San Carlos, AZ
Population 4,769 · Arizona
About San Carlos, AZ
San Carlos is a small town located in Arizona with a population of 4,769 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,814 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.4 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 San Carlos features a median home value of $67,700, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. This makes San Carlos one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $397, 66% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,280 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (666 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (500 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Carlos shows an unemployment rate of 18.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 44.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in San Carlos have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
4.8% of San Carlos residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 95.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How San Carlos Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in San Carlos, AZ
Compared to national averages, San Carlos has a median household income of $50,814 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $67,700, which is 72% below the national median. Monthly rent at $397 is 66% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, San Carlos's income is 18% below the state average of $62,086, and home values are 71% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in San Carlos, AZ?
San Carlos offers affordable housing with a median home value of $67,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $397/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,814) that falls below the national average. However, San Carlos’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
San Carlos has a population of 4,769 with a median age of 28.4 years. Compare San Carlos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near San Carlos
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holbrook | 4,834 | $61,979 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Paulden | 4,874 | $88,945 | $344,200 | Compare |
| Clarkdale | 4,642 | $32,607 | $344,800 | Compare |
| Lake Montezuma | 4,615 | $54,081 | $291,900 | Compare |
| South Tucson | 4,601 | $33,734 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Bisbee | 4,963 | $46,689 | $209,600 | Compare |
| Cave Creek | 5,033 | $102,589 | $791,900 | Compare |
| Three Points | 5,033 | $53,083 | $147,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare San Carlos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Carlos
What is the population of San Carlos, AZ?
The population of San Carlos, AZ is 4,769 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arizona.
What is the median household income in San Carlos?
The median household income in San Carlos, AZ is $50,814 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Carlos?
The median home value in San Carlos, AZ is $67,700, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Carlos?
The median monthly rent in San Carlos, AZ is $397, which is 66% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Carlos?
The unemployment rate in San Carlos, AZ is 18.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Carlos, AZ a good place to live?
San Carlos offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,769 and a median age of 28.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is San Carlos, AZ?
4.8% of residents in San Carlos 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 San Carlos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Carlos, AZ: median home value is $67,700 (72% below national), median rent is $397/month, and median household income is $50,814. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in San Carlos?
The poverty rate in San Carlos, AZ is 44.2%, 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 San Carlos, AZ?
San Carlos's population is 0.7% White, 95.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.