| City: | Tubac, Arizona |
| County: | Santa Cruz County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:20:02 AM |
| Population: | 1,653 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 520 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 31.6305, -111.0989 |
| Land Area: | 69.127 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Tubac sits along the Santa Cruz River in southern Arizona, 45 miles south of Tucson. With a median age of 68.5 years, it's one of Arizona's oldest retirement communities by demographics. Of the 1,653 residents, nearly all are retirees who've settled in this historic arts colony. The community spreads across 38.9 square miles of rural Santa Cruz County.
The Tubac post office maintains 1,027 PO Boxes for 874 occupied homes. That's a 1.18 adoption rate, meaning boxes serve local residents plus some from surrounding rural areas. Mail arrives by rural carrier route, with limited street delivery. About 89% of residents own their homes (778 of 874 households), and 18.4% of the housing stock (217 of 1,179 units) sits vacant for seasonal use.
Street names preserve Spanish colonial history. You'll find Circulo de Anza (named for Juan Bautista de Anza, the presidio's founder), Avenida de Goya (the Spanish painter), Circulo Diego Rivera (Mexican muralist), and dozens of calles and caminos. The naming pattern isn't accidental. Tubac was founded as a Spanish presidio in 1752, making it one of Arizona's oldest European settlements.
With median household income of $85,321 and median home values of $473,400, this isn't a working-class retirement spot. It's an upscale arts community. Over half the adult population (53.2%) holds a bachelor's degree or higher. Some 22.1% work from home, a rate well above the national average. Of employed residents, 246 work in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (likely supporting I-19 corridor logistics), while 52 work in education and healthcare.
The seasonal vacancy rate tells part of the story. With 217 homes used seasonally, there's a winter snowbird population that swells Tubac's numbers during cooler months. The permanent population skews heavily white (1,382 of 1,653 residents, or 83.6%), with 593 residents (35.9%) identifying as Hispanic or Latino, reflecting the area's borderlands character.
Tubac doesn't have city carrier delivery. The rural route serves scattered homes across the territory. There's one highway contract route as well, likely serving properties along I-19 frontage roads. With 102 distinct street names serving just 119 street delivery records, the addressing system covers a dispersed footprint. Most residents rely on PO Boxes because rural delivery isn't practical for everyone.
This isn't a PO Box Only Zone. Street delivery exists for some. But with a community post office (facility code C) and no city delivery indicator, the post office works as a gathering point. In retirement arts colonies, the post office often doubles as a social hub where residents run into neighbors.
Street names honor Spanish colonial history (Anza, presidio founders) and famous artists (Diego Rivera, Goya), reflecting Tubac's identity as a historic arts colony.
ZIP Code 85646 has 1,653 residents and 874 households (average 1.88 persons per household). The median age is 68.5 years, significantly older than the state (38.9) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.4% male and 52.6% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (83.6%, much higher than the state average of 60.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (15.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 15.3%, which is much lower than the state average (30.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,653Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,345Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 23.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $73,438Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 874Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $491,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.88Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.71Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 848 | 1,084 | 1,444 | 1,476 | 1,486 | 1,606 | 1,522 | 1,286 | 1,404 | 1,210 | 1,274 | 1,403 | 1,280 | 1,345 |
| Decennial Census | 1,311 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,653 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 68.5
Male Median Age: 67.9
Female Median Age: 68.8
| 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 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 9 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 18 | 17 | 42 | 54 | 96 | 118 | 132 | 102 | 74 | 36 |
| Female | 2 | 14 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 12 | 26 | 45 | 62 | 103 | 140 | 163 | 119 | 74 | 34 |
| Total | 10 | 24 | 21 | 29 | 27 | 28 | 16 | 31 | 30 | 43 | 87 | 116 | 199 | 258 | 295 | 221 | 148 | 70 |
| White: | 1,382 | 79.84% |
| Black: | 13 | 0.75% |
| Hispanic:* | 253 | 14.62% |
| Asian: | 6 | 0.35% |
| American Indian: | 18 | 1.04% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.12% |
| Other: | 57 | 3.29% |
| Total: | 1,731 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 783 | 47.37% | 67.9 years |
| Females: | 870 | 52.63% | 68.8 years |
| Total: | 1,653 | 100% | 68.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,219 | 90.63% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 94 | 6.99% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 32 | 9.37% |
| Total Population: | 1,345 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,219 | 90.63% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 126 | 9.37% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $73,438, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is up $9,080 (14.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $7,122. Family households earn a median of $88,221 versus $56,660 for nonfamily households (a difference of $31,561). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 18.4%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (53.5%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $64,358 | $60,052 | $56,836 | $50,606 | $50,675 | $49,750 | $52,805 | $57,340 | $66,316 | $68,267 | $74,714 | $87,667 | $85,321 | $73,438 |
| Median Family Income | $94,943 | $66,629 | $62,679 | $59,375 | $50,833 | $50,462 | $51,667 | $61,645 | $67,632 | $76,719 | $101,875 | $111,071 | $88,750 | $88,221 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $36,548 | $22,197 | $20,431 | $30,865 | $41,510 | $31,898 | $50,804 | $53,906 | $0 | $34,213 | $47,929 | $53,571 | $55,536 | $56,660 |
| Median Male Income | $17,125 | $48,750 | $37,331 | $36,332 | $0 | $50,319 | $48,897 | $53,316 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $96,053 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $33,646 | $36,307 | $37,457 | $48,125 | $0 | $46,071 | $46,932 | $46,319 | $42,917 | $41,902 | $43,700 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 228 | 18.42% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,010 | 81.58% |
| Total: | 1,238 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 122 | 53.51% |
| Service: | 18 | 7.89% |
| Sales and Office: | 47 | 20.61% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 41 | 17.98% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 228 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $491,300, which is markedly greater than the national median ($332,700), is up $110,400 (28.98%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $146,400. The median gross rent is $2,295, which is much higher than the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $449. Of occupied housing, owners make up 91.02% (47.28% with a mortgage, 52.72% free-and-clear) and renters 8.98% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 34.50%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.12%).
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 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $380,900 | $348,200 | $327,700 | $331,700 | $304,300 | $293,100 | $303,200 | $332,600 | $344,900 | $348,500 | $361,000 | $465,700 | $473,400 | $491,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 14 | 20.90% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 33 | 49.25% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 20 | 29.85% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 67 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $637 | $941 | $939 | $962 | $1,013 | $1,829 | $1,870 | $1,846 | $1,712 | $1,615 | $1,750 | $0 | $2,295 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 321 | 43.03% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 358 | 47.99% |
| Renter Occupied: | 67 | 8.98% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 746 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 746 | 65.50% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 393 | 34.50% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,139 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 1,070 | 93.94% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 69 | 6.06% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,139 | 100% |
In 2024, 47.80% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 96.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 82.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 6.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 2.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.70 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (42.17%). College enrollment is 42.17%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 45 | 3.63% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 148 | 11.95% |
| Some college, no degree: | 327 | 26.41% |
| Associate's degree: | 126 | 10.18% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 276 | 22.29% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 316 | 25.53% |
| Total: | 1,238 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,193 | 96.37% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 592 | 47.82% |
| Private Insurance: | 899 | 44.88% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,104 | 55.12% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 2,003 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,003 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.3% | 3.9% | 3.7% | 6.9% | 7.6% | 4.5% | 6.4% | 7.7% | 2.9% | 2.8% | 2.7% | 6.0% |
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: | 23 | 27.71% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 25 | 30.12% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 35 | 42.17% |
| Total: | 83 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 23 | 27.71% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 25 | 30.12% |
ZIP Code 85646 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 64 business establishments, employing about 586 people with an annual payroll of $18,501,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,641Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 64Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $4,740,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $18,501,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 586Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85646 is located in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, within the Nogales, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 35700) and Arizona's 7th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 47,420 people, about 3.49% of whom live in ZIP Code 85646. It covers 69.127 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.026 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Nogales, AZSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 35700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 47,420Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 69.127 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.026 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 07Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 205.12 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0475940Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Tubac CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 85646 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 March 1, 2026.