Safford, Graham County, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
33,274
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,268/yr
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,638
1.0% year-over-year change

Safford population

How many people live in Safford

Safford is home to 33,274 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.3% of Safford locals are male, and 45.7% are female.

Total population
33,274
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.3%
18,057
Female
45.7%
15,218
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,057 54.3% 1.3%
Female 15,218 45.7% 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 Safford is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.4% are children under 15, then 14% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.4% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.4%
15 to 24
14%
25 to 44
28.4%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,800 20.4% 1.8%
15 to 24 4,661 14% 0.6%
25 to 44 9,441 28.4% 0.3%
45 to 64 7,374 22.2% 2.0%
Over 65 4,999 15% 1.7%
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 Safford, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. Another 1.9% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 22% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 31,809 95.6% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 628 1.9% -11.2%
Non-citizens 838 2.5% 9.7%
Racial breakdown
White
67%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.9%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
22%
Other
6.2%
Value Percent
White 22,285 67%
Black or African American 571 1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 629 1.9%
Asian 203 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 217 0.6%
Two or more races 7,320 22%
Other 2,049 6.2%

Households in Safford

A peek inside Safford households

Safford has 11,174 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.2% are families, while the remaining 32.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,174
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,662
Family households
7,512
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,662 32.8% 11.2%
Family households 7,512 67.2% -2.5%
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 Safford

The housing landscape of Safford

Safford's housing consists of 12,638 units, with 69.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.9% 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 21.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,638
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,800 69.6%
1 unit, attached 117 0.9%
2 units 220 1.7%
3 or 4 units 250 2%
5 to 9 units 162 1.3%
10 to 19 units 67 0.5%
20 to 49 units 117 0.9%
50 or more units 179 1.4%
Mobile home 2,666 21.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 59 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
226
2.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Safford

In Safford, the median construction year is 1982. About 5.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 736 5.8% 15.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 403 3.2% -18.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 896 7.1% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 983 7.8% -14.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,974 15.6% 3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,208 17.5% 9.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,911 15.1% 7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,089 16.5% -3.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,211 9.6% -1.5%
Built in 2020 or later 226 1.8% 2.7%
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.

Safford occupancy rates

Out of the 11,174 occupied housing units in Safford, 74.1% are owner-occupied, while 25.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,174
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,893
Owner occupied
8,281
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,893 25.9% 1.4%
Owner occupied 8,281 74.1% 1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
11.6%
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.

Safford housing costs

Housing costs in Safford come to a median of $994 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $957.

Median housing costs per month
$994/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 Safford
$957/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 Safford

Safford education at a glance

About 41.6% of the population in Safford went to high school, while 28.7% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 10.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,183 4.7% -2.3%
High school diploma 10,460 41.6% 2.7%
College diploma 7,216 28.7% -2.1%
Associate degree 2,507 10% 6.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,541 10.1% 6.3%
Graduate degree 1,216 4.8% -1.2%
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 Safford

How much people earn in Safford

The average annual household income in Safford was $58,043 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $82,268, reflecting a +5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Safford
$58,043/year
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Safford
$82,268/year
5.4% year-over-year change

Safford income by age

In Safford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $89,162. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,589 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $75,868, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,882 in earnings. Overall, 86.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $75,868 4.5%
25 - 44 $89,162 1.8%
45 - 64 $98,589 13.2%
Over 65 $46,882 -29.4%
Above poverty level
26,263
Below poverty level
4,185
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,263 86.3% 2.9%
Below poverty level 4,185 13.7% 0.5%

Average renter income in Safford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Safford, their median household income was $55,227 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 20.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,227
Rent-to-income ratio
20.8%
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 Safford

Workforce and job types in Safford

71.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 68.7% are employed by private companies, and 17.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
9,500
Blue collar
3,751
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,500 71.7% 7.6%
Blue collar 3,751 28.3% -3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
68.7%
Governmental workers
17.9%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,210 9.1% -7.3%
Private companies 9,104 68.7% 5.0%
Governmental workers 2,374 17.9% 14.7%
Not for profit companies 563 4.2% -12.8%

Transportation in Safford

How people get around in Safford

In Safford, the average commute time is 53 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
53 min
231.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,035 97.6% 4.0%
Taxicab 3 0% -50.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% -94.1%
Ferryboat 10 0.1% -16.7%
Motorcycle 8 0.1% -42.9%
Bicycle 2 0% -33.3%
Walk 275 2.2% 74.0%
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.

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FAQs about Safford demographics 

What is the total population of Safford?

Safford has a total population of 33,274 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Safford?

The gender ratio in Safford is as follows:
  • 54.3% males (18,057 residents)
  • 45.7% females (15,218 residents)

What is the median age in Safford?

The median age in Safford is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Safford?

The age distribution in Safford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.4% (6,800 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14% (4,661 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.4% (9,441 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (7,374 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (4,999 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Safford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Safford is as follows:
  • White: 67% (22,285 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (571 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.9% (629 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (203 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (217 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 22% (7,320 residents)
  • Other: 6.2% (2,049 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Safford.

How many housing units are there in Safford?

There are 12,638 housing units in Safford, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Safford has a total of 11,174 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Safford?

Safford has a median household income of $82,268, representing a +5.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Safford?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.7% (9,500 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.3% (3,751 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (1,210 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.7% (9,104 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.9% (2,374 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (563 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