Pima County, Arizona

Last updated

Pima County
County
Pima County Courthouse 10.JPG
Pima County Courthouse
Seal of Pima County, Arizona.png
Seal
Map of Arizona highlighting Pima County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Arizona
Arizona in United States.svg
Arizona's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 32°03′55″N111°49′15″W / 32.06528°N 111.82083°W / 32.06528; -111.82083
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Arizona.svg Arizona
FoundedNovember 9, 1864
Named after Pima people
Seat Tucson
Largest cityTucson
Area
 • Total
9,189 sq mi (23,800 km2)
 • Land9,187 sq mi (23,790 km2)
 • Water2.1 sq mi (5 km2)  0.02%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
1,043,433
 • Estimate 
(2024)
1,080,149 Increase2.svg
 • Density110/sq mi (44/km2)
Time zone UTC−7 (Mountain)
Congressional districts 6th, 7th
Website www.pima.gov
Pima County Fair, 2007 Pima County Fair.jpg
Pima County Fair, 2007

Pima County ( /ˈpiːmə/ PEE-mə) is a county in the south central region of the U.S. state of Arizona, one of 15 counties in the state. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,043,433, [1] making it Arizona's second-most populous county. The county seat is Tucson, [2] where most of the population is centered. The county is named after the Pima Native Americans, also known as Akimel O'odham, who are indigenous to this area.

Contents

Pima County includes the entirety of the Tucson Metropolitan Statistical Area, and it is the third largest metropolitan area in the Southwestern United States.

Pima County contains parts of the Tohono O'odham Nation, as well as all of the San Xavier Indian Reservation, the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ironwood Forest National Monument and Saguaro National Park.

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.

History

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]

Geography

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]

Topographic features

Major highways

Adjacent counties and municipalities

National protected areas

Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan

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]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1870 5,716—
1880 17,006197.5%
1890 12,673−25.5%
1900 14,68915.9%
1910 22,81855.3%
1920 34,68052.0%
1930 55,67660.5%
1940 72,83830.8%
1950 141,21693.9%
1960 265,66088.1%
1970 351,66732.4%
1980 531,44351.1%
1990 666,88025.5%
2000 843,74626.5%
2010 980,26316.2%
2020 1,043,4336.4%
2024 (est.)1,080,149 [7] 3.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [8]
1790–1960 [9] 1900–1990 [10]
1990–2000 [11] 2010–2020 [1]

2020 census

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.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)Pop 2000 [12] Pop 2010 [13] Pop 2020 [14] % 2000% 2010% 2020
White alone (NH)518,720541,700536,86861.48%55.26%51.45%
Black or African American alone (NH)24,04731,07536,2542.85%3.17%3.47%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)21,82123,55823,6702.59%2.40%2.27%
Asian alone (NH)16,59524,59229,8441.97%2.51%2.86%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH)8911,3361,9370.11%0.14%0.19%
Other race alone (NH)1,0121,4614,6570.12%0.15%0.45%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)13,08217,73937,4151.55%1.81%3.59%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)247,578338,802372,78829.34%34.56%35.73%
Total843,746980,2631,043,433100.00%100.00%100.00%

2010 census

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]

The largest ancestry groups were: [17]

  • 30.8% Mexican
  • 16.2% German
  • 10.6% Irish
  • 9.9% English
  • 4.5% Italian
  • 3.1% French
  • 2.8% American
  • 2.7% Polish
  • 2.4% Scottish
  • 1.8% Scotch-Irish
  • 1.7% Norwegian
  • 1.6% Dutch
  • 1.6% Swedish
  • 1.1% Russian

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]

2000 census

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.

Metropolitan Statistical Area

The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Pima County as the Tucson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area. [20] The United States Census Bureau ranked the Tucson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area as the 53rd most populous metropolitan statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2012. [21]

The Office of Management and Budget has further designated the Tucson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area as a component of the more extensive Tucson-Nogales, AZ Combined Statistical Area, [20] the 53rd most populous combined statistical area and the 59th most populous primary statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2012. [21] [22]

Government, policing, and politics

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.

Board of Supervisors and elected positions

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.

PartyDistrictNameFirst electedArea(s) representedOfficial Website
DemocraticDistrict 1Rex Scott2020 Oro Valley, Marana, Catalina Foothills District 1
DemocraticDistrict 2 Matt Heinz 2020 Tucson, Sahuarita, South Tucson District 2
DemocraticDistrict 3Jennifer Allen2024 Tucson, Marana, Three Points, Sahuarita District 3
RepublicanDistrict 4Steve Christy2016 Tucson, Vail, Summerhaven, Green Valley District 4
DemocraticDistrict 5 Andrés Cano 2025 [a] Tucson, Sahuarita, Green Valley District 5

[24]

Along with the Board of Supervisors the Arizona State Constitution allows for 7 other county elected officials.

PartyOfficeNameFirst electedReferences
DemocraticAssessorSuzanne Droubie2020 [25]
DemocraticCounty AttorneyLaura Conover2020 [26]
DemocraticCounty Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly 2020 [27]
DemocraticCounty School SuperintendentDustin Williams2016 [28]
DemocraticSheriffChris Nanos2020 [29]
DemocraticTreasurerBrian Johnson2024 [30]
DemocraticClerk of Superior CourtGary Harrison2020 [31]

Pima County sheriff

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.

Politics

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, being largely insensitive to Western states' issues, also 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]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
1912 35319.57%69338.41%75842.02%
1916 2,61653.15%2,07942.24%2274.61%
1920 3,39258.01%2,45541.99%00.00%
1924 3,55942.17%2,59430.74%2,28627.09%
1928 6,63556.94%4,97642.70%420.36%
1932 6,15234.70%11,06162.40%5142.90%
1936 6,07932.70%12,24965.89%2621.41%
1940 9,44540.09%14,03559.57%820.35%
1944 10,85045.37%13,00654.39%570.24%
1948 16,96847.63%17,69249.66%9652.71%
1952 32,11360.19%21,23739.81%00.00%
1956 39,29862.49%23,53637.43%510.08%
1960 46,73452.43%42,17147.31%2390.27%
1964 46,95546.36%54,12053.44%2030.20%
1968 49,47950.61%39,78640.70%8,5018.70%
1972 73,15445.41%56,22334.90%31,73319.70%
1976 77,26449.83%71,21445.93%6,5834.25%
1980 93,05549.75%64,41834.44%29,58415.82%
1984 123,83056.90%91,58542.09%2,1971.01%
1988 117,89950.28%113,82448.54%2,7501.17%
1992 97,03634.47%128,56945.68%55,87919.85%
1996 104,12139.36%137,98352.16%22,4488.49%
2000 124,57943.31%147,68851.34%15,3735.34%
2004 171,10946.56%193,12852.55%3,2550.89%
2008 182,40646.20%206,25452.24%6,1801.57%
2012 174,77945.61%201,25152.52%7,1431.86%
2016 167,42839.71%224,66153.28%29,5517.01%
2020 207,75839.79%304,98158.41%9,4351.81%
2024 214,66941.68%292,45056.78%7,9081.54%

Communities

Map of the incorporated and unincorporated cities and towns in Pima County. Also shown are the borders for the Indian Reservations in the county. Pima County Incorporated and Unincorporated areas.svg
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 Co. Copper mines.jpg
Astronaut photo of the open-pit copper mines adjacent to Green Valley, 2010. North is to the left.

Cities

Towns

Census-designated places

Indian communities

Other communities

Ghost towns

County population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Pima County. [36]

† county seat

RankCity/Town/etc.Population (2020 Census)Municipal typeIncorporated
1† Tucson 542,629City1775
2 Casas Adobes 70,973 CDP
3 Catalina Foothills 52,401CDP
4 Marana 51,908Town1977
5 Oro Valley 47,070Town1974
6 Sahuarita 34,134Town1994
7 Drexel Heights 27,523CDP
8 Green Valley 22,616CDP
9 Tanque Verde 16,250CDP
10 Flowing Wells 15,657CDP
11 Valencia West 14,101CDP
12 Vail 13,604CDP
13 Tucson Estates 12,069CDP
14 Tucson Mountains 10,862CDP
15 Picture Rocks 9,551CDP
16 Corona de Tucson 9,240CDP
17 Catalina 7,551CDP
18 Rincon Valley 5,612CDP
19 Avra Valley 5,569CDP
20 Three Points 5,184CDP
21 Summit 4,724CDP
22 South Tucson 4,613City1940
23 Ajo 3,039CDP
24 Sells 2,121CDP
25 Arivaca Junction 970CDP
26 J-Six Ranchettes 647CDP
27 Arivaca 623CDP
28 Elephant Head 588CDP
29 Santa Rosa 474CDP
30 Pisinemo 359CDP
31 Nelson 249CDP
32 Topawa 233CDP
33 San Miguel 205CDP
34 South Komelik 176CDP
35 Kleindale 165CDP
36 Anegam 149CDP
37 Maish Vaya 129CDP
38 Gu Oidak 126CDP
39 Why 122CDP
40 Ali Chuk 119CDP
41 Ali Chukson 113CDP
42 Cowlic 105CDP
43 Rillito 94CDP
44 Wahak Hotrontk 88CDP
45 Haivana Nakya 72CDP
46 Summerhaven 71CDP
47 Ali Molina 61CDP
48 Ventana 52CDP
49 Ak Chin 50CDP
50 Chiawuli Tak 48CDP
51 Comobabi 44CDP
52 Ko Vaya 43CDP
53 Charco 27CDP
54 Nolic 12CDP
55 Willow Canyon 2CDP

Education

School districts with territory in the county, no matter how slight (even if the schools and administration are in other counties), include: [37]

Unified:

Elementary:

Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind is based in Tucson.

Tourist attractions

Annual events

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show Tucson Rodeo

Locations of interest

County-Designated Historic Landmarks

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Appointed to replace Adelita Grijalva.

References

  1. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ Wagoner, Jay J. (1970). Arizona Territory 1863–1912: A Political history . Tucson: University of Arizona Press. p.  58. ISBN   0-8165-0176-9.
  4. ↑ "History: Pima County". Pima County Justice Court. September 27, 2000. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved September 30, 2009.
  5. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2012. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  6. ↑ Pima County (2023). "The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan" . Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  7. ↑ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  8. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  12. ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Pima County, Arizona". United States Census Bureau .
  13. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Pima County, Arizona". United States Census Bureau .
  14. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Pima County, Arizona". United States Census Bureau .
  15. 1 2 3 "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 20, 2016.[ permanent dead link ][ permanent dead link ][ permanent dead link ]
  17. ↑ "DP02 Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 20, 2016.[ permanent dead link ][ permanent dead link ][ permanent dead link ]
  18. ↑ "DP03 Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Language Map Data Center". Mla.org. April 3, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  20. 1 2 "OMB Bulletin No. 13-01: Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget . February 28, 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2013– via National Archives.
  21. 1 2 "Table 1. Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". 2012 Population Estimates. United States Census Bureau, Population Division. March 2013. Archived from the original (CSV) on April 1, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Table 2. Annual Estimates of the Population of Combined Statistical Areas: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". 2012 Population Estimates. United States Census Bureau, Population Division. March 2013. Archived from the original (CSV) on May 17, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2013.
  23. ↑ County, Pima. "Board appoints Jan Lesher as County Administrator". Pima County. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Board of Supervisors - Pima County". Pima.gov. April 16, 2013. Archived from the original on July 7, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Office of The Pima County Assessor". asr.pima.gov. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Pima County Attorney". pcao.pima.gov. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Pima County Recorder's Office - Recorder Chronology". www.recorder.pima.gov.
  28. ↑ "Meet the Superintendent - Pima County Schools - Tucson, AZ". schools.pima.gov. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Pima County Sheriff's Department :: Welcome from Sheriff Napier". editorialmac.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  30. ↑ "Home". to.pima.gov. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  31. ↑ "Home". cosc.pima.gov/. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  32. ↑ Pima County Sheriff wikipedia site
  33. ↑ Seeley, John (November 22, 2000). "Early and Often". LA Weekly. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  34. ↑ "Dave Leip's Atlas of United States Presidential Elections" . Retrieved June 11, 2011.
  35. ↑ "Our Campaigns" . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  36. ↑ "2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL-94-171)". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved March 16, 2025.
  37. ↑ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Pima County, AZ" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022. - Text list
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