Tempe, AZ Census Data
The 9th largest city in Arizona by population · 23 cities ranked
Tempe is the 9th largest city in Arizona by population and ranks 16th of 23 for median household income. With 186,419 residents, its poverty rate of 16.2% 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
186,419
52.9% male · 47.1% female
Median Age
29.9
8.8 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$77,643
$895 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
49.5%
14.5% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 93.8%
Poverty Rate
16.2%
3.8% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 10.0%
Broadband Access
98.3%
8.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$421,900
Median rent: $1,623 · 42% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Labor force participation: 67.1%
Per Capita Income
$41,769
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.8%
Disability rate: 10.6%
How Tempe Compares to Other Arizona Cities
Rankings among all 23 Arizona cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 9th of 23 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 16th of 23 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 21st of 23 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 4th of 23 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 23 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Tempe, AZ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Tempe, AZ?
The population of Tempe, AZ is 186,419 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 29.9 years.
What is the median household income in Tempe?
The median household income in Tempe, AZ is $77,643, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $41,769.
What is the poverty rate in Tempe?
The poverty rate in Tempe, AZ is 16.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 10.0% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Tempe residents have a college degree?
49.5% of adults (25+) in Tempe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 93.8% 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 Tempe?
The median home value in Tempe, AZ is $421,900. Median rent is $1,623 per month, with 42% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Tempe?
Tempe's population is 60.1% White, 7.7% Black, 23.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 9.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Tempe rank among Arizona cities?
Tempe is the 9th largest city in Arizona by population, the 16th highest for median household income, the 21st lowest for poverty rate, the 4th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 23 ranked Arizona cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Tempe?
The unemployment rate in Tempe, AZ is 5.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 67.1%. Per capita income is $41,769.
Cities Similar to Tempe
Other Arizona cities with comparable population and income levels.