| City: | Carefree, Arizona |
| County: | Maricopa County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:10:29 PM |
| Population: | 3,515 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 480 / 520 / 602 / 623 / 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.8171, -111.9035 |
| Land Area: | 8.594 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Carefree, Arizona lives up to its name. This affluent retirement community in the northeast Phoenix metro area has a median age of 65.4 years and median home values over $1 million. Street names like Easy Street, Tranquil Trail, Never Mind Trail, and This Is It Place set the tone for a town built around leisure.
The Carefree post office maintains 2,089 PO Boxes for 1,741 households, a 1.2x adoption rate that serves both local residents and nearby areas. This isn't a PO Box Only Zone, so street delivery exists, but many residents prefer the convenience of PO Box service. With 214 business establishments and 1,799 employees, Carefree balances residential tranquility with a modest commercial sector.
Nearly one-quarter of housing units (23%) are seasonal or vacation properties. This seasonal vacancy rate reflects Carefree's dual identity as both a permanent retirement destination and a winter escape. The town's 8.7 square miles contain 169 different streets, many with whimsical names that reference the desert lifestyle: Lazy Lane, Whileaway Road, Ho Hum Road, and Breathless Drive.
Wealth here is substantial. Median household income reaches $143,315, and the median home value is $1,058,600. Education levels are high, with 64% of adults holding bachelor's degrees or higher. Nearly one-third of workers (32%) work from home, a pattern common in affluent retirement communities where consulting and remote professional work continue past traditional retirement age.
The town's delivery pattern is classified as Urban+Rural, with two city carrier routes and one rural route serving the 896 street delivery records. The remaining 50 ZIP+4 records are dedicated PO Box entries. Secondary unit types like UNIT and STE appear on Easy Street and other addresses, indicating some townhome or condominium development within the primarily single-family landscape.
Both street addresses and PO Boxes are valid for mail delivery. For PO Box mail, use:
[Name]
PO Box [Number]
Carefree, AZ 85377For street delivery:
[Name]
[Street Address]
Carefree, AZ 85377Street names emphasize the carefree lifestyle: Easy Street, Tranquil Trail, Never Mind Trail, This Is It Place, Lazy Lane, Whileaway Road, Ho Hum Road, and Breathless Drive dominate the landscape.
ZIP Code 85377 has 3,515 residents and 1,741 households (average 1.98 persons per household). The median age is 65.4 years, significantly older than the state (38.9) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.0% male and 51.0% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (92.5%, much higher than the state average of 60.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.5%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.5%, which is much lower than the state average (30.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 3,515Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 3,452Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 409.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $143,315Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,741Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $1,058,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.98Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.64Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 2,823 | 2,901 | 3,029 | 3,048 | 2,978 | 3,160 | 3,249 | 3,299 | 3,333 | 3,589 | 3,555 | 3,575 | 3,452 |
| Decennial Census | 3,051 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3,515 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 65.4
Male Median Age: 65.6
Female Median Age: 65.1
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 18 | 19 | 31 | 69 | 51 | 42 | 27 | 27 | 44 | 48 | 98 | 149 | 204 | 258 | 262 | 193 | 108 | 76 |
| Female | 27 | 18 | 38 | 50 | 43 | 20 | 16 | 33 | 37 | 60 | 130 | 158 | 260 | 264 | 248 | 185 | 102 | 102 |
| Total | 45 | 37 | 69 | 119 | 94 | 62 | 43 | 60 | 81 | 108 | 228 | 307 | 464 | 522 | 510 | 378 | 210 | 178 |
| White: | 3,251 | 92.28% |
| Black: | 29 | 0.82% |
| Hispanic:* | 157 | 4.46% |
| Asian: | 37 | 1.05% |
| American Indian: | 18 | 0.51% |
| Hawaiian: | 3 | 0.09% |
| Other: | 28 | 0.79% |
| Total: | 3,523 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,724 | 49.05% | 65.6 years |
| Females: | 1,791 | 50.95% | 65.1 years |
| Total: | 3,515 | 100% | 65.4 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 3,023 | 87.57% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 3 | 0.09% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 326 | 9.44% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 100 | 12.34% |
| Total Population: | 3,452 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 3,026 | 87.66% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 426 | 12.34% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $143,315, which is much higher than the state median ($76,872), is up $40,599 (39.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $65,815. Family households earn a median of $161,250 versus $54,839 for nonfamily households (a difference of $106,411). By gender, male median income is $117,927 and female is $64,224, which is far above the state female median ($51,415), with a current gap of $53,703 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 45.8%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is generally lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (59.7%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $102,716 | $74,559 | $70,625 | $85,436 | $84,485 | $82,340 | $95,129 | $91,393 | $77,500 | $109,883 | $114,570 | $122,155 | $143,315 |
| Median Family Income | $138,163 | $131,023 | $105,753 | $94,534 | $93,571 | $93,898 | $96,657 | $99,551 | $105,553 | $114,397 | $122,642 | $129,688 | $161,250 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $37,740 | $37,552 | $31,600 | $42,955 | $0 | $42,530 | $0 | $0 | $34,401 | $56,923 | $39,554 | $42,250 | $54,839 |
| Median Male Income | $117,180 | $86,917 | $85,625 | $89,832 | $0 | $81,905 | $103,415 | $84,548 | $87,139 | $0 | $0 | $90,236 | $117,927 |
| Median Female Income | $66,736 | $32,256 | $33,260 | $33,839 | $0 | $40,958 | $66,188 | $44,573 | $71,480 | $0 | $47,273 | $49,883 | $64,224 |
| Employed: | 1,507 | 43.82% |
| Unemployed: | 68 | 1.98% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,864 | 54.20% |
| Total: | 3,439 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 900 | 59.72% |
| Service: | 237 | 15.73% |
| Sales and Office: | 283 | 18.78% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 21 | 1.39% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 66 | 4.38% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,507 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $1,058,600, which is markedly greater than the national median ($303,400), is up $271,100 (34.43%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $369,700. The median gross rent is $1,685, which is considerably higher than the national median ($1,348), is up $688 (69.01%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $239. Of occupied housing, owners make up 90.50% (53.79% with a mortgage, 46.21% free-and-clear) and renters 9.50% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 23.12%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $787,500 | $644,800 | $672,300 | $683,200 | $648,900 | $602,800 | $662,200 | $690,200 | $688,900 | $724,200 | $796,500 | $1,011,100 | $1,058,600 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 38 | 23.03% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 46 | 27.88% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 26 | 15.76% |
| No Rent: | 55 | 33.33% |
| Total: | 165 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $997 | $952 | $907 | $836 | $779 | $1,018 | $1,078 | $1,264 | $1,446 | $1,500 | $1,493 | $1,467 | $1,685 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 845 | 48.68% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 726 | 41.82% |
| Renter Occupied: | 165 | 9.50% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,736 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,736 | 76.88% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 522 | 23.12% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,258 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 2,064 | 91.41% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 194 | 8.59% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,258 | 100% |
In 2023, 64.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (32.60%), well above both the state and national averages. High school or higher is 99.20%, which is markedly above the state rate (89.10%). The uninsured rate is 4.10%, which is markedly below the state rate (10.60%). The share of people in poverty is 5.80%, which is on par with the state rate (8.90%), down 1.70 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.80 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (61.61%). College enrollment is 61.61%, which is markedly above the state rate (26.20%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 19 | 0.59% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 6 | 0.19% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 288 | 8.94% |
| Some college, no degree: | 593 | 18.40% |
| Associate's degree: | 250 | 7.76% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 1,341 | 41.61% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 726 | 22.53% |
| Total: | 3,223 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 3,198 | 99.22% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 2,067 | 64.13% |
| Private Insurance: | 2,517 | 60.30% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,519 | 36.39% |
| No Insurance: | 138 | 3.31% |
| Total: | 4,174 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 4,036 | 96.69% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 7.5% | 8.5% | 13.6% | 13.7% | 6.9% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 2.4% | 2.3% | 3.4% | 5.8% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 13 | 4.02% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 111 | 34.37% |
| College or graduate school: | 199 | 61.61% |
| Total: | 323 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 124 | 38.39% |
ZIP Code 85377 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 213 business establishments, employing about 1,892 people with an annual payroll of $93,959,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 2,585Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 213Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $22,293,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $93,959,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 1,892Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85377 is located in Maricopa County, Arizona, within the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 38060) and Arizona's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 4,941,206 people, about 0.07% of whom live in ZIP Code 85377. It covers 8.594 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.004 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 38060Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 4,941,206Source: Census |
| MSA: | Phoenix-Mesa, AZ MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 8.594 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.004 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 55039.61 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0410180Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Carefree town; ArizonaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 85377 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on January 1, 2026.