Who We Are in Santa Cruz Valley

A Place for Families, Retirees, and Everyone In Between

Life in the Santa Cruz Valley is described as peaceful, friendly, and connected. Community events, art festivals, and local traditions bring neighbors together.
 
 
 
 
 
 

🤝 Community at a Glance

Sahuarita and Green Valley offer distinct yet equally inviting lifestyles within the Santa Cruz Valley. Sahuarita is a family-focused community where modern neighborhoods, parks, and schools create a safe and welcoming environment for children to grow and neighbors to connect. Green Valley provides retirees and active adults with a serene lifestyle, complete with golf courses, clubs, and social events that encourage both relaxation and engagement. Together, these communities balance convenience, comfort, and a sense of belonging, offering residents a peaceful yet connected way of life amid the valley’s scenic desert landscapes.
 
Also within the Santa Cruz Valley, Tubac, Rio Rico, and Nogales each bring their own unique character to the region. Tubac enchants with its historic plaza, art galleries, and artisan workshops, creating a vibrant hub where creativity and community flourish. Rio Rico combines spacious neighborhoods with family-friendly amenities, quiet streets, and open spaces that make it ideal for growing families. Nogales, the lively cultural and commercial gateway on the U.S.–Mexico border, hums with energy—markets overflow with local produce, festivals celebrate heritage, and bustling streets reflect a rich mix of culture and commerce. Across the Santa Cruz Valley, residents enjoy a lifestyle that is both active and welcoming, where tradition, creativity, and opportunity come together under expansive desert skies.

📍 Santa Cruz Valley Demographics

The Santa Cruz Valley stretches through southern Arizona, connecting Sahuarita, Green Valley, Tubac, Rio Rico, Nogales, Tumacacori, Amado, and Arivaca. This distinctive region blends historic charm, strong cultural identity, and family-friendly living, all surrounded by scenic desert landscapes. Its demographics reflect a balance of tradition, diversity, and steady growth.

👥 Population Overview

The combined population of the Santa Cruz Valley region is approximately 95,000 residents. Each community offers its own unique appeal:
  • Sahuarita: A growing town with modern amenities and family-focused neighborhoods. 
  • Green Valley: Known for active-adult living and retirement communities. 
  • Tubac: A haven for artists and history enthusiasts. 
  • Rio Rico: Spacious and affordable, popular with young families.
  • Nogales: Cultural gateway and commercial hub on the U.S.–Mexico border. 
  • Tumacacori: Rich history with preserved Spanish missions and small-town charm. 
  • Amado: Rural community celebrated for open landscapes and agricultural roots. 
  • Arivaca: Quiet, scenic, and community-focused, ideal for those seeking a slower pace.
Together, these towns form a region that values both growth and heritage.

🎂 Age and Lifestyle

The Santa Cruz Valley attracts residents of all ages. Families are drawn to master-planned neighborhoods and good schools, while retirees enjoy a relaxed pace and abundant amenities. Rural areas like Arivaca and Tumacacori appeal to those seeking privacy and open space.
  • Median Age (Regional Average): 46 years 
  • Family Households: 65% 
  • Age-Restricted Communities: Prominent in Green Valley and Tubac

🌎 Cultural and Ethnic Composition

Rooted in Sonoran Desert traditions and shaped by centuries of cross-border exchange, the Santa Cruz Valley is deeply multicultural. Historic Spanish missions, ranching heritage, and modern American lifestyles coexist in harmony.
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~75% 
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~20% 
  • Other Ethnicities: ~5%
The valley’s diversity is celebrated through art, cuisine, and community festivals that honor shared heritage.

🎓 Education and Employment

Residents have access to established school districts and nearby colleges in Tucson and Nogales. Employment opportunities span education, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and technology. Smaller towns support local agriculture and small businesses.
  • Top Employment Sectors: Education, Healthcare, Retail, Logistics, Agriculture, Public Administration 
  • High School Graduation Rate: 85% 
  • Higher Education (some college or degree): 48% 
  • Emerging Growth: Remote work, technology, small business entrepreneurship

🏠 Income and Housing Snapshot

The Santa Cruz Valley offers diverse housing options—from modern family homes in Sahuarita to artistic residences in Tubac, age-restricted communities in Green Valley, and spacious rural properties in Rio Rico.
  • Median Household Income: $64,000 
  • Median Home Price: $325,000 
  • Homeownership Rate: 74% 
Sahuarita features new construction and family-sized homes, while Green Valley and Tubac focus on low-maintenance, age-restricted living. Rural communities provide peaceful, country-style living with ample space.

Population & Demographics

  • 👥 Population: ~95,000 residents 
  • 🎂 Median Age: 46 years 
  • 🏡 Family Households: 65% 
  • 🏠 Homeownership Rate: 74%

Income & Housing

  • 💰 Median Household Income: $64,000
  • 🏘️ Median Home Price: $325,000 
  • 🏡 Housing Types: Family homes, age-restricted communities, rural properties

Major Communities & Highlights

  • 🌳 Sahuarita: Growing, family-friendly, modern amenities 
  • 🏌️ Green Valley: Active adult & retirement communities 
  • 🎨 Tubac: Artistic, historic, cultural hub 
  • 🏞️ Rio Rico: Affordable, spacious, family-oriented 
  • 🌎 Nogales: Border city, commerce, culture 
  • ⛪ Tumacacori: Historic, Spanish missions 
  • 🚜 Amado: Rural, open landscapes, agricultural roots 
  • 🌄 Arivaca: Quiet, scenic, community-focused

Cultural & Ethnic Composition

  • ❤️ Hispanic or Latino: ~82.1% of the population 
  • 💛 Non-Hispanic White: ~15.8% 
  • 💚 American Indian & Alaska Native: ~1.6% 
  • 💙 Two or More Races: ~1.2% 
  • 💜 Foreign-born residents: ~34% 
  • 🧡 Speak a language other than English at home: ~79.7%

Education & Employment

  • 🎓 High School Grad Rate: 85% 
  • 🎓 Higher Education: 48% 
  • 💼 Top Sectors: Education, Healthcare, Retail, Logistics, Agriculture, Public Administration

Lifestyle & Living

  • 🏞️ Scenic desert landscapes with mountain views 
  • 🎉 Vibrant community events, art festivals, and local traditions 
  • 🌱 Blend of modern neighborhoods and peaceful rural living