Rio Rico, AZ
Population 21,798 · Arizona
About Rio Rico, AZ
Rio Rico is a mid-sized city located in Arizona with a population of 21,798 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,692 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rio Rico features a median home value of $212,600, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rio Rico in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,049, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,322 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (5,810 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (1,239 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rio Rico shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rio Rico have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.4% of Rio Rico residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 83.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 30.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Rio Rico experiences an annual average temperature of 66°F with 8.21" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 98°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 35°F (December–January).
How Rio Rico Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Rio Rico, AZ
Compared to national averages, Rio Rico has a median household income of $63,692 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $212,600, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,049 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Rio Rico's income is 3% above the state average of $62,086, and home values are 10% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Rio Rico, AZ?
Rio Rico offers affordable housing with a median home value of $212,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,049/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,692) that falls below the national average. However, Rio Rico’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rio Rico has a population of 21,798 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Rio Rico with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Rio Rico
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Valley | 21,581 | $58,268 | $264,300 | Compare |
| Anthem | 22,622 | $117,846 | $516,200 | Compare |
| Fountain Hills | 23,768 | $104,788 | $575,200 | Compare |
| Nogales | 19,753 | $40,745 | $172,800 | Compare |
| New River | 18,365 | $120,279 | $603,700 | Compare |
| Florence | 25,961 | $76,259 | $322,600 | Compare |
| Flowing Wells | 16,989 | $40,769 | $51,800 | Compare |
| Eloy | 16,671 | $54,080 | $243,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Rio Rico
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 61 | 68 | 81 | 85 | 94 | 101 | 95 | 94 | 85 | 72 | 67 |
| Low °F | 33 | 35 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 63 | 72 | 70 | 65 | 55 | 45 | 37 |
| Rain " | 0.8 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.9 |
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rio Rico With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Rico
What is the population of Rio Rico, AZ?
The population of Rio Rico, AZ is 21,798 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Arizona.
What is the median household income in Rio Rico?
The median household income in Rio Rico, AZ is $63,692 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio Rico?
The median home value in Rio Rico, AZ is $212,600, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rio Rico?
The median monthly rent in Rio Rico, AZ is $1,049, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio Rico?
The unemployment rate in Rio Rico, AZ is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio Rico, AZ a good place to live?
Rio Rico offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,798 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rio Rico, AZ?
24.4% of residents in Rio Rico aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rico?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio Rico, AZ: median home value is $212,600 (13% below national), median rent is $1,049/month, and median household income is $63,692. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Rico?
The poverty rate in Rio Rico, AZ is 18.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rio Rico, AZ?
Rio Rico's population is 83.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 30.3% of residents are foreign-born.