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CITY · 2000 CENSUS

Surprise

Arizona · 30,848 residents · 110.505 sq mi
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The short version

Surprise has roughly average household income, with a median household income of $44,156. The city has more than doubled in size since 1990, adding 23,726 residents. Median home value has more than doubled since 1990, reaching $122,400. With a median age of 46.1, the population is older than the US median of 35.2.

At a glance
Average income
near the US median
US median: $42,589
Older
median age 46.1
US median: 35.2
Less educated
20% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 24%
Less affordable
home values up 80%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $120,530
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
30,848
+333%since 1990
from 7,122 in 1990
1990 – 2025
Population density
279 / sq mi
+333%since 1990
from 64 / sq mi in 1990
US average: 242
Median age
46.1
+42%since 1990
from 32.6 in 1990
US average: 35.2
Population, 1990 – 2024
042K85K127K170K1990201020202024Surprise
2024155K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$44,156
+54%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $21,750 in 1990
US average: $42,589
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$21,451
+163%since 1990
from $8,160 in 1990
US average: $21,522
Poverty rate
8.7%
−19.3 ptssince 1990
from 28.0% in 1990
US average: 12.4%
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$122,400
+80%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $51,700 in 1990
US average: $120,530
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$663
+25%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $401 in 1990
US average: $602
Owner-occupied
88.3%
+10.4 ptssince 1990
from 77.9% in 1990
11.7% rent
Afford Score
2.8
+17%since 1990
from 2.4 in 1990
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Surprise on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

1990
White, non-Hispanic54.7%(3,896)
Black1.7%(123)
Hispanic / Latino57.5%(4,093)
Asian0.1%(8)
Diversity Score83.7%(5,963)
2000
White, non-Hispanic71.8%(22,136)
Black2.4%(744)
Hispanic / Latino23.3%(7,184)
Asian1%(321)
Diversity Score51.6%(15,912)
Diversity Score
52
−38%since 1990
from 84 in 1990
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.5%
+13.0 ptssince 1990
from 7.5% in 1990
US average: 24.4%
High school or higher
85.0%
+32.8 ptssince 1990
from 52.2% in 1990
US average: 80.3%
Graduate degree
6.8%
+4.4 ptssince 1990
from 2.4% in 1990
US average: 8.8%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
23.5 min
+14%since 1990
from 20.6 min in 1990
US average: 17.6
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Surprise

Aurora
Pop 181,505
Joliet
Pop 152,241
Pembroke Pines
Pop 176,714
Meridian
Pop 142,988
Places similar to Surprise
Head to head

Compare Surprise to nearby cities

SURPRISE VS
Sun City West
Income$63,685+44%
Home value$377,800+209%
Population27,425−84%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
SURPRISE VS
El Mirage
Income$78,050+77%
Home value$321,900+163%
Population35,820−80%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
SURPRISE VS
Sun City
Income$54,586+24%
Home value$280,900+129%
Population37,486−79%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
SURPRISE VS
Peoria
Income$95,815+117%
Home value$463,600+279%
Population200,881+15%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Surprise, Arizona?

Surprise, Arizona has about 30,848 residents according to the 2000 Census.

What is the median household income in Surprise, Arizona?

The typical household in Surprise, Arizona earns about $44,156 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Surprise, Arizona expensive?

In Surprise, Arizona, the median home is worth about $122,400, and the typical rent is about $663 a month.

How educated are people in Surprise, Arizona?

About 20.5% of adults age 25 and over in Surprise, Arizona hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Surprise, Arizona?

About 8.7% of people in Surprise, Arizona live below the federal poverty line.

Has Surprise, Arizona grown since 1990?

Yes, Surprise, Arizona has grown since 1990. The population has added about 23,726 residents, a change of about 333 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →