Living in Surprise, AZ
Surprise is the 154th-largest city in the US, home to about 175,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 22.5% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (103.3 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 175,304+22.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $435,1004.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,033/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $96,711median, per year
- Price level
- 103.3US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 65° / 105°lows 41° / 80°
- Average commute
- 30 min20% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.5%top rate, flat
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County: Maricopa County
Time zone: Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7, no daylight saving)
Elevation: about 1,175 ft
Metro area: Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Cost of living in Surprise
The median home in Surprise is worth $435,100 and the median household earns $96,711 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,033 a month, about 25% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area at 103.3, with housing at 121.2 and goods at 95.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $77,500 here. Arizona taxes wages at a top rate of 2.5% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Arizona is 8.54%.
What would my salary be worth in Surprise?
Surprise weather
Average highs run from 65°F in January to 105°F in July, and January nights average 41°F. It gets 8 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 176 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are February to April and November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Surprise
People and work
The median resident is 41.4 years old, and 30% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 79% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 30 minutes; 20% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 41.4486th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 31%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 79%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,586110.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%1% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 8.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 2005median year
Who moves to Surprise, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Anaheim (Orange County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Las Vegas (Clark County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for Maricopa County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, heat wave, hail, strong wind.
Home prices
+0.8% in a year
Up 36% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
7% good days
56 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Surprise
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Chase Field 22 miles
- Grand Canyon University 16 miles
- University of Phoenix-Arizona 26 miles
- Arizona Christian University 11 miles
- Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe 28 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Surprise
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX | 25 mi | 25,595,723 |
| Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport AZA | 47 mi | 978,296 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Surprise
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | 16 mi | 73,371 | $21,509 | 54% |
| Arizona Christian University | 11 mi | 1,165 | $36,720 | 34% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Surprise
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before January 20, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around December 2 and the first frost comes around December 15.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Youngtown, AZ, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Surprise.
Wildfire smoke in Surprise
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Surprise on about 42 days a year, including about 6 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Surprise
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 56,506 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Surprise
Downtown Surprise is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dysart Unified District | Pre-K to 12 | 23,078 | 24 | 19.9 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Peoria Unified School District (34,436 students), Deer Valley Unified District (32,265 students), Glendale Union High School District (16,092 students), Tolleson Union High School District (13,931 students), Litchfield Elementary District (10,755 students), Agua Fria Union High School District (10,089 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Surprise's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Surprise's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Richardson, TX61% matchCompare
- Clovis, CA61% matchCompare
- Mansfield, TX60% matchCompare
- Plano, TX60% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Surprise
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Surprise
- Elk Ridge Ski Area 110 miles
- Mount Lemmon Ski Valley 123 miles
- Arizona Snowbowl 124 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Surprise
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Winters are warm, with January highs around 65°F.
- Data The city is growing fast (+22.5% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 176 days a year reach 90°F.
- Data High natural hazard risk in Maricopa County (FEMA rates it very high), led by inland flooding, heat wave and hail.
- Data Air quality is a concern: 56 days in 2025 were unhealthy at least for sensitive groups (EPA).
Surprise report card from locals
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Cities near Surprise
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria, AZ | 8 mi | 200,881 | $463,600 | 103.3 | Compare |
| Goodyear, AZ | 10 mi | 125,359 | $471,300 | 103.3 | Compare |
| Avondale, AZ | 11 mi | 100,983 | $394,600 | 103.3 | Compare |
| Buckeye, AZ | 13 mi | 125,445 | $419,800 | 103.3 | Compare |
| Glendale, AZ | 13 mi | 260,572 | $387,500 | 103.3 | Compare |
| Phoenix, AZ | 21 mi | 1,665,481 | $420,700 | 103.3 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Surprise ranks 11th of 29 in our best suburbs of Phoenix ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Surprise with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Surprise a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population; the trade-offs are 176 days a year at 90°F or hotter, long commutes. Compare Surprise side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Surprise?
The Census Bureau estimates Surprise had 175,304 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 143,150 in April 2020 (+22.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Surprise?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $77,500 in the Surprise area. The median household here earns $96,711.
When is the best time to visit Surprise?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, February to April and November are the most comfortable months. July averages 105°F and January 65°F for daytime highs.
What county is Surprise in?
Surprise is in Maricopa County, Arizona. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Surprise in?
Surprise is on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7 all year, with no daylight saving time).
What is the elevation of Surprise?
About 1,175 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Arizona have a state income tax?
Yes. Arizona has a flat income tax with a top rate of 2.5% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Surprise. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Youngtown, AZ station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.