Surprise, AZ Census Data
The 10th largest city in Arizona by population · 23 cities ranked
Surprise is the 10th largest city in Arizona by population and ranks 12th of 23 for median household income. With 149,519 residents, its poverty rate of 7.8% ranks among the higher rates in Arizona. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
149,519
47.4% male · 52.6% female
Median Age
41.6
2.9 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$93,371
$14,833 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
31.0%
4.0% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 94.3%
Poverty Rate
7.8%
4.6% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.4%
Broadband Access
97.8%
8.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$396,000
Median rent: $1,917 · 79% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Labor force participation: 55.3%
Per Capita Income
$48,225
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
11.2%
Disability rate: 12.7%
How Surprise Compares to Other Arizona Cities
Rankings among all 23 Arizona cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 10th of 23 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 12th of 23 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 12th of 23 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 14th of 23 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 11th of 23 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Surprise, AZ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Surprise, AZ?
The population of Surprise, AZ is 149,519 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 41.6 years.
What is the median household income in Surprise?
The median household income in Surprise, AZ is $93,371, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $48,225.
What is the poverty rate in Surprise?
The poverty rate in Surprise, AZ is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.4% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Surprise residents have a college degree?
31.0% of adults (25+) in Surprise hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 94.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Surprise?
The median home value in Surprise, AZ is $396,000. Median rent is $1,917 per month, with 79% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Surprise?
Surprise's population is 75.0% White, 4.8% Black, 19.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Surprise rank among Arizona cities?
Surprise is the 10th largest city in Arizona by population, the 12th highest for median household income, the 12th lowest for poverty rate, the 14th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 23 ranked Arizona cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Surprise?
The unemployment rate in Surprise, AZ is 4.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 55.3%. Per capita income is $48,225.
Cities Similar to Surprise
Other Arizona cities with comparable population and income levels.