Surprise city, Arizona Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Surprise city, Arizona has a total population of 149,519, the 10th largest city in Arizona, with a median household income of $93,371, which is 21% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.8%.
Surprise city Quick Facts
How Surprise city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 61 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Surprise city Rankings in Arizona
Explore Arizona Rankings
Cities Similar to Surprise city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria city | 194,338 | $93,403 | $429,400 | 35.5% | 8.4% |
| Tempe city | 186,419 | $77,643 | $421,900 | 49.5% | 16.2% |
| San Tan Valley CDP | 105,231 | $93,642 | $365,900 | 24.0% | 7.5% |
| Goodyear city | 102,891 | $101,814 | $441,900 | 35.5% | 5.8% |
| Buckeye city | 99,844 | $98,778 | $384,100 | 24.1% | 6.8% |
Population Overview
Surprise city is a major urban center located in Arizona. The total population is 149,519. It ranks as the 10th most populous out of 445 cities and towns in Arizona.
Age Demographics
The median age in Surprise city is 41.6 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 38.8 years. 11.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Surprise city is $93,371. This is 21% higher than the state median of $76,872. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%. This is 39% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.8%. The unemployment rate is 4.2%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 5.2%. The median home value is $396,000. Housing costs are 10% higher than the state median of $358,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 79.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Surprise city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 66.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 19.2%.
Education
31.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% lower than the state rate of 32.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Surprise city, Arizona is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Arizona state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 445 Census-designated places in Arizona. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Surprise city, Arizona?
Surprise city, Arizona has a population of 149,519 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Surprise city, AZ?
The median household income in Surprise city is $93,371, which is 19% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Surprise city, AZ?
The poverty rate in Surprise city is 7.8%. This means approximately 11,589 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Surprise city, Arizona?
Surprise city's population is 66.9% White, 4.6% Black, 19.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Surprise city, AZ?
The median home value in Surprise city is $396,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Surprise city, Arizona?
31.0% of adults (25+) in Surprise city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.