Surprise, AZ
Population 149,519 · Arizona
About Surprise, AZ
Surprise is a major city located in Arizona with a population of 149,519 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,371 per year, which is 24% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Surprise features a median home value of $396,000, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. This places Surprise in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,917, 65% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 60,356 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (42,996 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (11,446 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Surprise shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Surprise have an average one-way commute time of 30.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.0% of Surprise 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 14.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Surprise experiences an annual average temperature of 74.1°F with 8.76" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 109°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 44°F (December–January).
How Surprise Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Surprise, AZ
Compared to national averages, Surprise has a median household income of $93,371 (24% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $396,000, which is 62% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,917 is 65% above the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Surprise's income is 50% above the state average of $62,086, and home values are 67% above the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Surprise, AZ?
Surprise offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,371, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $396,000. However, as a major city, Surprise provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Surprise has a population of 149,519 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Surprise with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Surprise
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempe | 186,419 | $77,643 | $421,900 | Compare |
| San Tan Valley | 105,231 | $93,642 | $365,900 | Compare |
| Peoria | 194,338 | $93,403 | $429,400 | Compare |
| Goodyear | 102,891 | $101,814 | $441,900 | Compare |
| Buckeye | 99,844 | $98,778 | $384,100 | Compare |
| Yuma | 98,461 | $62,546 | $209,100 | Compare |
| Avondale | 90,644 | $81,260 | $348,700 | Compare |
| Flagstaff | 76,333 | $68,041 | $503,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Surprise
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 66 | 70 | 87 | 93 | 100 | 111 | 106 | 99 | 91 | 77 | 68 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 47 | 60 | 68 | 73 | 88 | 84 | 74 | 65 | 54 | 46 |
| Rain " | 2.2 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.3 |
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Surprise With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Surprise
What is the population of Surprise, AZ?
The population of Surprise, AZ is 149,519 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Arizona.
What is the median household income in Surprise?
The median household income in Surprise, AZ is $93,371 per year, which is 24% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Surprise?
The median home value in Surprise, AZ is $396,000, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Surprise?
The median monthly rent in Surprise, AZ is $1,917, which is 65% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Surprise?
The unemployment rate in Surprise, AZ is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Surprise, AZ a good place to live?
Surprise offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 149,519 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Surprise, AZ?
31.0% of residents in Surprise 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 Surprise?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Surprise, AZ: median home value is $396,000 (62% above national), median rent is $1,917/month, and median household income is $93,371. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Surprise?
The poverty rate in Surprise, AZ is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Surprise, AZ?
Surprise's population is 14.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 4.6% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.