2023 Santa Cruz County, Arizona Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Santa Cruz County, Arizona, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following statistics highlight Santa Cruz County, Arizona population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 48,209
- Median Age (Total)
- 37.9 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 37.2 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 38.7 years
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Age Distribution Comparison with Arizona 2023
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona age demographics with Arizona to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 37.9 yrs | 39.4 yrs | -1.5 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 6.35% | 5.20% | +1.1pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 19.76% | 15.72% | +4.0pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 8.96% | 9.59% | -0.6pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 22.41% | 24.40% | -2.0pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 18.92% | 19.67% | -0.8pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 81.93 | 68.29 | +13.6 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 81.93
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 47.51 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 34.43 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Santa Cruz County, Arizona are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 29.24
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona racial and ethnic demographics with Arizona to understand regional diversity patterns.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Diversity
29.24
lowArizona Diversity
62.80
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 82.71% | 32.12% | +50.6pp |
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 15.26% | 51.20% | -35.9pp |
| Two or More Races | 1.14% | 4.74% | -3.6pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.23% | 3.10% | -2.9pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 0.20% | 4.43% | -4.2pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.19% | 0.14% | +0.0pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.15% | 3.82% | -3.7pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.12% | 0.45% | -0.3pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 29.24 | 62.80 | -33.56 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $53,614 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 16,816
Income Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona household income with Arizona to understand regional economic patterns.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona
$53,614
Arizona
$81,486
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 16.66% | 9.77% | +6.9pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 17.16% | 9.31% | +7.8pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 14.15% | 10.36% | +3.8pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 17.83% | 16.37% | +1.5pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 25.06% | 32.23% | -7.2pp |
| $150,000 or more | 9.13% | 21.96% | -12.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Arizona.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $216,100
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 11,498 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona property values with Arizona to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona
$216,100
Arizona
$426,000
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.20% | 3.32% | -2.1pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 1.10% | 2.53% | -1.4pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 6.16% | 3.24% | +2.9pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 35.50% | 5.95% | +29.6pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 45.16% | 48.71% | -3.6pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 9.94% | 33.42% | -23.5pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.93% | 2.82% | -1.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Arizona.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 77.71%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 24.07%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 31,301
Education Level Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona educational attainment with Arizona to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
24.07%
Bachelor's+ in Arizona
34.73%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 22.29% | 10.26% | +12.0pp |
| HS Graduate | 26.37% | 23.32% | +3.1pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 27.26% | 31.68% | -4.4pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 15.36% | 20.91% | -5.6pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 8.71% | 13.82% | -5.1pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 77.71% | 89.74% | -12.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Arizona.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 14.5%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 6,950
- Total Civilian Population
- 48,038
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona health insurance coverage with Arizona to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
14.5%
Uninsured in Arizona
10.3%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 8.1% | 10.8% | 9.4% | 9.2% |
| 18-34 years | 30.8% | 25.1% | 19.4% | 14.1% |
| 35-64 years | 17.8% | 19.4% | 13.0% | 11.0% |
| 65+ years | 0.8% | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.8% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 86.6% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 9,971 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 6,445
Citizenship Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona citizenship and nativity with Arizona to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
86.6%
Citizenship in Arizona
93.0%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 64.6% | 85.0% | -20.4pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.2% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.3% | 1.4% | -0.1pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 20.7% | 6.4% | +14.3pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 13.4% | 7.0% | +6.4pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 86.6% | 93.0% | -6.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Arizona.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 89.5%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.7%
- Work From Home Rate
- 6.3%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 18,476
Transportation Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona commuting patterns with Arizona to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
89.5%
Drove in Arizona
78.3%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 89.5% | 78.3% | +11.2pp |
| Public transportation | 0.7% | 1.1% | -0.4pp |
| Bicycle | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.0pp |
| Walked | 1.3% | 1.7% | -0.4pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.7% | 2.1% | -0.4pp |
| Worked from home | 6.3% | 16.3% | -10.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Arizona.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Santa Cruz County, Arizona by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 18,876
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona employment patterns with Arizona to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
10.0% (M) / 9.6% (F)
Government Employment in Arizona
6.0% (M) / 7.4% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 35.2% F: 27.9% | M: 41.3% F: 31.8% | M: -6.1pp F: -3.9pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 4.4% F: 5.9% | M: 2.6% F: 4.8% | M: +1.8pp F: +1.1pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 10.0% F: 9.6% | M: 6.0% F: 7.4% | M: +4.0pp F: +2.2pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.7% F: 3.0% | M: 3.4% F: 2.5% | M: +0.3pp F: +0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Arizona.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 1,654
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
567 veterans (34.3%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona veteran demographics with Arizona to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
1,654
Total Veterans in Arizona
459,818
- Santa Cruz County, Arizona: Vietnam Era Only (34.3%)
- Arizona: Vietnam Era Only (33.9%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 34.3% (567) | 33.9% (155,784) | +0.4pp |
| Gulf War Only | 21.7% (359) | 13.3% (60,952) | +8.4pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 11.5% (190) | 13.6% (62,622) | -2.1pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 10.4% (172) | 7.2% (33,071) | +3.2pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 8.9% (147) | 15.9% (73,015) | -7.0pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 8.4% (139) | 7.4% (34,077) | +1.0pp |
| Korean War Only | 2.5% (42) | 4.4% (20,324) | -1.9pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.1% (18) | 0.4% (1,817) | +0.7pp |
| WWII Only | 0.8% (13) | 0.9% (4,312) | -0.1pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.4% (7) | 0.7% (3,344) | -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following data categorizes families in Santa Cruz County, Arizona by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 16.5% (1,995 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 45.6% (5,516 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 37.9% (4,584 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona poverty levels with Arizona to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
16.5%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Arizona
7.9%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 16.5% (1,995) | 7.9% (150,593) | +8.6pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 45.6% (5,516) | 28.4% (541,909) | +17.2pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 37.9% (4,584) | 63.8% (1,218,477) | -25.9pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 5.1% | 3.7% | +1.4pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 5.8% | 2.0% | +3.8pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 5.6% | 2.3% | +3.3pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 6.1% | 2.9% | +3.2pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 6.3% | 3.1% | +3.2pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 6.3% | 3.1% | +3.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Arizona.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Santa Cruz County, Arizona
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 3,967 (23.59% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 2,295 (57.85% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 16,816
SNAP Participation Comparison with Arizona
Compare Santa Cruz County, Arizona SNAP participation with Arizona to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
23.59%
3,967 householdsSNAP Participation in Arizona
10.16%
302,882 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Santa Cruz County, Arizona | Arizona | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 27.50% (1,091) | 11.55% (458) | 17.91% (54,240) | 10.28% (31,133) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 4.74% (188) | 1.13% (45) | 5.77% (17,483) | 3.71% (11,230) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 25.61% (1,016) | 9.00% (357) | 22.82% (69,129) | 9.52% (28,837) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.00% (0) | 20.47% (812) | 0.49% (1,481) | 29.50% (89,349) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 3,967 (23.59% of households) | 302,882 (10.16% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.