Surprise, Arizona

Surprise, Arizona

Surprise, Arizona is 6 miles NW of Peoria, Arizona (center to center) and 19 miles NW of Phoenix, Arizona. It is in Maricopa county. The city is part of the Phoenix - Mesa metro area. The population of Surprise is 30,848.

The People and Families of Surprise

In Surprise, about 70% of adults are married. Surprise, compared to the great majority of similar-sized cities, is characterized by married couples rather than single adults.

Seniors are common in the city.

Wealth and Education

In 2000, Surprise had a median family income of $47,899. A large stable middle class is one of the strengths of Surprise. There aren't a lot of poor people in the city.

Political Inclinations

Among Surprise political contributors, George W. Bush was favored among Presidential candidates in 2004, with $12,170. The Republican party attracted the largest share of donations from the city.

Surprise Housing

Of the housing in Surprise, approximately 88% is occupied by their owners. A good bit of the housing in the city is used seasonally or for leisure or vacation purposes. Newer housing units are not uncommon in Surprise.

Commuting

In Surprise, 93% of commuters drive to work.

High Points

Surprise strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Arizona):

Category	Trophy
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
Low Rate of Poverty (vs. State)	Top 19%
People in Middle Class or Better (vs. State)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Surprise, AZ

Comparing Surprise to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Arizona (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Racial Diversity
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Housing Recently Built
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Surprise Almanac

Surprise Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Surprise Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Surprise residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Surprise, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Starbucks in Surprise

Surprise High Schools (2004)

WILLOW CANYON HIGH SCHOOL
17901 W LUNDBERG ST
623-523-8000
Serves 858 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.6

ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY
16025 N. DYSART ROAD
623-875-5975
A charter school.
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 175 students.

SUPERIOR SCHOOL
16025 N. DYSART RD. 100
623-875-5975
A charter school.
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 132 students.

E-INSTITUTE AT SURPRISE
15688 W ACOMA
623-556-2179
A charter school.
Serves 15 students.

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