Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Gila County, AZ, exhibits minimal population growth, with a CAGR of just 0.02% over the past 13 years and a 1-year growth rate of 0.4%. The median age is relatively high at 50.6 years, indicating an aging population, with 29.6% over 65 years old, significantly above the state average of 18.1%. The age dependency ratio is also high at 96.1, suggesting a greater burden on the working-age population. Compared to other counties in Arizona, Gila County's demographic profile reflects a trend towards an older population, contrasting with younger counties like Maricopa and Yuma.
Total Population
53419
Sex Ratio
99.8 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
0.4 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
0.02 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
96.1 %
Median Age
50.6 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
29.6 %
Active Aging Index
184.5 %
Old Dependency Rate
58 %
Young Dependency Rate
38 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Gila County, AZ, with a total of 22,714 households, exhibits a unique demographic profile compared to other counties in Arizona. Approximately 46% of households are married couples, while 7.5% are cohabiting couples. The county has a higher percentage of households with elderly residents (50.4%) compared to the state average of 33.3%, indicating a significant aging population. The average household size is 2.3, which is lower than the state average of 2.56, suggesting smaller family units. Gila County's household growth rate of 1.83% is modest compared to Pinal County's 4.08%, reflecting slower growth dynamics. Overall, Gila County's demographic trends highlight its distinct characteristics within Arizona, particularly in terms of elder population and household composition.
Total Households
22714
Married-couple Household
10458
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
1.19 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
1.83 %
Average Household Size
2.3 p
Average Family Size
2.92 p
Household with Children (%)
21.7 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
50.4 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
24.9 %
Now Married
51.8 %
Widowed
8.6 %
Divorced
14.7 %
Marriage Status
Source: Census.gov
Marriage Status Breakdown
Source: Census.gov | S1201
Cultures
*Culture section contains several components: races, education, marriage and other factors.
Racial Profiiles
Gila County, AZ, exhibits a predominantly White demographic, with 69.3% identifying as such, which is slightly above the state average of 66.7% and significantly higher than the national average of 65.9%. The Hispanic population stands at 19.2%, lower than Arizona's 32% but higher than the national figure of 18.7%. Notably, Gila County has a Single Race Percentage of 90.4%, indicating a relatively homogenous population compared to other counties in Arizona, such as Santa Cruz County, which has a much lower Single Race Percentage of 63.8% and a Hispanic majority of 83.1%.
One Race
90.4 %
Two or More Races
9.6 %
Non-White
30.7 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
19.2 %
White
37037
Black
389
Asian
383
Native American
8433
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Gila County, AZ, exhibits a high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 96.9%, slightly above the Arizona state average of 87%. Notably, 52.3% of its population was born in the state, indicating a strong local presence, while 44.2% were born elsewhere in the U.S. The foreign-born population is relatively small at 3.1%, with the majority being neutralized (56.4%). This contrasts sharply with counties like Yuma, which has a foreign-born population of 24.7%. Overall, Gila County reflects a predominantly native demographic, aligning closely with trends seen in rural areas across Arizona.
Native US Citizen
37037
Native US Citizen (%)
30.7 %
Born in Arizona (%)
52.3 %
Born in Other State (%)
44.2 %
Foreign Born (%)
3.1 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
56.4 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
16.8 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
69 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
27.9 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
3.1 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
88
Number of Adherents
17611
Adherents (% of Total Population)
33 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
23.1 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Gila County, AZ, shows a modest educational attainment level, with only 18.1% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, significantly lower than the Arizona state average of 31.8% and the national average of 34.3%. Over the past decade, Gila County's percentage increased slightly from 16.1%. The median earnings for residents aged 25 and older stand at $36,986, which is below the state median of $46,574. Additionally, only 36.4% of degree holders are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating potential areas for growth in education and workforce development compared to other counties in Arizona.