Tucson, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
547,073
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,073/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
247,823
0.8% year-over-year change

Tucson population

How many people live in Tucson

Tucson is home to 547,073 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Tucson locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
547,073
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
271,154
Female
50.4%
275,919
Value Percent YoY change
Male 271,154 49.6% 0.3%
Female 275,919 50.4% 1.0%
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 Tucson is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 18.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.1% of the population, while another 21.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
18.6%
25 to 44
28.1%
45 to 64
21.1%
Over 65
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 87,570 16% -1.5%
15 to 24 101,904 18.6% 1.1%
25 to 44 153,534 28.1% 1.5%
45 to 64 115,349 21.1% -0.8%
Over 65 88,716 16.2% 3.2%
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 Tucson, 84.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53.7% of locals are Caucasian, 5.1% are African American and 3.3% have Asian roots. Another 2.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 12.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 23.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.8%
Non-citizens
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 462,799 84.6% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 48,113 8.8% 4.3%
Non-citizens 36,161 6.6% -4.9%
Racial breakdown
White
53.7%
Black or African American
5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.5%
Asian
3.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
23.2%
Other
12.1%
Value Percent
White 293,664 53.7%
Black or African American 28,064 5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13,526 2.5%
Asian 18,028 3.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,164 0.2%
Two or more races 126,641 23.2%
Other 65,986 12.1%

Households in Tucson

A peek inside Tucson households

Tucson has 228,020 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53% are families, while the remaining 47% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
228,020
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
107,292
Family households
120,728
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 107,292 47% 1.9%
Family households 120,728 53% 0.8%
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 Tucson

The housing landscape of Tucson

Tucson's housing consists of 247,823 units, with 51.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.2% 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 6.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
247,823
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 128,374 51.8%
1 unit, attached 20,312 8.2%
2 units 6,876 2.8%
3 or 4 units 10,723 4.3%
5 to 9 units 12,496 5%
10 to 19 units 17,030 6.9%
20 to 49 units 14,670 5.9%
50 or more units 21,760 8.8%
Mobile home 15,046 6.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 536 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
2,886
75.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tucson

In Tucson, the median construction year is 1979. About 3.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8,298 3.4% 5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 12,428 5% 5.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 32,826 13.2% -0.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 26,457 10.7% -2.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 50,063 20.2% 1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 39,257 15.8% -3.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 30,324 12.2% -2.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 33,145 13.4% 3.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 12,139 4.9% 7.5%
Built in 2020 or later 2,886 1.2% 75.5%
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.

Tucson occupancy rates

Out of the 228,020 occupied housing units in Tucson, 51.8% are owner-occupied, while 48.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
228,020
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
109,803
Owner occupied
118,217
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 109,803 48.2% 0.9%
Owner occupied 118,217 51.8% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.0%
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.

Tucson housing costs

Housing costs in Tucson come to a median of $1,129 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,145.

Median housing costs per month
$1,129/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 Tucson
$1,145/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 Tucson

Tucson education at a glance

About 32.7% of the population in Tucson went to high school, while 27.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 16.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18,258 4.1% -2.5%
High school diploma 144,248 32.7% -0.3%
College diploma 122,206 27.7% 0.6%
Associate degree 36,830 8.4% 2.6%
Bachelor's degree 72,842 16.5% 3.6%
Graduate degree 46,838 10.6% 4.4%
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 Tucson

How much people earn in Tucson

The average annual household income in Tucson was $76,756 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,073, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tucson
$76,756/year
4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tucson
$57,073/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Tucson income by age

In Tucson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $63,455. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,384 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,321, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,400 in earnings. Overall, 81.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,321 3.8%
25 - 44 $63,455 5.8%
45 - 64 $68,384 5.2%
Over 65 $47,400 2.0%
Above poverty level
420,728
Below poverty level
97,526
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 420,728 81.2% 0.8%
Below poverty level 97,526 18.8% 1.0%

Average renter income in Tucson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tucson, their median household income was $37,727 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,727
Rent-to-income ratio
36.4%
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 Tucson

Workforce and job types in Tucson

The job market in Tucson is powered by 257,967 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 64.6% are employed by private companies, and 17.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
257,967
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
208,994
Blue collar
48,973
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 208,994 81% 0.7%
Blue collar 48,973 19% 3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
64.6%
Governmental workers
17.7%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 22,670 8.8% 2.5%
Private companies 166,536 64.6% -0.3%
Governmental workers 45,623 17.7% 2.3%
Not for profit companies 23,138 9% 8.3%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
-2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tucson 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 Tucson

How people get around in Tucson

In Tucson, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% 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
-1.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 202,992 78.5% -0.1%
Taxicab 741 0.3% 0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 5,801 2.2% -1.3%
Subway or elevated 59 0% N/A
Railroad 12 0% N/A
Ferryboat 31 0% 10.7%
Motorcycle 903 0.4% -11.6%
Bicycle 3,487 1.4% -15.8%
Walk 6,638 2.6% -2.3%
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 Tucson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
85701 5,498 3,411 $51,794 $81,628
85705 54,700 25,734 $37,194 $53,070
85706 54,236 17,969 $50,248 $63,630
85707 581 21 $0 $0
85708 4,312 1,381 $63,919 $73,929
85710 56,125 26,697 $57,175 $73,913
85711 42,558 18,507 $56,121 $71,607
85712 31,571 16,707 $50,625 $70,955
85713 46,439 17,115 $53,152 $68,192
85714 14,498 5,280 $55,000 $67,188

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FAQs about Tucson demographics 

What is the total population of Tucson?

Tucson has a total population of 547,073 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tucson?

The gender ratio in Tucson is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (271,154 residents)
  • 50.4% females (275,919 residents)

What is the median age in Tucson?

The median age in Tucson is 34.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tucson?

The age distribution in Tucson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (87,570 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.6% (101,904 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.1% (153,534 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.1% (115,349 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.2% (88,716 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tucson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tucson is as follows:
  • White: 53.7% (293,664 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.1% (28,064 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.5% (13,526 residents)
  • Asian: 3.3% (18,028 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (1,164 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 23.2% (126,641 residents)
  • Other: 12.1% (65,986 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.6% of the population in Tucson.

How many housing units are there in Tucson?

There are 247,823 housing units in Tucson, 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 Tucson and what is the average household size?

Tucson has a total of 228,020 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tucson?

Tucson has a median household income of $57,073, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.8% in Tucson, with a workforce of 257,967 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81% (208,994 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19% (48,973 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (22,670 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.6% (166,536 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.7% (45,623 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (23,138 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