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

In 2023, Cochise County's population was 127,305, up by 657 or 0.5% from 2022, according to estimates by Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. All municipalities saw population growth from 2022 to 2023 except Sierra Vista, which saw the population fall by 307 residents or 0.7%. The fastest population growth from 2022 to 2023 was Tombstone, which saw a 1.6% increase with the addition of 22 new residents. Douglas, the second largest city in Cochise County, added the most new residents at 227 for growth of 1.4%, the second-fastest rate of growth of Cochise County's seven municipalities. The combined unincorporated areas of Cochise County saw population grow by 571 new residents or 1.2%. 

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

Cochise County's population of 127,305 in 2023 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.