Santa Cruz
Arizona

What stands out

Against every county in America, Santa Cruz County is unusual in three ways: winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (3.3 on the USDA scale), unemployment is among the highest in America (7.5%), and rainfall is in the bottom 4% of American counties (13 inches a year). Within Arizona it ranks 3rd of 15 counties for winter sunshine.

Where you are

You live in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. 47,838 people live here with you. The population grew 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -27).

Arizona moved to a flat 2.5% income tax in 2023, one of the lowest flat rates in the country. Phoenix summers run above 110°F for weeks, water rights and groundwater limits now shape where new housing can be built, and the state does not observe daylight saving time. Flagstaff and the high country are a different climate entirely.

Money

The typical household here brings in $51,885 a year, lower than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,656. Unemployment runs 7.5%, higher than almost every county in America. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

Arizona takes 2.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,297 a year.

Home

The median home costs $280K, pricier than 64% of American counties, about 3.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $739 a month. Property tax is 0.67% of home value, roughly $1,318 a year on that median home, lower than 69% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 78% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.6 years, longer than 89% of American counties. There are 43 active physicians in the county, about 9.0 per 10,000 people. 19.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 30 points. 69% of eligible voters turned out. Under Arizona law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 63°F, highs near 79 and lows near 47, warmer than 77% of American counties. About 13 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 68 out of 100, riskier than 68% of American counties; the county has had 8 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 177 Mbps down, slower than 60% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 museums, 1 National Park Service site.