Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Santa Cruz County, AZ, exhibits a modest population growth rate of 0.8% over the past year, which is below the state average of 1.3%. The county's median age is 37.3, slightly younger than the state median of 38.4. Notably, Santa Cruz has a high young-age dependency ratio of 47.6%, indicating a significant proportion of youth compared to the elderly, who make up 18.5% of the population. The sex ratio of 94.1 suggests a slight female predominance. Compared to neighboring counties like Pima and Maricopa, Santa Cruz's growth and demographic structure reflect unique local characteristics within Arizona.
Total Population
47838
Sex Ratio
94.1 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
0.8 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
0.32 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
81.2 %
Median Age
37.3 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
18.5 %
Active Aging Index
85.4 %
Old Dependency Rate
33.5 %
Young Dependency Rate
47.6 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Santa Cruz County, AZ, with a total of 16,651 households, exhibits a notable demographic profile characterized by a high percentage of married couples (51%) and a significant presence of households with children (36.2%). The average household size is 2.86, slightly above the state average of 2.56, indicating a tendency towards larger family units. The county's household growth rate of 1.36% over the past year is modest compared to the higher growth rates seen in counties like Pinal (4.08%) and Maricopa (2.05%). Additionally, Santa Cruz has a higher percentage of elderly households (38.8%) than the state average of 33.3%, suggesting a demographic trend that may influence local services and community planning. Overall, while Santa Cruz County is smaller in household numbers compared to larger counties, it reflects unique family dynamics and growth patterns within Arizona.
Total Households
16651
Married-couple Household
8490
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
2.71 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
1.36 %
Average Household Size
2.86 p
Average Family Size
3.41 p
Household with Children (%)
36.2 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
38.8 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
31 %
Now Married
51.9 %
Widowed
5 %
Divorced
12.1 %
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
Santa Cruz County, AZ, exhibits a unique demographic profile, with a significant Hispanic population comprising 83.1% of its residents, far exceeding the state average of 32% and the national average of 18.7%. The county's single race percentage stands at 63.8%, indicating a diverse racial composition, with 48.3% identifying as non-white. In comparison, neighboring counties like Pima and Maricopa have lower Hispanic percentages (38.1% and 31.7%, respectively), highlighting Santa Cruz's distinct cultural identity within Arizona. This demographic trend underscores the county's role as a cultural hub in the region.
One Race
63.8 %
Two or More Races
36.2 %
Non-White
48.3 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
83.1 %
White
24750
Black
142
Asian
65
Native American
273
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Santa Cruz County, AZ, exhibits a notably high percentage of foreign-born residents, with 33.4% of its population originating from different countries, significantly surpassing the state average of 13% and the national average of 13.7%. This trend indicates a diverse demographic landscape, with a substantial 58.9% of these foreign-born individuals being naturalized citizens. In contrast, the majority of other counties in Arizona, such as Pinal County (9.2% foreign-born) and Yavapai County (6.8% foreign-born), show much lower percentages, highlighting Santa Cruz County's unique position within the state.
Native US Citizen
24750
Native US Citizen (%)
48.3 %
Born in Arizona (%)
48.1 %
Born in Other State (%)
16.9 %
Foreign Born (%)
33.4 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
58.9 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
11.5 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
53.5 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
18.5 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
28 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
46
Number of Adherents
42058
Adherents (% of Total Population)
87.9 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
84.8 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Santa Cruz County, AZ, shows a notable increase in educational attainment, with 23.5% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, up from 19.8% a decade ago. However, this figure remains below the Arizona state average of 31.8% and significantly lower than Maricopa and Pima Counties, both at 35%. The median earnings for Santa Cruz residents aged 25 and older stand at $35,239, which is lower than the state median of $46,574. Additionally, only 39.5% of bachelor's degree holders in Santa Cruz are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating potential areas for growth in higher education and workforce development.