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The vast majority of the county population lies in and around the city of Tucson, filling much of the eastern part of the county with urban development. As Arizona's second-largest city, Tucson is a major commercial and academic center. Other urban areas include the Tucson suburbs of Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, South Tucson, and Green Valley. The rest of the county is sparsely populated; the largest towns are Sells, the capital of the Tohono O'odham Nation, and Ajo in the county's far western region.
Pima County, one of the four original counties in Arizona, was created by the 1st Arizona Territorial Legislature with land acquired through the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico in 1853. The original county consisted of all of Arizona Territory east of longitude 113° 20' and south of the Gila River.[3] Soon thereafter, the counties of Cochise, Graham and Santa Cruz were carved from the original Pima County.[4]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 9,189 square miles (23,800 km2), of which 9,187 square miles (23,790 km2) is land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km2) (0.02%) is water.[5]
The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP) is Pima County's plan for desert conservation. The SDCP addresses natural and cultural resources, ranches, endangered species compliance and wildlife corridors.[6]
Pima County, Arizona – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the census of 2010, there were 980,263 people, 388,660 households, and 243,167 families living in the county.[15] The population density was 106.7 inhabitants per square mile (41.2 inhabitants/km2). There were 440,909 housing units at an average density of 48.0 units per square mile (18.5 units/km2).[16] The racial makeup of the county was 74.3% white, 3.5% black or African American, 3.3% American Indian, 2.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific islander, 12.3% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 34.6% of the population.[15]
Of the 388,660 households, 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 37.4% were non-families, and 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.06. The median age was 37.7 years.[15]
The median income for a household in the county was $45,521 and the median income for a family was $57,377. Males had a median income of $42,313 versus $33,487 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,093. About 11.2% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.[18]
As of the census of 2000, there were 843,746 people, 332,350 households, and 212,039 families living in the county. The population density was 92 people per square mile (36 people/km2). There were 366,737 housing units at an average density of 40 units per square mile (15 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 75.1% White, 3.0% Black or African American, 3.2% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 13.3% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. 29.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 22.8% reported speaking Spanish at home.[19]
There were 332,350 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,758, and the median income for a family was $44,446. Males had a median income of $32,156 versus $24,959 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,785. About 10.5% of families and 14.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.4% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
Pima County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors who set ordinances and run services for the areas that do not fall within any city or town's jurisdiction.
In Arizona, counties are creatures of the state, and do not have charters of their own. The county Board of Supervisors acts under powers delegated by state law, mainly related to minor ordinances and revenue collection. With few exceptions, these powers are narrowly construed. The state legislature devotes considerable time to local matters, with legislative approval required for many of the most basic local issues.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors is responsible for steering public policy in the region. The five-member board provides direction to the County Administrator, Jan Lesher,[23] and the county's various departments as they work to ensure safe communities, nurture economic development, sustainably manage natural resources and protect public health. In addition to overseeing the delivery of a host of municipal services, from roads to parks and libraries and law enforcement, board members also are responsible for approving the county budget. Elected to four-year terms, board members also set the amount of taxes to be levied.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department provides court protection, administers the county jail, provides coroner service, and patrols the unincorporated parts of Pima County. It is the seventh largest sheriff's department in the nation.[32] Incorporated towns within the county with municipal police departments are Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, and Sahuarita.
Being home to a major population center and a major research university, Pima County is one of the most reliably Democratic counties in Arizona. After voting Democratic through 1930s and 1940s, it swung Republican following major population increase after World War II, becoming a Republican-leaning county. However, in 1964, it rejected Arizona's native son Barry Goldwater by seven points, who won statewide by one point. However, despite the county's Republican lean, Democrats would not win 40% of the vote only twice - in 1972, when George McGovern lost in a 49-state landslide and due to a balloting error in the county, the Socialist Workers Party came a distant third with 18% of the vote;[33] and in 1980, when Jimmy Carter lost many votes to independent John B. Anderson. Following Bill Clinton's plurality victory by 12 points in 1992, all Democrats since 1996 have won the county by a majority and no Republican has come closer than six points in recapturing the county. In both 2016 and 2020, Donald Trump became the first Republican since Bob Dole in 1996 to fail to win 40% of the county's vote. However, Trump won 41.7% of the county's vote in his third presidential run in 2024.
United States presidential election results for Pima County, Arizona[34][35]
Map of the incorporated and unincorporated cities and towns in Pima County. Also shown are the borders for the Indian Reservations in the county.Astronaut photo of the open-pit copper mines adjacent to Green Valley, 2010. North is to the left.
Pima County is a county in southern Arizona, United States, encompassing approximately 9,189 square miles of varied terrain including the Sonoran Desert, mountain ranges such as the Santa Catalinas and Rincons, and river valleys. The county was established on December 30, 1864, as one of the four original counties of the Arizona Territory, originally comprising much of present-day southern Arizona and named for the Pima Native American people who inhabited the region.[1] Its county seat and dominant urban center is Tucson, which accounts for the majority of the county's economic activity and cultural institutions.[2]As of 2022 estimates, Pima County has a population of 1,057,597, reflecting a 7.3% increase since the 2010 census, positioning it as Arizona's second-most populous county after Maricopa County.[3] The county operates under a charter form of government with a five-member board of supervisors elected to staggered four-year terms, overseeing services such as public health, libraries, flood control, and regional planning for both incorporated cities and extensive unincorporated areas housing nearly 400,000 residents.[2] Economically, Pima County relies on key sectors including higher education anchored by the University of Arizona, healthcare, aerospace and defense supported by facilities like Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, advanced manufacturing in optics and photonics, and tourism drawn to natural attractions such as Saguaro National Park.[4][5]The county's development has been shaped by historical mining booms, particularly copper extraction in areas like Ajo, alongside agriculture in irrigated valleys producing cotton and citrus, though contemporary challenges include sustainable water management amid arid conditions and urban sprawl pressures on unincorporated lands.[6] Pima County's strategic location along Interstate 10 facilitates trade and connectivity, contributing to its role in regional logistics and renewable energy initiatives.[7]
History
Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Eras
The Tucson Basin, core of present-day Pima County, preserves archaeological evidence of Paleo-Indian occupation dating to approximately 11,000–7,500 BCE, when small bands of hunter-gatherers pursued megafauna such as mammoth and bison using Clovis fluted projectile points and other lithic tools adapted to the post-Pleistocene landscape.[8] These early inhabitants left scatters of tools and faunal remains at sites across southern Arizona, indicating mobile foraging strategies amid fluctuating climates.From roughly 7,500 BCE to 1 CE, the Archaic period saw a shift to more intensive exploitation of desert resources, with evidence of atlatls, ground stone manos and metates for processing wild plants like mesquite and agave, and seasonal campsites in the Tucson area reflecting adaptation to aridity following the altithermal warming.[8]Rock art panels and pithouse precursors appear in regional assemblages, signaling semi-sedentary patterns among populations numbering in the low thousands across the Sonoran Desert.[8]The Hohokam cultural tradition, emergent around 1–300 CE from local Archaic roots with possible Mesoamerican influences in ceramics and architecture, dominated the region from circa 300–1450 CE, supporting populations estimated at 20,000–50,000 through canal-irrigated agriculture of maize, beans, squash, and cotton along the Santa Cruz River.[9] In Pima County, hundreds of sites—including the Hardy Site near modern Tucson—yield red-on-buff pottery, ball courts for ritual games (over 200 documented in the broader Hohokam sphere spanning 58,000 km²), platform mounds for elite or ceremonial functions, and canal networks extending up to 15 km with cross-sections measuring 3–5 m wide and 1–2 m deep.[10][11] Trade networks exchanged Spondylus shell from the Gulf of California for turquoise and macaw feathers, evidencing regional integration.[9]Hohokam society declined abruptly after 1350–1450 CE, marked by platform mound abandonment, reduced canal maintenance, and population dispersal, attributed by archaeologists to prolonged droughts (e.g., the Great Drought of 1276–1399 CE extended), river channel aggradation causing salinization, or internal conflict inferred from fortified sites and trauma in skeletal remains.[12] Archaeological continuity in pottery styles, settlement patterns, and oral traditions links post-Hohokam groups to O'odham peoples, with the Akimel O'odham (river people) maintaining floodwater farming villages along waterways and Tohono O'odham pursuing dispersed rancherías with ak-chin (arroyo-mouth) cultivation, mesquite harvesting, and hunting until Spanish expeditions in the 1690s.[13][14] These O'odham groups, speaking dialects of the Tepiman language branch, numbered several thousand in southern Arizona at contact, relying on non-intensive agriculture supplemented by wild foods in a strategy resilient to desert variability.[14]
Colonial and Territorial Development
The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson was established on August 20, 1775, by Spanish ArmyLieutenant Colonel Hugo O'Conor as a military outpost in the Provincias Internas to counter Apache raids and secure the northern frontier of New Spain.[15] Construction of the adobe fortress began in 1776, enclosing a settlement that included soldiers, families, and local Pima and Papago (Tohono O'odham) laborers, with the structure serving as the nucleus for what would become Tucson.[16] The presidio housed around 100 soldiers at its peak and facilitated limited agriculture along the Santa Cruz River, though persistent Apache conflicts restricted expansion beyond fortified walls.[17]Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, the Tucson presidio transitioned to Mexican control within the state of Sonora y Sinaloa, but the withdrawal of regular Spanish troops led to intensified Apache incursions, secularization of mission lands, and a contraction of the non-indigenous population to fewer than 500 by the 1830s, concentrated around the presidio.[18] Mexican governance emphasized ranching and overland trade routes, yet the remote area's isolation and vulnerability to raids limited development, with Tucson functioning primarily as a defensive outpost rather than a thriving settlement until the mid-19th century.[19]The United States acquired the region south of the Gila River, including the Tucson area, through the Gadsden Purchase ratified in 1854, purchasing approximately 29,670 square miles from Mexico for $10 million to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad route and resolve border ambiguities from the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.[20] Initially part of the New Mexico Territory, the area saw U.S. military occupation beginning in 1856 with the arrival of American dragoons at Tucson, marking the end of Mexican presidio operations.[21]Arizona Territory was formally organized on February 24, 1863, by act of Congress under President Abraham Lincoln, separating it from New Mexico amid Civil War-era strategic interests in the Southwest.[22]Pima County was established on November 23, 1864, by the First Arizona Territorial Legislative Assembly, encompassing much of southern Arizona with Tucson designated as the county seat; it was one of four initial counties carved from the territory, reflecting early efforts to impose civil governance amid ongoing Apache conflicts and Confederate threats in 1861-62.[23] Territorial development focused on mining prospects, military forts like Camp Grant (established 1862), and basic infrastructure, though population remained sparse—under 2,000 non-indigenous residents by 1870—due to hostile terrain and indigenous resistance.[24] Tucson briefly served as territorial capital from 1867 to 1877 before relocation to Prescott, underscoring the county's early centrality in Arizona's administrative and economic framework prior to statehood in 1912.[25]
20th Century Growth and Statehood
Arizona achieved statehood on February 14, 1912, as the 48th U.S. state, with Pima County playing a foundational role as one of the territory's original four counties established in 1864 and home to Tucson, which had served as the territorial capital from 1867 to 1877.[1] Under the 1910 Arizona Constitution enabling statehood, Pima County was allocated two state senators and three representatives, reflecting its population and influence in southern Arizona.[26] Statehood facilitated improved governance, infrastructure, and economic integration, though initial growth remained modest amid reliance on agriculture, mining, and ranching.Pima County's population grew steadily in the early 20th century, rising from 31,346 in 1910 to 34,425 in 1920 and 52,991 in 1930, driven by expansions in copper mining and cattle ranching that extended from the late 19th century. Tucson's development as the county seat included infrastructure improvements like expanded water services and railroads, supporting commerce in the "five Cs" economy of copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate that defined post-statehood Arizona.[27] The establishment of Davis-Monthan Field in 1925 as an Army airfield laid groundwork for aviation-related activities, while the University of Arizona, founded in 1885, began attracting students and fostering education-driven settlement.The mid-20th century marked accelerated growth, with population surging 93.9% from 76,894 in 1940 to 141,216 in 1950, fueled by World War II military expansions and homefront industries in Tucson.[28] Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, formalized post-war, and other installations drew personnel and stimulated housing and employment booms, amplified by the GI Bill's impact on University of Arizona enrollment, which reached 13,058 students by 1960.[29] This era shifted Pima County toward diversification beyond extractive industries, with aviation, defense, and higher education emerging as pillars amid national wartime mobilization and post-war suburbanization.[30]
Recent Historical Developments
In the early 21st century, Pima County experienced steady population growth, expanding from approximately 843,000 residents in 2000 to 1,043,433 by the 2020 U.S. Census, a 23.8% increase driven by inflows of retirees, military personnel affiliated with Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and students at the University of Arizona.[31][32] This growth moderated during the 2008-2009 Great Recession, with annual rates dipping below 1%, but resumed at around 0.7% annually post-2010, reaching an estimated 1,050,000 by 2023 and projected to hit 1,074,534 by 2025.[33] Urban sprawl accompanied this expansion, prompting updates to the county's comprehensive planning framework, including the 2025 revision of the Pima Prospers initiative to address housing shortages, water scarcity, and infrastructure strain amid Arizona's arid conditions.[34]A pivotal event occurred on January 8, 2011, when Jared Lee Loughner, a 22-year-old with documented mental health issues, opened fire at a "Congress on Your Corner" event hosted by U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords outside a Safeway store in Casas Adobes, an unincorporated area of the county. The attack killed six individuals—Gabrielle Giffords' aide Ronald Morris, federal Judge John Roll, and four constituents—and wounded 13 others, including Giffords, who sustained a severe brain injury.[35][36] Loughner pleaded guilty in 2012 to federal charges of murder and attempted murder, receiving seven consecutive life sentences plus 140 years, following psychiatric evaluation that deemed him incompetent initially but restorable to competency.[35] The incident spurred national debates on political rhetoric and gun control but was ultimately attributed to Loughner's delusions rather than coherent ideology, as evidenced by his erratic online writings and prior disruptive behavior at community college.[37]Economically, the county has pursued diversification beyond traditional sectors like aerospace and mining, with median household income rising from $64,323 in 2022 to $67,929 in 2023 amid slower per-capita GDP growth compared to Arizona statewide (20% vs. 30% from 2001-2023).[38][39] Recent infrastructure efforts include ongoing roadway expansions, such as the Campbell Road Extension and bridge replacements over washes prone to flash flooding.[40] In 2025, the proposed $3.6 billion Project Blue data center campus advanced with revised water-efficient designs using recycled wastewater, aiming to create jobs and tax revenue exceeding $58.5 million for county priorities like roads and housing, despite initial rejections over groundwater concerns in the water-stressed region.[41][42]
Geography
Physical Features and Topography
Pima County encompasses 9,189 square miles (23,800 km²) of land in southeastern Arizona, forming part of the Sonoran Desert's basin-and-range province, where fault-block mountains rise sharply from intervening valleys filled with alluvial deposits.[43] This topography results from extensional tectonics that uplifted north-south trending ranges, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (610 m) in the low desert valleys to peaks exceeding 9,000 feet (2,743 m).[44] The county's terrain includes rugged granitic and metamorphic highlands dissected by canyons, flanked by bajadas—gentle slopes of coalescing alluvial fans—and flat basin floors prone to flash flooding.[45]Dominant mountain systems frame the central Tucson Basin, including the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north, where Mount Lemmon reaches 9,157 feet (2,791 m), supporting diverse elevations from desert scrub to pine forests.[46] To the west lie the Tucson Mountains, a 20-mile-long (32 km) block of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks up to 7 miles (11 km) wide, with Wasson Peak at 4,687 feet (1,429 m).[47] Eastward, the Rincon Mountains extend southward, featuring Mica Mountain at 8,666 feet (2,641 m), while the Santa Rita Mountains in the south peak at Wrightson Mountain's 9,453 feet (2,882 m), though the county boundary clips their northern flanks.[48]Hydrologically, the Santa Cruz River bisects the county northward through the basin, originating in the San Rafael Valley and historically perennial but now mostly dry due to channel incision and pumping, with flows limited to storm events or wastewater effluent.[45] Tributaries like the Rillito and Pantano washes drain the surrounding ranges into the basin, contributing to ephemeral streams that shape arroyo networks and sediment transport across the arid landscape.[49] The overall relief influences local microclimates, with valleys experiencing extreme diurnal temperature swings and mountains capturing orographic precipitation.[50]
Climate and Water Resources
Pima County experiences a hot desert climate classified as BWh under the Köppen system, characterized by extreme aridity, high summer temperatures, and minimal annual precipitation averaging 11 to 13 inches.[51][52] The region's average annual high temperature reaches 84°F, with lows around 58°F, reflecting the influence of its Sonoran Desert location and elevation ranging from 2,000 to 9,000 feet across varied topography.[53]Summer months from June to August feature intense heat, with average highs exceeding 100°F and frequent temperatures above 110°F during heat waves, such as the 2021 June-July period when maximums averaged 100.3°F. Winters are mild, with January highs around 66°F and lows near 41°F, though occasional freezes occur; annual snowfall is negligible at about 1 inch county-wide. Precipitation is bimodal, concentrated in the July-September North American Monsoon (accounting for over 50% of yearly totals) and winter storms, with May being the driest month at 0.1 inches. Record highs have reached 117°F in Tucson, underscoring vulnerability to prolonged heat exacerbated by low humidity and clear skies.[51][54][55]Water resources in Pima County depend heavily on groundwater from the Tucson Basin aquifer and imported surface water via the Central Arizona Project (CAP), which delivers Colorado River allocations equivalent to approximately 44 billion gallons annually to Tucson and surrounding areas. The county lies within the Tucson Active Management Area, established in 1980 to regulate groundwater pumping and ensure sustainable yields by 2025 through conservation and replenishment programs. Reclaimed wastewater supplements supplies, but the aquifer has faced depletion from historical overpumping, leading to land subsidence up to 10 feet in some areas since the mid-20th century.[56][57][58]Drought poses ongoing challenges, with the Colorado River's reduced flows—down due to a 20-plus-year megadrought and upstream demands—threatening CAP reliability; Arizona's overall basin supply-demand imbalance is projected to reach 3.2 million acre-feet annually by 2060. Pima County initiated a Drought Management Program in 2007, incorporating staged responses to precipitation shortfalls, recharge initiatives via the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District, and restrictions on non-essential use to mitigate risks from climate variability and population growth. These measures have stabilized groundwater levels in recent years, though long-term sustainability requires balancing urban, agricultural, and ecological demands amid static natural recharge rates.[59][60][61]
Adjacent Regions and Protected Areas
Pima County borders Maricopa County to the northwest and Pinal County to the north, Graham County to the northeast, Cochise County to the east, Santa Cruz County to the southeast, and Yuma County to the west.[43][62] Its southern boundary forms part of the international border with Mexico, specifically adjoining the state of Sonora over approximately 80 miles.[6][63]The county includes extensive protected areas emphasizing conservation of Sonoran Desert ecosystems, mountain ranges, and riparian habitats. Saguaro National Park comprises two districts within Pima County: the Tucson Mountain District, covering 24,937 acres of bajada and foothill habitats, and the Rincon Mountain District, encompassing 120,000 acres of sky islands and wilderness.[64] These areas, established in 1933 and expanded in 1994, preserve over 91,442 acres total and protect endemic species amid urban encroachment from Tucson.[64]Portions of the Coronado National Forest lie in the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, managed by the U.S. Forest Service for recreation and watershed protection across roughly 200,000 acres in Pima County.[65] Pima County operates Tucson Mountain Park, a 26,000-acre preserve adjacent to the national park, featuring hiking trails and wildlife corridors established in 1929.[66] Ironwood Forest National Monument, proclaimed in 2000, spans 129,000 acres primarily in Pima County, safeguarding ironwood trees and archaeological sites under Bureau of Land Management oversight.[64] Colossal Cave Mountain Park, a county-managed site of 4,720 acres, protects karst formations and prehistoric artifacts dating to 900 CE.[66] These designations reflect efforts to mitigate habitat fragmentation, with over 1 million acres under various conservation plans like the Multi-Species Conservation Plan covering 42% of the county.[67]
Demographics
Historical Population Changes
The population of Pima County grew modestly in the early 20th century, reflecting territorial expansion, mining activities, and agricultural development centered around Tucson. By the mid-century, growth accelerated due to World War II-related military bases, such as Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and postwar economic diversification including education and aerospace. Subsequent decades saw sustained increases from retirement influxes, tourism, and suburban expansion, though rates slowed post-2000 amid broader Arizona migration patterns.Decennial census data illustrate this trajectory:
Census Year
Population
Percent Change from Prior Decade
1900
15,700
—
1910
22,818
+45.3%
1920
34,680
+52.0%
1930
55,676
+60.5%
1940
72,838
+30.8%
1950
141,216
+93.9%
1960
265,361
+87.9%
1970
353,060
+33.1%
1980
531,443
+50.5%
1990
666,760
+25.5%
2000
843,746
+26.6%
2010
980,263
+16.2%
2020
1,043,433
+6.4%
Data from U.S. Census Bureau decennial censuses. The most rapid growth occurred between 1940 and 1960, with the population more than quadrupling amid national postwar migration to the Southwest. Growth moderated after 1980, averaging under 20% per decade, influenced by maturing urban infrastructure and regional competition for residents. Annual estimates post-2020 indicate continued modest increases, reaching approximately 1,080,000 by July 2024.[68]
Current Composition and Trends
As of 2023, Pima County's population stood at 1,050,000, with a median age of 39.7 years and approximately 11.8% of residents foreign-born.[38] The racial and ethnic composition included 50.3% non-Hispanic White, 38.5% Hispanic or Latino (of any race), 4.4% non-Hispanic Black or African American, 4.5% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.3% Asian, 0.3% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 3.4% two or more races.[3][69] These figures reflect data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, which relies on self-reported responses and standard federal classifications.[69]Between 2010 and 2022, the county's population grew by 7.3%, reaching 1,057,597, with increases occurring in 11 of those 12 years and the largest annual gain of 1.1% between 2018 and 2019.[3][31] This expansion was predominantly migration-driven, mirroring statewide patterns where net domestic and international migration accounted for 97% of Arizona's growth from 2020 to 2024, as natural increase (births minus deaths) contributed minimally amid declining fertility rates.[70] Demographically, the non-HispanicWhite share declined from 55.3% in 2010 to 50.1% in 2022, while the Hispanic or Latino share rose correspondingly, consistent with broader Southwestern U.S. patterns of internal migration from higher-cost states and cross-border inflows.[31]Age trends show an aging population, with 22.0% aged 65 and older in recent estimates, exceeding national averages slightly and reflecting retirement migration to the region's mild climate.[71] Foreign-born residents, concentrated in urban Tucson areas, increased as a proportion amid post-2020 border dynamics, though precise county-level inflows remain tied to federal enforcement variations rather than local policy.[38] Projections indicate continued modest growth to around 1.3 million by 2035, sustained by net in-migration but tempered by below-replacement birth rates and out-migration of younger cohorts for economic opportunities elsewhere.[72]
Socioeconomic Indicators
Pima County's median household income was $65,737 in 2022, lower than the contemporaneous national median of $77,719, reflecting a regional economy bolstered by government, education, and healthcare but constrained by an aging population and influx of lower-income retirees and migrants.[73] Per capita income for the same year stood at $36,529, underscoring per-person earnings moderated by household size and dependency ratios.[73]The poverty rate reached 14.9% in 2022, exceeding the U.S. rate of 11.5% and correlating with higher concentrations in unincorporated areas and among non-citizen households, as empirical distributions from census data reveal elevated rates among foreign-born populations without U.S. citizenship.[74]Educational attainment among persons aged 25 and older indicates 89.2% completion of high school or equivalent in 2022, with 32.7% attaining a bachelor's degree or higher—figures that trail national averages of 89.8% and 35.2%, respectively, and align with causal factors such as transient student populations from the University of Arizona and variable K-12 performance in urban districts.[75]Homeownership rate was 64.8% for 2019-2023, below the national 65.9%, amid rising median home values driven by demand from in-migration and limited supply in Tucson proper.[69]Unemployment in the Tucson MSA, coextensive with Pima County, was 4.8% in August 2025, higher than the national rate of 4.2% and reflective of persistent structural mismatches in sectors like manufacturing and construction despite overall labor force participation.[76][77]
Indicator
Pima County Value
U.S. Value
Period/Source
Median Household Income
$65,737
$77,719
2022[73]
Poverty Rate
14.9%
11.5%
2022[74]
High School or Higher
89.2%
89.8%
2022[75]
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
32.7%
35.2%
2022[75]
Homeownership Rate
64.8%
65.9%
2019-2023[69]
Unemployment Rate (Tucson MSA)
4.8%
4.2%
Aug 2025[76][77]
Economy
Major Sectors and Industries
The economy of Pima County, encompassing the Tucson metropolitan statistical area, is dominated by service-oriented sectors, with education and health services comprising the largest share of employment at approximately 19% of nonfarm jobs in July 2025.[78] Government employment follows closely at about 17.5%, driven by federal installations such as Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and state institutions including the University of Arizona, while trade, transportation, and utilities account for roughly 18% amid regional logistics hubs along Interstate 10.[78] These sectors reflect a diversified base supported by the county's population of over 1 million and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, though manufacturing punches above its employment weight, contributing 15.1% to Tucson's gross domestic product in 2023 despite representing only 3.9% of jobs.[79][78]Manufacturing, particularly in aerospace and defense, stands out as a high-value cluster, employing 15,200 workers in July 2025 and bolstered by firms like Raytheon (now RTX) and the presence of military aviation maintenance at local bases.[78] The sector grew by 3,702 jobs from 2017 to 2022 at an annualized rate of 2.9%, with projections for continued modest expansion through 2024, fueled by specialized subfields such as optics, photonics, and precision instrumentation tied to defense contracts and research collaborations.[80] Pima County's economic development strategy identifies aerospace and manufacturing as priority foci, leveraging infrastructure like the Tucson International Airport and a skilled workforce from the University of Arizona to attract investment.[5]Education and health services form the employment backbone, with 74,100 jobs in July 2025, including major anchors like the University of Arizona (employing over 15,000) and Banner University Medical Center.[78] This sector added 675 jobs from 2017 to 2022 but faces slower growth at 0.4% annualized, projected to increase by 1,284 positions through 2024 amid aging demographics and bioscience initiatives.[80] Health-related industries benefit from retiree influxes drawn to the region's mild climate, supporting subsectors like medical devices and research, though overall private-sector growth lags state averages at 0.7% annually.[80]Leisure and hospitality, tied to tourism, employs 42,600 and generates $936.9 million in direct economic activity annually from visitors attracted to natural sites like Saguaro National Park and cultural events.[78][81]Mining, including copper extraction in southern areas, remains minor at 2,900 jobs but contributes to export value, while emerging energy pursuits like solar align with state incentives.[78][5] Overall, nonfarm employment reached 388,100 in July 2025, up 0.6% year-over-year, though challenges like construction declines (-4,000 jobs) highlight vulnerability to national cycles.[78]
Key Employers and Economic Drivers
The economy of Pima County is significantly anchored by large public and private institutions in education, defense, healthcare, and government sectors, which together account for a substantial portion of employment and output. In 2022, education and health services dominated with 101,368 jobs, while manufacturing, including aerospace components, employed 27,769 workers.[80] The aerospace and defense industry stands out as a primary economic driver, leveraging the region's skilled workforce in optics, photonics, and engineering, often tied to federal contracts and proximity to military installations.[4]Governmentemployment, encompassing federal, state, and local roles, comprises 19.5% of the local workforce, exceeding state and national averages due to bases like Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.[82]Key employers include the University of Arizona, which employs 16,699 personnel as of fiscal year 2024, supporting research in optics, astronomy, and biosciences that spill over into private sector innovation.[83] RTX's Missiles & Defense division, headquartered in Tucson, is the county's largest private employer with over 12,000 workers focused on missile systems and defense technologies, contributing to export-oriented manufacturing.[4] Davis-Monthan Air Force Base sustains approximately 11,000 active-duty airmen and additional civilian staff, driving logistics, maintenance, and aviation-related economic activity.[84]
These entities not only provide direct jobs but also stimulate ancillary industries like supply chains and professional services, with defense and education fostering clusters in advanced manufacturing and healthinnovation as outlined in the county's 2023-2026 economic strategy.[86] Copper mining, historically significant, now employs fewer than 2,500 workers, representing under 1% of private-sector jobs amid fluctuating commodity prices and environmental regulations.[87]
Challenges and Growth Factors
Pima County's economy has exhibited relative underperformance compared to the broader Arizona economy, with Tucson's real GDP expanding by approximately 20% from 2001 to 2023, while the state's grew nearly 30% over the same period. This lag stems partly from fiscal mismanagement at the local level and policy choices that have hindered private sector dynamism, including high reliance on governmentemployment and spending, which accounts for nearly 18% of Tucson's GDP versus 11% statewide and nationally.[39] Such dependence exposes the region to federal budget fluctuations and limits diversification, contributing to slower job creation and vulnerability during national downturns.[88]Water scarcity poses a structural constraint on sustained growth, as Pima County's arid environment and reliance on depleting groundwater and Colorado River allocations restrict water-intensive industries like agriculture and mining while complicating urban expansion and infrastructure development.[89] Arizona's ongoing drought and interstate water negotiations have heightened risks, with local leaders citing potential shortages that could curb population inflows and industrial investments without adaptive measures like conservation or alternative sourcing.[90] Housing affordability challenges further exacerbate economic pressures, driven by rising costs amid modest wage growth and supply constraints, which deter workforce mobility and business relocation.[91]Counterbalancing these issues, net migration fuels population and labor force expansion, with Tucson's populace projected to rise 0.8% in 2025, supporting consumer demand and service sector jobs.[92]The University of Arizona anchors innovation in optics, photonics, and aerospace, attracting federal contracts and R&D investments that bolster high-skill employment, while over 33% of residents aged 25+ hold post-secondary degrees, enhancing competitiveness in knowledge-based industries.[93] Pima County's 2023-2026 Economic Development Plan emphasizes regional collaboration to promote resilience, targeting diversification through targeted incentives for manufacturing and sustainable tech, evidenced by real GDP growth accelerating in 2023 after pandemic recovery.[5] Unemployment remained stable at around 3.6-4.7% through 2024-2025, reflecting underlying labor market steadiness despite broader slowdowns.[32][94]
Government and Administration
Structure and Elected Officials
Pima County government is structured around a five-member Board of Supervisors, which holds legislative and executive authority, including budget approval, policy setting, and oversight of county departments such as health, public works, and administration. The board does not directly manage independently elected officials or their operations. Each supervisor represents one of five geographic districts and is elected countywide to a four-year term, with all seats contested simultaneously every four years. The board appoints a county administrator to handle daily administrative functions; as of 2025, this role is held by Jan Lesher.[2][95][96][97]The current Board of Supervisors members, serving terms beginning January 2025 where applicable, are as follows:
In addition to the supervisors, Pima County elects several row officers who operate autonomously, handling functions such as law enforcement, prosecution, tax collection, and vital records. These include the sheriff, county attorney, treasurer, assessor, recorder, superintendent of schools, clerk of the superior court, constables, and justices of the peace, all serving four-year terms. The sheriff, responsible for county policing and jail operations, is Chris Nanos, who assumed office in January 2021 and was reelected in November 2024 following a recount confirming his victory by 481 votes. The county attorney, overseeing criminal prosecutions and civil matters, is Laura Conover, elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024. The treasurer, managing tax collections and investments, is Brian Johnson, elected in November 2024.[2][96][101][102][103][104][105]
Public Services and Infrastructure
Pima County maintains approximately 2,200 miles of roadways through its Department of Transportation's Maintenance and Operations Division, conducting routine activities such as pothole patching, pavement repair, sweeping, grading, and emergency storm damage fixes.[106] In January 2024, county officials outlined a funding plan to repair all failed and poor-condition roads, targeting an improved average road condition index across unincorporated areas.[107] Recent projects include crack repairs on 20 north Tucson road sections starting February 3, 2025, addressing pavement deterioration from weather and traffic.[108]The county's Infrastructure Management Division manages flood control and drainage systems, including maintenance of drainageways, detention basins, bank protection structures, and a resource library for stormwater data.[109] Broader physical infrastructure planning encompasses transportation networks, water resources, and utilities, coordinated through regional efforts like the Pima Association of Governments to address connectivity and sustainability.[110][111]Wastewater services fall under the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, which oversees sewage collection systems, subdivision sanitary facilities, onsite treatment like septic systems, and gray water reuse programs to conserve resources in the arid region.[112] Billing for these services uses winter averaging of water usage from December through February to calculate charges, reflecting conservation priorities amid limited groundwater.[113]Public health infrastructure is supported by the Pima County Health Department, which operates clinics for immunizations, family planning, and communicable disease control; conducts food safety inspections; and delivers preventive services to promote resident wellness.[114] The department maintains multiple facilities, including a main clinic at 6920 E Broadway Blvd in Tucson, emphasizing accessible care in a county spanning urban and rural areas.[115]
Fiscal Management and Planning
Pima County's fiscal management operates through an annual budget process overseen by the Budget Division, which develops and monitors allocations, assembles property tax levies, and ensures compliance with Arizona statutes on expenditure limitations.[116] The process utilizes the Pima County Planning and Budgeting System for drafting working budgets, incorporates recommendations from the County Administrator, and culminates in Board of Supervisors approval, with tentative adoption typically in May and final adoption by mid-June.[117][118] This framework prioritizes balanced operations, with policies mandating budgetary controls to track revenues and expenditures in real time.[119]The fiscal year 2025/26 recommended budget totals $1,758,684,871, a 1.9% increase from the prior year, funded partly by a 2.5% adjustment in the primary property tax rate per $100 of assessed valuation.[118] General fund revenues for fiscal 2025 are projected at $806.7 million, reflecting 6% growth driven by economic recovery and tax collections, supporting expenditures on public services without deficits.[120]Property taxes constitute the dominant revenue stream, accounting for 36.8% of primary sources in fiscal 2023, levied on real and personal property to finance general operations.[121] Other contributions include state-shared sales taxes and intergovernmental transfers, though local taxes predominate.[122]Debt management emphasizes sustainability, with long-term obligations comprising general obligation bonds for infrastructure, street and highway bonds, industrial development authorities, certificates of participation, and lease-purchase agreements.[123] The county's credit profile remains robust, evidenced by Fitch Ratings' 'AA' affirmation for $37.5 million in 2025 certificates of participation—supported by strong maximum annual debt service coverage exceeding 3x—and AAA for general obligation debt, aided by a declining service schedule.[124][125] These ratings reflect conservative issuance practices and ample reserves, mitigating risks from economic volatility.Oversight includes audited annual comprehensive financial reports prepared under Governmental Accounting Standards Board guidelines and reviewed by the Arizona Auditor General, earning the Government Finance Officers Association's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal 2024.[125] Fiscal planning addresses long-term challenges such as property tax dependency, which critics from business groups contend hampers investment due to elevated rates relative to regional peers, though county projections anticipate stability through controlled spending growth.[126][120]
Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and Border Issues
Sheriff and Policing Operations
The Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD), headed by elected Sheriff Chris Nanos since 2020, oversees law enforcement, corrections, and public safety operations across the county's unincorporated areas, which encompass vast desert and mountainous terrain spanning over 9,000 square miles. Arizona statute mandates the sheriff to enforce state laws, maintain public order, protect life and property, serve civil processes, and coordinate search and rescue efforts involving human life or health. Nanos, who joined PCSD in 1984 with experience in violent crimes, narcotics interdiction, and sex crimes investigations, manages a budget in the tens of millions and directs nearly 1,500 employees, including sworn deputies, supplemented by over 400 volunteers. The department's structure includes bureaus for corrections, investigations, support and operations, administration, and internal services, enabling comprehensive coverage beyond the jurisdiction of municipal police like the Tucson Police Department.Patrol operations are divided into North and South divisions, with districts such as Tucson Mountain and Vail handling proactive policing, traffic control, and rapid response to incidents in remote areas prone to vehicle accidents, wildlife encounters, and environmental hazards. Deputies conduct field operations supported by the Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteers, who assist in park patrols, neighborhood watches, and emergency responses. Investigations bureau personnel focus on criminal probes, including forensic analysis, while support operations manage fleet maintenance, communications, and specialized units. Recent challenges include understaffing due to budget constraints, prompting recruitment drives that added 39 new deputies in September 2024.Corrections operations center on two primary facilities: the Adult Detention Complex at 1270 W. Silverlake Road in Tucson, which handles high- and medium-security housing, and the Ajo District Jail for lower-custody inmates. These sites process bookings, manage visitation via scheduled on-site and remote options, and ensure court transports, with protocols for inmate property and health services overseen by dedicated captains. The facilities accommodate daily populations requiring environmental controls and security measures amid ongoing infrastructure strains from legislative changes and capacity demands.A core operational focus is the Search and Rescue (SAR) unit, which deploys ground teams, aircraft, and volunteers for missions in challenging locales like Sabino Canyon and the Tucson Mountains, often addressing heat-related illnesses, dehydration, or lost hikers. PCSD SAR conducts nightly aerial patrols and coordinates with mounted volunteer groups like Southern Arizona Mounted Search & Rescue for equine-assisted operations in inaccessible areas. In October 2025, for instance, the unit rescued three individuals in their 20s from Sabino Canyon Trail after they became stranded. These efforts underscore the department's adaptation to Pima County's geography, where extreme weather and tourism amplify rescue demands.
Crime Statistics and Trends
In Pima County, violent crime rates have consistently surpassed national averages, driven largely by activity in Tucson, which accounts for over half the county's population of approximately 1.05 million. In 2020, Tucson's violent crime rate stood at 473.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the U.S. national rate of 398.5 per 100,000.[127] County-wide data from the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD), covering unincorporated areas, indicate persistent challenges with aggravated assaults, which rose to 510 incidents in 2023 from a five-year average of 468.[128]Recent trends reveal a mixed pattern post-2020. The Tucson Police Department (TPD) reported 67 homicides in 2024, exceeding the five-year average of 60 by 12%, alongside 2,473 aggravated assaults, up 12.8% from the prior average of 2,192.[129] Robberies declined 15.1% to 849, and sexual assaults fell below the five-year average of 449. PCSD data for 2023 showed reductions in homicides (11 versus average 15), robberies (76 versus 120), and sexual assaults (54 versus 64), though total calls for service reached 126,024, reflecting sustained demand.[128] Arizona Department of Public Safety statistics for Pima County align with a broader state trend of declining violent crime rates in 2024 compared to the prior five-year average.[130]Property crime trends indicate overall declines with exceptions. TPD recorded 6,986 larcenies in 2024, down 16% from the five-year average, and 2,084 burglaries, below prior levels.[129] However, motor vehicle thefts increased sharply to 2,788, a 23.9% rise above the average, often linked to juvenile involvement. PCSD reported stable or slightly reduced property offenses, including 5,555 larcenies (down from average 5,783) and 713 motor vehicle thefts (near average 711).[128] Independent analysis of TPD data confirms a net 7% decrease in overall crime rates in Tucson since 2019, despite year-to-year fluctuations in specific categories.[131]
The Tucson Sector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which includes Pima County, has experienced high volumes of migrant encounters, contributing to ongoing security challenges. In fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024), Arizona recorded nearly 565,000 illegal border crossers, with the Tucson Sector accounting for a significant share amid nationwide totals exceeding 2 million encounters between ports of entry.[132][133] Earlier data from October and November 2023 showed 119,864 encounters in the sector alone, the highest among southwest border sectors during that period.[134]These crossings have amplified security threats, including "gotaways"—migrants who evade apprehension—estimated in the hundreds of thousands annually across Arizona sectors and raising national security concerns due to limited vetting of entrants.[135][132] U.S. Border Patrol officials in the Tucson Sector have highlighted risks from smuggling networks tied to Mexican cartels, which facilitate human and drug trafficking routes passing through or near Pima County, including violent incidents involving armed smugglers.[136] The Pima County Sheriff's Department participates in federal initiatives like Operation Stonegarden, deploying deputies for bordersecurity patrols to counter these threats, with narratives documenting active engagements in public safety missions along southern Arizona corridors.[137]Immigration-related enforcement has intersected with local crime, as evidenced by joint operations targeting gangs in Pima County linked to smuggling activities, resulting in multiple arrests and warrants executed with federal partners.[138] Federally, the District of Arizona prosecuted 215 individuals for immigration-related crimes in a single week in September 2025, including assaults on officers, reflecting broader patterns of criminal conduct tied to border operations affecting the region.[139] While most fentanyl seizures occur at ports of entry, Border Patrol in the Tucson Sector contributes to interdictions, with nationwide data showing arrests of criminal noncitizens—many with prior convictions for drugs, assault, or homicide—totaling thousands annually, underscoring the security footprint of unchecked crossings.[140] The influx has strained local resources, with Pima County managing shelters for over 517,000 processed asylum seekers from 2019 to 2024 before federal policy shifts led to closures in January 2025.[141][142]
Politics
Voter Registration and Party Affiliation
As of October 1, 2025, Pima County recorded 682,568 active registered voters, reflecting steady growth from 662,357 in October 2024.[143][144] Democrats held the largest share at 247,221 registrants (36.2 percent), followed by Republicans at 191,977 (28.1 percent), with the remaining 243,370 (35.7 percent) affiliated with minor parties or no party preference, including 232,069 independents, 5,442 No Labels, 4,680 Libertarians, and 1,179 Greens.[143]
Party Affiliation
Number of Registrants
Percentage
Democratic
247,221
36.2%
Republican
191,977
28.1%
Other (including independents and minor parties)
243,370
35.7%
This distribution positions Pima County as one of Arizona's few jurisdictions where Democratic registrations outnumber Republican ones, contrasting with the statewide Republican advantage of over 333,000 voters as of late October 2025.[143][145] The "other" category has expanded notably in recent years, driven by increasing independent registrations, which reached record levels ahead of the 2024 elections and continued growing into 2025.[146] Arizona law permits no-party-preference voters to participate in primary elections via crossover voting options, influencing turnout dynamics in this politically mixed county.[147]
Election Results and Trends
In presidential elections, Pima County has favored Democratic candidates consistently since the 1990s, reflecting the influence of urban Tucson voters, though Republican support remains substantial in suburban and rural precincts. The table below summarizes recent results:
Republican vote shares dipped in 2020 before rebounding in 2024, with Trump securing over 7,000 more votes than in 2020 despite lower overall turnout, indicating gains among Hispanic and independent voters in southern and eastern precincts.[151] This shift contributed to narrower Democratic margins compared to prior cycles, aligning with statewide trends where Trump flipped Arizona.[152]Local contests reveal greater bipartisanship. The Pima County Board of Supervisors features five districts with a current 3-2 Democratic majority; in 2024, Republican incumbent Steve Christy secured reelection in District 4 by a wide margin against Democrat Vanessa Bechtol.[153] The sheriff's race, a nonpartisan position despite candidates' affiliations, has been contentious: Democrat Chris Nanos, appointed in 2020 and elected in 2022, narrowly retained office in 2024, defeating Republican Heather Lappin by 481 votes following a recount triggered by the margin under 0.1 percent.[154][101] Nanos's victory, amid criticisms of departmental management, underscores Republican competitiveness in public safety roles, contrasting Democratic strength in countywide executive positions.[102]These patterns highlight Pima County's evolution from a reliably Democratic stronghold to a battleground with growing Republican traction, driven by demographic changes, border proximity concerns, and voter dissatisfaction with national Democratic policies.[151] Turnout fluctuated, peaking at over 512,000 ballots in 2020 before declining to approximately 507,000 in 2024, consistent with national early voting reliance.[155]
Policy Debates and Controversies
One prominent controversy involves the proposed development of data centers under "Project Blue," which sparked debates over transparency, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), environmental reviews, and water resource allocation in a region facing chronic scarcity. In 2025, Pima County officials faced criticism for initially approving secretive deals with limited public input, leading to accusations of favoritism toward large-scale projects that consume significant groundwater. Critics, including local environmental groups, argued that such facilities exacerbate aquifer depletion without adequate safeguards, prompting the Board of Supervisors to adopt stricter policies capping NDAs at two years and mandating more rigorous environmental impact assessments.[156][157][158] Proponents, however, highlighted potential economic benefits like job creation, though empirical data on net fiscal gains remains limited, with water usage projections for cooling systems drawing scrutiny amid Arizona's Colorado River shortages.[159][160]Immigration enforcement policies have fueled partisan divides, particularly regarding local cooperation with federal agencies. The Pima County Sheriff's Department discontinued a policy in 2025 that tracked deputies' referrals to U.S. Border Patrol, following a lapse that violated internal guidelines and drew lawsuits from the ACLU of Arizona for failing to release related records—actions the ACLU framed as enabling overreach, though the sheriff's office cited operational efficiency.[161][162][163] Democratic candidates in the 2024 sheriff's race debated expanding such collaborations versus prioritizing community trust, with some advocating reduced involvement to avoid alienating immigrant populations, despite data showing elevated border-related crime incidents in southern Arizona counties.[164][165] The Board of Supervisors passed resolutions opposing border wall expansions and militarization, reflecting local Democratic majorities' resistance to federal measures, even as smuggling and trafficking metrics indicated ongoing security challenges.[166][167]Water rate structures for unincorporated areas serviced by Tucson Water ignited fiscal equity disputes, culminating in a 2025 lawsuit by Pima County against the city over differential pricing that charged higher rates to non-city residents—upheld by a Maricopa County judge but contested as discriminatory against rural taxpayers funding regional infrastructure.[168][169] Residents in areas like the Catalina Foothills reported bill increases of 20-30% post-adjustment, fueling debates on sustainable management versus urban-suburban subsidies, with county supervisors rejecting interventions amid broader zoning discussions on water-intensive developments.[170][169] These tensions underscore causal trade-offs in arid-zone planning, where empirical groundwater modeling predicts further declines without policy reforms prioritizing conservation over expansion.[171]Election administration practices have sparked oversight controversies, including a 2024 district boundary error delaying ballot processing and erroneous mailings of wrong-party ballots to 358 Tucson voters ahead of a council election, attributed by the Recorder's office to vendor issues but criticized for eroding trust.[172][173] Supervisors' calls for independent probes into the Recorder and Sheriff—over perceived interference like deputy suspensions tied to campaigns—failed along party lines, highlighting institutional biases in self-policing, though a 2022 prosecutorial review found no systemic 2020 fraud in Pima County voting.[174][175] Such incidents, while not altering outcomes per official tallies, have amplified calls for enhanced verification protocols in a county with historically high mail-in participation.[176]
Communities
Incorporated Cities and Towns
Pima County encompasses five incorporated municipalities: the cities of Tucson and South Tucson, and the towns of Marana, Oro Valley, and Sahuarita.[177] These entities handle local governance, including zoning, public services, and infrastructure, distinct from the unincorporated county areas.[178]Tucson, the largest city and county seat, had a population of approximately 543,000 in 2023.[179] Founded in 1775 as a Spanish presidio, it serves as the economic and cultural hub of southern Arizona, hosting the University of Arizona and supporting industries like aerospace, optics, and tourism.[180]South Tucson, a small city of about 4,600 residents in 2023, is entirely surrounded by Tucson.[181] Incorporated in 1940, it maintains independent municipal services despite its enclave status, with a population predominantly of Hispanic or Latino origin.[182]Marana, located northwest of Tucson, recorded a 2023 population of around 54,500.[183] Incorporated as a town in 1977, it has experienced rapid growth due to residential development and proximity to Interstate 10, featuring industrial parks and agricultural heritage.[184]Oro Valley, a northern suburb, had approximately 47,600 residents in 2023.[185] Established as a town in 1974, it is known for upscale residential communities, golf courses, and the Catalina State Park, attracting retirees and families with its scenic foothill location.[186]Sahuarita, situated south of Tucson, counted about 35,000 inhabitants in 2023.[187] Incorporated in 1994 and expanded through annexations, the town benefits from manufacturing, including a major copper mine, and residential expansion along Interstate 19.[188]
Municipality
Type
2023 Population Estimate
Tucson
City
543,000 [179]
Marana
Town
54,500 [183]
Oro Valley
Town
47,600 [185]
Sahuarita
Town
35,000 [187]
South Tucson
City
4,600 [189]
Unincorporated Areas and CDPs
Unincorporated areas in Pima County include expansive suburban developments adjacent to Tucson and remote rural districts extending into the Sonoran Desert. These regions, governed solely by county authorities, encompass nearly 400,000 residents as of 2023, forming the largest such population among Arizona counties and necessitating robust county services in planning, utilities, and law enforcement.[2] Unlike incorporated cities, these areas lack independent municipal taxes and governance, relying on Pima County's framework for development control and infrastructure maintenance.[2]Census-designated places (CDPs) statistically define concentrated settlements within these unincorporated zones, with 54 recognized in Pima County per the 2020 Census.[190] Urban-adjacent CDPs, such as those northwest of Tucson, exhibit high densities and residential character; two near Tucson surpassed 50,000 residents each in 2020, contributing to the metro area's sprawl.[191] Examples include communities with mixed demographics, where proximity to Tucson drives commuting and economic ties, though county-level zoning shapes growth amid pressures from urban expansion.[192]Rural unincorporated locales, like Arivaca and Ajo, feature sparse populations under 5,000, centered on agriculture, mining legacies, and ecotourism. Ajo, in the county's far west near the international border, supports a historic mining district with limited services, while border proximity influences local dynamics including security patrols.[193] These areas preserve natural habitats but contend with isolation, water scarcity, and federal land management overlaps, such as Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument adjacent to Lukeville. Overall, unincorporated Pima balances suburban vitality with desert frontier traits, underscoring the county's diverse administrative scope.[194]
Native American Reservations
The San Xavier District of the Tohono O'odham Nation constitutes the primary Native American reservation land within Pima County, encompassing 71,095 acres immediately south of Tucson in the Sonoran Desert.[195] This district forms one of four separate land bases of the broader Tohono O'odham Nation, whose total holdings exceed 2.7 million acres across Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa counties, with the San Xavier area established through historical executive actions and federal recognitions dating to the late 19th century.[196] As of recent regional estimates, the district's population stands at 6,418 residents, reflecting a median age of 28 and a demographic predominantly of Native American ethnicity.[197] The Tohono O'odham people, who have inhabited the region for millennia, maintain traditional practices tied to the desert environment, including agriculture adapted to seasonal rains, though modern economic activities such as gaming operations at nearby Desert Diamond Casino contribute significantly to local revenue.[198]The Pascua Yaqui Reservation, home to the federally recognized Pascua Yaqui Tribe, covers approximately 2.2 square miles in Pima County, situated southwest of Tucson near the intersection of Interstate 19 and Valencia Road.[199] Established as a formal reservation following federal acknowledgment in 1978, it serves as the "New Pascua" community for a tribe originating from the Yaqui River Valley in Sonora, Mexico, with many members having migrated northward in the early 20th century to escape persecution.[200] The reservation supports tribal governance through an elected council of 11 members and operates essential services including health clinics and educational programs, amid a total enrolled tribal membership exceeding 20,000, though resident population on the Pima County lands is smaller and centered on community development initiatives.[201] Economic self-sufficiency is bolstered by enterprises like the Casino of the Sun, while cultural preservation efforts emphasize Yaqui deer dances and Easter ceremonies rooted in pre-colonial traditions.[198]These reservations interface with Pima County's urban expansion, prompting ongoing negotiations over land use, water rights, and infrastructure, such as access to State Route 86 traversing San Xavier lands.[197] Federal trust status affords sovereignty in internal affairs, yet jurisdictional overlaps with county services highlight dependencies on shared resources like education and emergency response.[1]
Education
Public School Districts and Performance
Pima County is primarily served by 12 public school districts, including the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD), Vail Unified School District, Catalina Foothills School District, Amphitheater Public Schools, Sunnyside Unified School District, Sahuarita Unified School District, Flowing Wells School District, Marana Unified School District, Altar Valley Elementary School District, Ajo Unified School District, and smaller entities like the Flowing Springs School District.[202][203] TUSD, the largest, operates 90 schools spanning preschool through grade 12 and enrolled 40,209 students in the 2024-25 school year, serving much of urban Tucson with a diverse student body including significant Hispanic and low-income populations.[204][205] Smaller districts like Vail and Catalina Foothills focus on suburban and exurban areas, with enrollments around 14,000 and 3,500 students respectively, emphasizing higher academic standards and attracting families through performance reputations.[206][207]The Arizona Department of Education assigns A-F letter grades to districts and schools annually based on metrics including student proficiency in English language arts and math (50% weight), academic growth (25%), high school readiness and graduation rates (25% for applicable levels), and English learner progress.[208] For the 2023-24 school year, released October 25, 2024, Pima County districts showed varied outcomes, with suburban districts outperforming urban ones amid flat proficiency rates countywide—around 40-45% proficient in core subjects despite slight grade inflation from growth and graduation factors.[209] Vail Unified achieved a district GPA of 3.95, with over 14,500 students attending A-rated schools and elementary proficiency rates of 64% in reading and 68% in math.[210][211] Catalina Foothills earned straight A's across all K-12 schools, reflecting strong growth percentiles and 70-80% proficiency in tested subjects.[207]In contrast, TUSD's overall performance lags, with a district letter grade typically in the B- to C range in recent years, many schools at B or C, and proficiency rates below state averages—e.g., 30-35% in math and reading for elementary levels—correlating with higher poverty rates (over 50% free/reduced lunch) and English learner enrollment exceeding 20%.[204] Sunnyside and Amphitheater districts similarly report C averages, with graduation rates around 75-80% but proficiency under 40%, highlighting challenges in urban settings with demographic factors like 80-90% minority students.[212][213] These disparities persist despite per-pupil funding near the state average of $8,000-9,000, underscoring causal links between socioeconomic status, family involvement, and outcomes over systemic interventions alone.[214]
District
Approximate Enrollment (2023-24)
2023-24 A-F District Grade/GPA
Key Proficiency (Elementary ELA/Math)
Vail Unified
14,500
3.95 GPA (mostly A)
64%/68%
Catalina Foothills
3,500
A
70-80%
Tucson Unified
40,200
B-/C
30-35%
Reforms in underperforming districts, such as TUSD's strategic plans emphasizing data-driven interventions, have yielded modest gains in growth scores but limited proficiency improvements, with auditors noting inefficiencies in resource allocation relative to peers.[214] Countywide, no F-rated schools were reported in 2023, up from prior years, though proficiency stagnation raises questions about grade validity as a pure academic measure.[215][209]
Higher Education Institutions
The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, serves as the principal public research university in Pima County. Established by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1885 as the first university in the Arizona Territory, it predates statehood by 27 years and commenced classes in 1891 with 32 students.[216] As of recent data, it enrolls 53,187 students, including 42,075 undergraduates and 11,112 graduates, across more than 150 majors and classified as an R1 doctoral university with very high research activity.[83] The institution emphasizes land-grant missions in agriculture, engineering, and optics, contributing significantly to regional research output.[216]Pima Community College operates as the county's primary two-year public institution, with voter approval for its formation in 1966 and official opening in August 1970, initially enrolling 3,543 students.[217] It maintains six campuses throughout Pima County, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways, with a total enrollment of 15,819 students in 2023, including 3,612 full-time.[218] Recent trends show sustained growth, with fall 2025 first-day enrollment up over 8% from the prior year, reflecting demand for affordable workforce and transfer education.[219] The college prioritizes accessibility, with an average class size of 17.3 and the lowest net price among Arizona non-tribal community colleges.[220]Tohono O'odham Community College, a tribal land-grant institution headquartered in Sells within Pima County, caters primarily to the Tohono O'odham Nation while serving broader regional needs. It provides associate degrees and certificates emphasizing cultural preservation, vocational skills, and general education, with additional sites in Tucson.[221] Enrollment stands at approximately 288 full-time undergraduates, supporting community-specific programs amid economic challenges in rural areas.[222]Smaller specialized institutions include Pima Medical Institute's Tucson campus, a private career college focused on allied health certificates and associate degrees, enrolling 2,744 students in 2023 with programs completable in as little as nine months.[223] Other vocational providers, such as Brookline College, offer targeted training in healthcare and criminal justice but lack the scale of the major public entities.[224]Arizona State University maintains a limited presence in Tucson for select in-person and online degrees, partnering with local entities rather than operating as a primary campus.[225]
Educational Outcomes and Reforms
Public schools in Pima County demonstrate proficiency rates below state and national averages across core subjects. For the 2023-24 school year, countywide math proficiency averaged 33% and reading proficiency 39%, trailing Arizona's statewide figures of 34% in math.[226][227] In the Tucson Unified School District, which enrolls over half of Pima County's public students, elementary-level reading proficiency registered at 28% and math at 23%, with districtwide rates of 22% proficient in math and 29% in reading based on state assessments.[228][229]Graduation metrics reflect similar underperformance. Tucson Unified's four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate stood at 82% in the latest reported period, down from 85% five years prior, amid persistent gaps for subgroups including Hispanic and African American students.[230][231] On the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Arizona's fourth-grade reading scores averaged 232 in 2024, below the national mean of 237, with Pima County aligning at or below these state levels due to demographic and resource factors.[232]Arizona's A-F schoolaccountability system, which weights proficiency, growth, and graduation alongside English learner progress, has yielded rising letter grades in Pima County despite flatlined proficiency. In 2023, 84 Pima schools earned A's with no F's, and 2024 data indicated further overall gains in elementary and middle school ratings.[215][209] State officials attribute improvements to growth metrics and policy adjustments, though independent analyses highlight methodological shifts that decouple grades from raw proficiency thresholds.[233]Key reforms emphasize expanded school choice to address stagnant outcomes. Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), universalized via legislation in 2022, enable families to redirect per-pupil funding—up to $7,000 annually—toward private schools, homeschooling, or therapies, bypassing traditional public systems.[234] In Pima County, ESA enrollment surged, contributing to a reported enrollment drop of over 1,000 students in Tucson Unified since 2022, exacerbating budget shortfalls as fixed costs like facilities persisted.[235] Proponents, including state policymakers, cite choice as a causal driver for innovation, with early data showing participating families accessing alternatives amid public sector proficiency deficits.[236] Critics from public education advocates point to fiscal strain on districts, projecting statewide ESA costs exceeding $900 million by 2025, though longitudinal studies on academic impacts remain limited.[236] These initiatives build on prior tax-credit scholarships, aiming to foster competition without direct evidence yet of countywide proficiency uplift.[237]
Metric
Pima County Average
Tucson Unified
Arizona State Average
Math Proficiency (2023-24)
33%
22-23%
34%
Reading Proficiency (2023-24)
39%
28-29%
~40% (3rd grade ELA)
Graduation Rate (Latest)
N/A (district varies)
82%
~77%
Sources for table: Aggregated from district and state reports.[226][228][229][238]
Notable Features and Attractions
Cultural and Historical Sites
Pima County's cultural and historical sites reflect its layered past, encompassing Native American settlements, Spanish colonial missions and presidios, Mexican ranching traditions, and American territorial development. Key attractions include preserved missions, reconstructed forts, and ranch headquarters that illustrate the region's transition from indigenous habitation to Euro-American settlement. These sites are maintained through efforts by Pima County and the City of Tucson to protect archaeological and architectural heritage for educational purposes.[239]The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, established on August 20, 1775, by Spanish colonial authorities under Lieutenant Hugo O'Conor, served as a military outpost to secure the northern frontier against Apache incursions and facilitate missionary work among the O'odham people.[240] The site, now home to the Tucson Presidio Museum—a reconstruction of the original adobe fortress—offers exhibits on daily life in the presidio, including artifacts from the Spanish and Mexican eras.[241] Nearby, the Barrio Histórico district preserves over 150 adobe structures dating to the 19th century, representing Tucson's Mexican heritage with row houses adapted to the Sonoran environment.[242]Mission San Xavier del Bac, founded in 1692 by Jesuit missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino at an existing O'odham village, features the present church constructed between 1783 and 1797 under Franciscan oversight, showcasing Baroque architecture with Tohono O'odham labor contributions.[243] Designated a National Historic Landmark, the "White Dove of the Desert" remains an active parish and draws visitors for its murals, sculptures, and historical significance in Spanish evangelization efforts.[244]Further south, Historic Canoa Ranch operated continuously from 1821, when the Ortiz brothers acquired land under Mexican rule, through American ownership by the Manning family until 1968, functioning as a progressive cattle and horse operation.[245] Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the ranch headquarters includes the Hacienda de la Canoa, a site along the Anza expedition route, with guided tours highlighting ranching evolution and environmental adaptations.[246] The Pima County Historic Courthouse, built in 1929 in Spanish Colonial Revival style by architect Roy Place, hosted notable trials including that of gangster John Dillinger in 1934 before serving as a justice center until 2015.[247]
Natural and Recreational Areas
Pima County features expansive Sonoran Desert terrain interspersed with sky island mountain ranges, providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna while supporting recreational activities like hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, birdwatching, and camping. Managed primarily by county, state, and federal agencies, these areas emphasize preservation of natural resources alongside public access, with over 62 miles of shared-use trails in key parks alone.[65][248]Tucson Mountain Park, established in 1929 and covering about 20,000 acres west of Tucson, protects rugged desert landscapes with saguaro cacti and offers 62 miles of non-motorized trails open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers, including popular routes like the Yetman Trail.[248][249] The adjacent Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, spanning elevations from 2,180 to 4,687 feet, safeguards dense saguaro forests emblematic of the region and hosts biotic communities ranging from desert scrub to transitional zones, with trails accessing viewpoints and wildlife observation sites.[250]In the northeastern county, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area within the Coronado National Forest provides paved paths, a seasonal creek for wading, and a motorized shuttle serving nine stops along 3.8 miles, facilitating access to hiking trails and picnic areas at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains.[251] Catalina State Park, encompassing 5,500 acres of foothills and canyons, includes equestrian campsites, over 10 miles of multi-use trails linking to national forest paths, and habitats for more than 150 bird species, with elevations nearing 3,000 feet.[252]Mount Lemmon, the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains at 9,157 feet and part of the Coronado National Forest, enables elevation-driven recreation from desert hiking to alpine camping and winter skiing at elevations up to 9,000 feet, with trails like those in Rose Canyon offering biking and panoramic views.[253] County-managed sites like Agua Caliente Park, a 101-acre oasis with a perennial warm spring feeding a pond, sustain riparian vegetation and support biodiversity uncommon in the arid surroundings.[254] These areas collectively draw millions of visitors annually, underscoring their role in regional conservation and outdoor pursuits.[255]
Economic and Military Installations
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, located southeast of Tucson, serves as the primary military installation in Pima County and hosts the 355th Wing, which conducts close air support, rescue, and attack missions using A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.[84] The base also includes the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), responsible for storing, reclaiming, and disposing of excess U.S. military aircraft, often referred to as the "Boneyard."[256] As the largest single employer in Pima County, the U.S. Air Force at Davis-Monthan employs approximately 9,856 military and civilian personnel, generating an estimated economic output exceeding $2.6 billion annually through direct payroll, contracts, and retiree spending.[257][256] The base supports over 13,000 local jobs indirectly and contributes around $3 billion to the broader Tucson economy, including impacts from 13,271 military retirees in the region.[258]The 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard, co-located at Tucson Air National Guard Base adjacent to Davis-Monthan, provides F-16 pilot training and operates as a key component of the state's air defense capabilities.[259] This installation enhances regional military readiness while adding to the defense-related economic activity in Pima County, though its employment footprint is smaller than the active-duty base.[259]On the economic front, RTX Corporation's (formerly Raytheon) Tucson facilities represent a cornerstone installation for aerospace and defense manufacturing, employing over 13,000 workers as the largest private employer in southern Arizona.[260] These sites specialize in missile systems production, including interceptors for ballistic missile defense, and have secured major contracts such as a $1.1 billion U.S. Navy award in 2025 to expand output, bolstering high-skill jobs and supply chain integration.[261] The aerospace cluster, anchored by such operations, drives manufacturingemployment in Pima County, with defense contractors contributing significantly to the 14,146 manufacturing jobs reported in the Tucson metropolitan area.[4]Mining operations, particularly copper production, form another vital economic installation cluster, with facilities like the Sierrita Mine operated by Freeport-McMoRan in western Pima County extracting minerals essential for electronics and infrastructure.[262] In 2014, Pima County copper mines produced 175,000 metric tons, representing a substantial share of Arizona's output, which accounts for about 60% of U.S. copper production and generates billions in statewide economic impact through jobs, taxes, and exports.[87] Aggregate mining for sand, gravel, and construction materials further supports local infrastructure development under Pima County's land use policies.[262] These installations underscore the county's resource-based economy, though they face environmental scrutiny amid growing demand for critical minerals.[263]
Interstate 10
Interstate 19
Historic U.S. Route 80
State Route 77
State Route 83
State Route 85
State Route 86
State Route 210
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Geographic data related to Pima County, Arizona at OpenStreetMap
