Population & demographics

CENSUS 2020

Cochise County's population in 2020 was 125,447, down 4.5% from 2010, according to U.S. Census Bureau (Census 2020). It was the third largest decline of Arizona counties, following La Paz (-19.2%) and Apache (-7.7 percent). Statewide, Arizona's population grew by 11.9% making it the 9th fastest-growing state in the nation over the decade (with Maricopa County accounting for 80% of the gains).

In 2020, Benson overtook Bisbee as Cochise County's third largest municipality (after Sierra Vista and Douglas). Bisbee's population dropped below 5,000 for the first time since 1950.

Census 2020 official population numbers (and changes since Census 2010) for municipalities in Cochise County are:

• Benson: 5,355 (+4.9%)
• Bisbee: 4,923 (-11.7%)
• Douglas: 16,534 (-4.9%)
• Huachuca City: 1,626 (-12.3%)
• Sierra Vista: 45,308 (+3.2%)
• Tombstone: 1,308 (-5.2%)
• Willcox: 3,213 (-14.5%)

ANNUAL ESTIMATES

As of July 1, 2024, Cochise County's population was 128,253, up by 2,806 people or 2.2% from Census 2020, according to estimates from Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. All municipalities saw population growth from Census 2020 to 2024 except Douglas, which saw the population fall by 475 residents or 2.9%. The fastest population growth of Cochise County’s municipalities from 2020 to 2024 was Tombstone, which saw a 7.5% increase in population with the addition of 98 new residents. That was followed by Benson, which grew by 3.4% or 181 new residents, and Bisbee, where the population increased by 2.1% or 105 people. Sierra Vista, the county’s largest municipality, added the most new residents since the 2020 Census at 184 for population growth of 0.4%. Elsewhere, Willcox grew by 1.8% or 58 new residents, while Huachuca City’s population was up by 0.1% or 2 new residents. The combined unincorporated areas of Cochise County saw population grow by 2,653 new residents or 5.6% from Census 2020 to 2024. 

See spreadsheets, below, for annual Cochise County, city, and town population counts and estimates.

Cochise County's population of 128,253 in 2024 is expected to reach 129,781 in 2030 and 135,231 in 2060, according to projections by Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. 

See spreadsheets, below, for Cochise County, city, town, and place population projections.