Sun City West, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
27,425
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,685/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
19,120
-0.8% year-over-year change

Sun City West population

How many people live in Sun City West

Sun City West is home to 27,425 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.5% of Sun City West locals are male, and 54.5% are female.

Total population
27,425
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.5%
12,469
Female
54.5%
14,956
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,469 45.5% 1.0%
Female 14,956 54.5% 2.0%
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 West is 75, with the population distributed as follows: about 0.3% are children under 15, then 0.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 1.1% of the population, while another 13.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 85% are 65 or older.

Median age
74.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
0.3%
15 to 24
0.3%
25 to 44
1.1%
45 to 64
13.4%
Over 65
85%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 74 0.3% -9.8%
15 to 24 70 0.3% 18.6%
25 to 44 304 1.1% 10.1%
45 to 64 3,661 13.4% 7.0%
Over 65 23,316 85% 0.7%
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 Sun City West, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 2.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,013 94.8% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,093 4% 16.4%
Non-citizens 319 1.2% -5.1%
Racial breakdown
White
93.6%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
2.3%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 25,661 93.6%
Black or African American 325 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 78 0.3%
Asian 347 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 19 0.1%
Two or more races 619 2.3%
Other 376 1.4%

Households in Sun City West

A peek inside Sun City West households

Sun City West has 16,333 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.3% are families, while the remaining 40.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,333
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,651
Family households
9,682
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,651 40.7% 1.7%
Family households 9,682 59.3% 1.7%
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 West

The housing landscape of Sun City West

Sun City West's housing consists of 19,120 units, with 80.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.3% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
19,120
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,439 80.8%
1 unit, attached 2,158 11.3%
2 units 210 1.1%
3 or 4 units 97 0.5%
5 to 9 units 61 0.3%
10 to 19 units 8 0%
20 to 49 units 83 0.4%
50 or more units 1,006 5.3%
Mobile home 58 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
10
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sun City West

In Sun City West, the median construction year is 1989. About 0.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 33 0.2% N/A
Built between 1940 and 1949 30 0.2% 100.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 55 0.3% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 141 0.7% -29.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,642 19% -0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,242 32.6% 5.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,997 31.4% -3.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,740 14.3% -7.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 230 1.2% 5.5%
Built in 2020 or later 10 0% 0.0%
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 West occupancy rates

Out of the 16,333 occupied housing units in Sun City West, 88.1% are owner-occupied, while 11.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,333
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,940
Owner occupied
14,393
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,940 11.9% 1.8%
Owner occupied 14,393 88.1% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
14.6%
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.

Sun City West housing costs

Housing costs in Sun City West come to a median of $823 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,672.

Median housing costs per month
$823/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 West
$1,672/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 West

Sun City West education at a glance

About 28.2% of the population in Sun City West went to high school, while 27.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 19.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 336 1.2% 19.6%
High school diploma 7,708 28.2% -0.0%
College diploma 7,448 27.2% 2.4%
Associate degree 2,379 8.7% 9.5%
Bachelor's degree 5,421 19.8% 2.3%
Graduate degree 4,041 14.8% -3.4%
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 West

How much people earn in Sun City West

The average annual household income in Sun City West was $87,429 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,685, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sun City West
$87,429/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sun City West
$63,685/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Sun City West income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,005 overall. Overall, 92.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $72,005 0.7%
Over 65 $62,956 0.8%
Above poverty level
24,984
Below poverty level
2,049
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 24,984 92.4% 0.9%
Below poverty level 2,049 7.6% 13.1%

Average renter income in Sun City West

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sun City West, their median household income was $49,719 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,719
Rent-to-income ratio
40.4%
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 Sun City West

Workforce and job types in Sun City West

The job market in Sun City West is powered by 3,653 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.4% run their own businesses, 69% are employed by private companies, and 5.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,653
8.8% year-over-year change
White collar
3,116
Blue collar
537
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,116 85.3% 7.5%
Blue collar 537 14.7% 17.2%
Employer type
Self employees
15.4%
Private companies
69%
Governmental workers
5.4%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 563 15.4% 10.8%
Private companies 2,521 69% 12.8%
Governmental workers 196 5.4% -8.4%
Not for profit companies 373 10.2% -7.0%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
2.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sun City West 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 Sun City West

How people get around in Sun City West

In Sun City West, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 71.8% 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
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,490 71.8% 4.6%
Motorcycle 15 0.4% -25.0%
Bicycle 35 1% 12.9%
Walk 29 0.8% 52.6%
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 West by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
85375 27,680 16,408 $63,928 $87,699

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FAQs about Sun City West demographics 

What is the total population of Sun City West?

Sun City West has a total population of 27,425 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 +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sun City West?

The gender ratio in Sun City West is as follows:
  • 45.5% males (12,469 residents)
  • 54.5% females (14,956 residents)

What is the median age in Sun City West?

The median age in Sun City West is 74.8.

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

The age distribution in Sun City West is as follows:
  • Under 15: 0.3% (74 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0.3% (70 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 1.1% (304 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 13.4% (3,661 residents)
  • Over 65: 85% (23,316 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sun City West?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sun City West is as follows:
  • White: 93.6% (25,661 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (325 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (78 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (347 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (19 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.3% (619 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (376 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in Sun City West.

How many housing units are there in Sun City West?

There are 19,120 housing units in Sun City West, reflecting a -0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sun City West has a total of 16,333 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sun City West?

Sun City West has a median household income of $63,685, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.2% in Sun City West, with a workforce of 3,653 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.3% (3,116 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.7% (537 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.4% (563 residents)
  • Private companies: 69% (2,521 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.4% (196 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (373 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