South Tucson, AZ
Population 4,601 · Arizona
About South Tucson, AZ
South Tucson is a small town located in Arizona with a population of 4,601 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,734 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Tucson features a median home value of $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Tucson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $968, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,791 total housing units, 32% are owner-occupied (469 units) and 68% are renter-occupied (1,003 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Tucson shows an unemployment rate of 9.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Tucson have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.3% of South Tucson 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 73.0% White, 23.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 18.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Tucson, AZ
Compared to national averages, South Tucson has a median household income of $33,734 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,300, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $968 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, South Tucson's income is 46% below the state average of $62,086, and home values are 36% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in South Tucson, AZ?
South Tucson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $968/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,734) that falls below the national average. However, South Tucson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Tucson has a population of 4,601 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare South Tucson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near South Tucson
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Montezuma | 4,615 | $54,081 | $291,900 | Compare |
| Clarkdale | 4,642 | $32,607 | $344,800 | Compare |
| San Carlos | 4,769 | $50,814 | $67,700 | Compare |
| Dewey-Humboldt | 4,428 | $64,183 | $411,300 | Compare |
| Eagar | 4,410 | $81,667 | $231,100 | Compare |
| Summit | 4,410 | $43,484 | $151,000 | Compare |
| Chinle | 4,395 | $46,458 | $38,000 | Compare |
| Holbrook | 4,834 | $61,979 | $138,600 | 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 South Tucson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Tucson
What is the population of South Tucson, AZ?
The population of South Tucson, AZ is 4,601 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 South Tucson?
The median household income in South Tucson, AZ is $33,734 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Tucson?
The median home value in South Tucson, AZ is $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in South Tucson?
The median monthly rent in South Tucson, AZ is $968, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Tucson?
The unemployment rate in South Tucson, AZ is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Tucson, AZ a good place to live?
South Tucson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,601 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Tucson, AZ?
8.3% of residents in South Tucson 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 South Tucson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Tucson, AZ: median home value is $152,300 (38% below national), median rent is $968/month, and median household income is $33,734. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Tucson?
The poverty rate in South Tucson, AZ is 35.2%, 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 South Tucson, AZ?
South Tucson's population is 73.0% White, 23.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 18.3% of residents are foreign-born.