Nogales, Santa Cruz County, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
45,800
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,384/yr
-4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,425
1.1% year-over-year change

Nogales population

How many people live in Nogales

Nogales is home to 45,800 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Nogales locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
45,800
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
21,987
Female
52%
23,813
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,987 48% 0.9%
Female 23,813 52% 1.2%
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 Nogales is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.7% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
50
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.7%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,947 21.7% 0.6%
15 to 24 6,546 14.3% 1.8%
25 to 44 10,712 23.4% 0.0%
45 to 64 10,433 22.8% 0.1%
Over 65 8,161 17.8% 3.6%
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 Nogales, 61.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 24.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 13.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 60.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24%
Non-citizens
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,183 61.5% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,982 24% 3.5%
Non-citizens 6,635 14.5% 4.1%
Racial breakdown
White
24.5%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
60.6%
Other
13.5%
Value Percent
White 11,240 24.5%
Black or African American 65 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 282 0.6%
Asian 130 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 144 0.3%
Two or more races 27,740 60.6%
Other 6,199 13.5%

Households in Nogales

A peek inside Nogales households

Nogales has 15,517 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.9% are families, while the remaining 26.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,517
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,046
Family households
11,470
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,046 26.1% -2.3%
Family households 11,470 73.9% 1.3%
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 Nogales

The housing landscape of Nogales

Nogales's housing consists of 17,425 units, with 69.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.5% 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 6.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,425
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,078 69.3%
1 unit, attached 1,475 8.5%
2 units 700 4%
3 or 4 units 975 5.6%
5 to 9 units 718 4.1%
10 to 19 units 200 1.2%
20 to 49 units 48 0.3%
50 or more units 116 0.7%
Mobile home 1,105 6.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
239
68.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nogales

In Nogales, the median construction year is 1982. About 2.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 24.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 478 2.7% -14.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 295 1.7% 92.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 840 4.8% -10.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,064 6.1% -5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,102 17.8% 3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,297 13.2% -8.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,371 19.4% -1.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,341 24.9% 3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,398 8% 17.3%
Built in 2020 or later 239 1.4% 68.3%
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.

Nogales occupancy rates

Out of the 15,517 occupied housing units in Nogales, 68.5% are owner-occupied, while 31.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,517
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,888
Owner occupied
10,628
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,888 31.5% -2.4%
Owner occupied 10,628 68.5% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
10.9%
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.

Nogales housing costs

Housing costs in Nogales come to a median of $800 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $962.

Median housing costs per month
$800/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 Nogales
$962/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 Nogales

Nogales education at a glance

About 44.4% of the population in Nogales went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 12% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,134 9.3% 0.6%
High school diploma 14,923 44.4% 5.7%
College diploma 6,423 19.1% 2.8%
Associate degree 2,767 8.2% -4.5%
Bachelor's degree 4,038 12% -9.8%
Graduate degree 2,356 7% -1.1%
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 Nogales

How much people earn in Nogales

The average annual household income in Nogales was $71,029 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,384, reflecting a -4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nogales
$71,029/year
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nogales
$58,384/year
-4.4% year-over-year change

Nogales income by age

In Nogales, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,346. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $60,386 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,688, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,034 in earnings. Overall, 78.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,688 109.9%
25 - 44 $83,346 1.8%
45 - 64 $60,386 -3.3%
Over 65 $49,034 -13.3%
Above poverty level
35,562
Below poverty level
9,633
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 35,562 78.7% 0.5%
Below poverty level 9,633 21.3% 3.5%

Average renter income in Nogales

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Nogales, their median household income was $26,607 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,607
Rent-to-income ratio
43.4%
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 Nogales

Workforce and job types in Nogales

71% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.7% run their own businesses, 59.5% are employed by private companies, and 20% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
12,753
Blue collar
5,208
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,753 71% -2.8%
Blue collar 5,208 29% 5.0%
Employer type
Self employees
11.7%
Private companies
59.5%
Governmental workers
20%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,108 11.7% 7.5%
Private companies 10,681 59.5% -0.3%
Governmental workers 3,600 20% 3.1%
Not for profit companies 1,573 8.8% -17.9%

Transportation in Nogales

How people get around in Nogales

In Nogales, the average commute time is 37 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
37 min
-11.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 15,500 96.7% -3.0%
Taxicab 90 0.6% -28.6%
Bus or trolleybus 57 0.4% -57.5%
Motorcycle 102 0.6% 10.9%
Bicycle 84 0.5% -5.6%
Walk 201 1.2% 14.2%
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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Nogales demographics 

What is the total population of Nogales?

Nogales has a total population of 45,800 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nogales?

The gender ratio in Nogales is as follows:
  • 48% males (21,987 residents)
  • 52% females (23,813 residents)

What is the median age in Nogales?

The median age in Nogales is 50.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nogales?

The age distribution in Nogales is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.7% (9,947 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (6,546 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (10,712 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (10,433 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (8,161 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nogales?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nogales is as follows:
  • White: 24.5% (11,240 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (65 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (282 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (130 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (144 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 60.6% (27,740 residents)
  • Other: 13.5% (6,199 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 61.5% of the population in Nogales.

How many housing units are there in Nogales?

There are 17,425 housing units in Nogales, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Nogales has a total of 15,517 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nogales?

Nogales has a median household income of $58,384, representing a -4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Nogales?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71% (12,753 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29% (5,208 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.7% (2,108 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.5% (10,681 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20% (3,600 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (1,573 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