Surprise, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
154,948
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$96,711/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
62,098
2.9% year-over-year change

Surprise population

How many people live in Surprise

Surprise is home to 154,948 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Surprise locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
154,948
3.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
73,578
Female
52.5%
81,370
Value Percent YoY change
Male 73,578 47.5% 3.8%
Female 81,370 52.5% 3.5%
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 Surprise is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
22.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 29,405 19% 0.7%
15 to 24 18,049 11.6% 4.5%
25 to 44 36,581 23.6% 7.0%
45 to 64 36,481 23.5% 3.4%
Over 65 34,432 22.2% 2.6%
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 Surprise, 90.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.7% of locals are Caucasian, 4.6% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 140,888 90.9% 3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,805 7% 13.9%
Non-citizens 3,255 2.1% -1.1%
Racial breakdown
White
71.7%
Black or African American
4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
13.9%
Other
5.9%
Value Percent
White 111,154 71.7%
Black or African American 7,130 4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,369 0.9%
Asian 4,041 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 540 0.4%
Two or more races 21,512 13.9%
Other 9,202 5.9%

Households in Surprise

A peek inside Surprise households

Surprise has 56,506 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.3% are families, while the remaining 26.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
56,506
3.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
15,104
Family households
41,402
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 15,104 26.7% 12.7%
Family households 41,402 73.3% 0.9%
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 Surprise

The housing landscape of Surprise

Surprise's housing consists of 62,098 units, with 85.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
62,098
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 53,229 85.7%
1 unit, attached 1,032 1.7%
2 units 295 0.5%
3 or 4 units 617 1%
5 to 9 units 821 1.3%
10 to 19 units 783 1.3%
20 to 49 units 884 1.4%
50 or more units 1,853 3%
Mobile home 2,404 3.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 180 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
4,641
99.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Surprise

In Surprise, the median construction year is 2005. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 53.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 7.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 31 0% -18.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 122 0.2% -9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 373 0.6% -8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 401 0.6% 34.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 820 1.3% -13.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,382 3.8% -0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 11,201 18% -1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 33,151 53.4% -1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,976 14.4% 1.2%
Built in 2020 or later 4,641 7.5% 99.9%
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.

Surprise occupancy rates

Out of the 56,506 occupied housing units in Surprise, 79.1% are owner-occupied, while 20.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
56,506
3.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,823
Owner occupied
44,683
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,823 20.9% 3.3%
Owner occupied 44,683 79.1% 3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
9.0%
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.

Surprise housing costs

Housing costs in Surprise come to a median of $1,662 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,033.

Median housing costs per month
$1,662/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 Surprise
$2,033/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 Surprise

Surprise education at a glance

About 32.3% of the population in Surprise went to high school, while 26.7% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 17.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,938 1.6% 2.9%
High school diploma 38,528 32.3% 6.6%
College diploma 31,789 26.7% 4.1%
Associate degree 13,448 11.3% 5.0%
Bachelor's degree 21,379 17.9% 1.1%
Graduate degree 12,119 10.2% 5.5%
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 Surprise

How much people earn in Surprise

The average annual household income in Surprise was $113,745 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $96,711, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Surprise
$113,745/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Surprise
$96,711/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Surprise income by age

In Surprise, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $104,152. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $116,937 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,597, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,950 in earnings. Overall, 91.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,597 -15.2%
25 - 44 $104,152 1.9%
45 - 64 $116,937 5.0%
Over 65 $68,950 -1.8%
Above poverty level
139,471
Below poverty level
13,098
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 139,471 91.4% 2.6%
Below poverty level 13,098 8.6% 14.1%

Average renter income in Surprise

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Surprise, their median household income was $71,092 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$71,092
Rent-to-income ratio
34.3%
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 Surprise

Workforce and job types in Surprise

The job market in Surprise is powered by 69,296 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 13.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
69,296
5.7% year-over-year change
White collar
55,925
Blue collar
13,371
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 55,925 80.7% 4.1%
Blue collar 13,371 19.3% 12.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
13.4%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,517 8% 6.6%
Private companies 48,930 70.6% 7.4%
Governmental workers 9,259 13.4% -0.2%
Not for profit companies 5,590 8.1% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
7.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Surprise stands at 4.3%, 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 Surprise

How people get around in Surprise

In Surprise, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
-0.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 53,736 77.9% 2.9%
Taxicab 6 0% -90.3%
Bus or trolleybus 52 0.1% -14.8%
Motorcycle 238 0.3% 15.0%
Bicycle 156 0.2% 9.1%
Walk 478 0.7% -11.0%
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 Surprise by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
85374 41,420 18,489 $81,201 $94,941
85379 51,035 15,792 $110,616 $124,945
85387 22,442 9,120 $98,757 $118,925
85388 35,369 10,871 $112,164 $142,721

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FAQs about Surprise demographics 

What is the total population of Surprise?

Surprise has a total population of 154,948 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 +3.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Surprise?

The gender ratio in Surprise is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (73,578 residents)
  • 52.5% females (81,370 residents)

What is the median age in Surprise?

The median age in Surprise is 41.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Surprise?

The age distribution in Surprise is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (29,405 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (18,049 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (36,581 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (36,481 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.2% (34,432 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Surprise?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Surprise is as follows:
  • White: 71.7% (111,154 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.6% (7,130 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (1,369 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (4,041 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (540 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.9% (21,512 residents)
  • Other: 5.9% (9,202 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.9% of the population in Surprise.

How many housing units are there in Surprise?

There are 62,098 housing units in Surprise, reflecting a +2.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Surprise has a total of 56,506 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Surprise?

Surprise has a median household income of $96,711, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.7% in Surprise, with a workforce of 69,296 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.7% (55,925 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.3% (13,371 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (5,517 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (48,930 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.4% (9,259 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (5,590 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