| ZIP Code | 85281 |
|---|---|
| City | Tempe |
| State | Arizona (AZ) |
| County | Maricopa County |
| Area Code | 602 |
| Elevation | 1,160 ft |
| Latitude | 33.42744 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -111.934004 |
| Timezone | Phoenix |
| FIPS | 04013 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 25.3 yrs ↑ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.15 |
| Below Poverty | 22.7% ▲ 127% above avg |
| College Grads | 57.5% ▲ 48% above avg |
| Unemployment | 6.1% ▲ 25% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 638 (1.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 5,304 (15.8%) |
| Some College | 3,263 (9.7%) |
| Associates | 5,097 (15.2%) |
| Bachelors | 2,552 (7.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 16,767 (49.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $59,084 ▼ 23% below avg ↑ 54% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $364,200 ▲ 31% above avg ↑ 69% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 6.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,531/mo ↑ 37% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 32,475 |
| Vacant Units | 4,031 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.15 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 32,475 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 4,031 |
| Owner Occupied | 23.8% |
| Renter Occupied | 76.2% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.15 |
ZIP code 85281 is located in Tempe, Arizona, within Maricopa County. With a population of 70,726, this is a densely populated ZIP code with a young community — the median age is 25.3 years. Economically, 85281 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $59,084 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 85281 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $364,200 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,531 per month in median rent. This is predominantly a renter community, with 76.2% of occupied units rented — typical of urban and transitional neighborhoods. Median home values have increased by 69% since 2019.
The population of 85281 is racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 47.9%. Residents are well-educated — 57.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 22.7%. Household income has grown by 54% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 85281 stands at 6.1%, which is above the national average. About 19% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 55%.
Overall, ZIP code 85281 in Tempe, AZ is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, and a young community. With 70,726 residents, a median household income of $59,084, and a median home value of $364,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Arizona.