Sahuarita, Arizona
Sahuarita, Arizona is a town in Pima County located south of the Tohono O’odham Nation and just north of Green Valley, about 15 miles south of Tucson. The population has grown quickly in recent years, with 34,134 people counted in the 2020 census and estimates around 35,600–36,400 in 2022–2023. The town covers roughly 30 square miles of mostly land.
Sahuarita was founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1994. It is run under a council-manager form of government with a seven-member Town Council, including a mayor and a vice mayor chosen from the council.
The town includes master-planned communities such as Rancho Sahuarita, Quail Creek, and Madera Highlands, along with parks and open spaces. Sahuarita has several parks and plans for more recreation space.
A notable site is the Titan Missile Museum, opened in 1963, which is the only Titan II missile site open to the public. Sahuarita Lake, a man-made lake completed in 2001 as part of the Rancho Sahuarita development, is another local feature. The Santa Cruz River flows through the area, especially during the monsoon season, and nearby Madera Canyon is a popular day-trip and birdwatching spot.
Water supply is an important issue in the Upper Santa Cruz Valley. Groundwater pumping supports mining, agriculture, and residential use, and studies have noted the need to protect long-term water supplies and the environment. Sahuarita relies on shared aquifer resources and local pumping as the town grows.
As of 2020, Sahuarita had about 34,000 residents, with a diverse population. The community has continued to attract families and workers who often commute to Tucson or nearby areas for employment.
Key facts: the town sits at about 2,703 feet above sea level; ZIP code 85629; area code 520. Sahuarita operates under Arizona’s general law framework (no town charter) and is governed by the town council with a town manager handling daily administration. Sun Shuttle provides weekday service to and from Tucson.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:37 (CET).