Arizona's Most Affluent Communities: A Deep Dive Into Rich Areas in Arizona

Arizona’s wealthiest neighborhoods are predominantly found in two major metropolitan regions: the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler area and Tucson. Through analysis of U.S. Census data and Zillow housing information, we’ve identified the 20 most prosperous suburbs where high household incomes and substantial property values converge. The Phoenix metro region claims the majority with 14 of the top 20 positions, while Tucson rounds out the list with six entries, including the state’s most affluent suburb.

The Affluence Gap: Phoenix vs. Tucson

Among Arizona’s rich areas, the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metropolitan zone demonstrates a concentration of wealth across diverse communities. The average household incomes in this region’s top suburbs range substantially, reflecting varied economic profiles. In comparison, Tucson’s wealthiest neighborhoods, though fewer in number, showcase significant household earnings, with its premier suburb reaching the highest average income in the entire state.

Arizona’s 20 Richest Suburbs Ranked by Income

20. Surprise — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $107,511 | Median Home Value: $432,562

19. Maricopa — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $108,500 | Median Home Value: $359,461

18. Sun Tan Valley — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $108,603 | Median Home Value: $407,834

17. Buckeye — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $113,682 | Median Home Value: $404,585

16. Sahuarita — Suburb of Tucson | Avg. Household Income: $117,690 | Median Home Value: $365,404

15. Gold Canyon — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $119,660 | Median Home Value: $495,631

14. Peoria — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $119,995 | Median Home Value: $499,551

13. Goodyear — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $121,426 | Median Home Value: $478,411

12. Vail — Suburb of Tucson | Avg. Household Income: $130,479 | Median Home Value: $421,260

11. Marana — Suburb of Tucson | Avg. Household Income: $130,659 | Median Home Value: $444,345

10. Oro Valley — Suburb of Tucson | Avg. Household Income: $133,439 | Median Home Value: $531,670

9. Chandler — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $134,123 | Median Home Value: $542,177

8. Fountain Hills — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $140,542 | Median Home Value: $753,411

7. Anthem — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $143,659 | Median Home Value: $577,257

6. Gilbert — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $145,526 | Median Home Value: $581,829

5. Tanque Verde — Suburb of Tucson | Avg. Household Income: $157,326 | Median Home Value: $679,407

4. New River — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $159,599 | Median Home Value: $766,561

3. Queen Creek — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $162,363 | Median Home Value: $640,576

2. Scottsdale — Suburb of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | Avg. Household Income: $168,679 | Median Home Value: $938,118

1. Catalina Foothills — Suburb of Tucson | Avg. Household Income: $170,897 | Median Home Value: $761,048

What Makes These Arizona Rich Areas Stand Out

These prosperous suburbs in Arizona combine above-average household earnings with strong real estate values. The data reveals that neighborhoods in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro consistently command premium property prices, with several communities seeing typical home values exceeding $700,000. Tucson’s most affluent communities, while represented by fewer entries, compete strongly at the upper echelon, with Catalina Foothills achieving the highest average household income across all of Arizona’s suburbs.

Methodology Note

This analysis evaluated all Arizona municipalities with 5,000 or more households, isolating those with the highest average household incomes according to the 2023 U.S. Census American Community Survey. Home value data reflects 2025 Zillow estimates as of mid-August 2025.