Tucson, AZ
Population 543,348 · Arizona
About Tucson, AZ
Tucson is a major city located in Arizona with a population of 543,348 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,546 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 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 Tucson features a median home value of $242,200, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tucson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,079, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 245,836 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (116,274 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (108,821 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tucson shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tucson have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.2% of Tucson 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 38.1% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 13.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Tucson experiences an annual average temperature of 71.6°F with 12.29" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 104°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 41°F (December–January).
How Tucson Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Tucson, AZ
Compared to national averages, Tucson has a median household income of $54,546 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $242,200, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,079 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Tucson's income is 12% below the state average of $62,086, and home values are 2% above the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Tucson, AZ?
Tucson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $242,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,079/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,546) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Tucson provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Tucson has a population of 543,348 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Tucson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Tucson
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa | 507,478 | $78,779 | $364,300 | Compare |
| Chandler | 278,123 | $103,691 | $469,800 | Compare |
| Gilbert | 271,118 | $121,351 | $518,600 | Compare |
| Glendale | 250,193 | $70,139 | $347,000 | Compare |
| Scottsdale | 242,169 | $107,372 | $709,900 | Compare |
| Peoria | 194,338 | $93,403 | $429,400 | Compare |
| Tempe | 186,419 | $77,643 | $421,900 | Compare |
| Surprise | 149,519 | $93,371 | $396,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Tucson
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 65 | 71 | 86 | 91 | 100 | 107 | 101 | 98 | 89 | 76 | 68 |
| Low °F | 39 | 41 | 47 | 55 | 64 | 70 | 81 | 78 | 72 | 63 | 51 | 43 |
| Rain " | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 2.2 |
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Tucson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tucson
What is the population of Tucson, AZ?
The population of Tucson, AZ is 543,348 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 Tucson?
The median household income in Tucson, AZ is $54,546 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tucson?
The median home value in Tucson, AZ is $242,200, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tucson?
The median monthly rent in Tucson, AZ is $1,079, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tucson?
The unemployment rate in Tucson, AZ is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live?
Tucson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 543,348 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Tucson, AZ?
30.2% of residents in 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 Tucson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tucson, AZ: median home value is $242,200 (1% below national), median rent is $1,079/month, and median household income is $54,546. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tucson?
The poverty rate in Tucson, AZ is 18.8%, 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 Tucson, AZ?
Tucson's population is 38.1% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 4.6% two or more races. 13.7% of residents are foreign-born.