.2% 16.9%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
17.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sun City stands at 6.2%, 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 Sun City

How people get around in Sun City

In Sun City, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,078 75.3% 6.9%
Motorcycle 43 0.6% 43.3%
Bicycle 28 0.4% 16.7%
Walk 56 0.8% 60.0%
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 Sun City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
85351 27,592 17,227 $53,725 $66,566
85373 20,254 9,308 $72,063 $88,444

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FAQs about Sun City demographics 

What is the total population of Sun City?

Sun City has a total population of 37,486 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 -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sun City?

The gender ratio in Sun City is as follows:
  • 43% males (16,103 residents)
  • 57% females (21,383 residents)

What is the median age in Sun City?

The median age in Sun City is 72.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sun City?

The age distribution in Sun City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 1.2% (469 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 1.3% (489 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 3.5% (1,319 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.2% (7,189 residents)
  • Over 65: 74.8% (28,020 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sun City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sun City is as follows:
  • White: 89.7% (33,616 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.5% (563 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (120 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (358 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (63 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (2,108 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (658 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.3% of the population in Sun City.

How many housing units are there in Sun City?

There are 26,626 housing units in Sun City, reflecting a -1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sun City has a total of 22,718 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sun City?

Sun City has a median household income of $54,586, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sun City?

The employment rate is 93.8% in Sun City, with a workforce of 6,958 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.5% (5,112 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.5% (1,846 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (697 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.5% (4,695 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.3% (578 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.2% (988 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