Surprise, AZ Eviction Risk Score Maricopa County · Arizona · Population 154,948

Surprise, AZ has an eviction risk score of 4.0 out of 10, placing it in the moderate-risk tier for landlords operating in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona. The score combines local political climate, court disposition patterns, cost-of-eviction estimates, tenant organizing strength, and the likelihood of new tenant-protective legislation in the next legislative cycle.

Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates show median gross rent as a percentage of household income is 32.2% — a core driver of eviction filings, because households above 30% of income on rent are statistically more likely to miss a payment after any income shock. Median gross rent in Surprise is $2,033/month. About 20.9% of occupied units here are renter-occupied.

Economic stress: poverty rate 7.8%, unemployment 4.2%. Higher values correlate with higher eviction filing rates and longer court timelines.

Political climate: In 2020, Maricopa County voted Democratic by 2.2 points — classified as politically mixed for purposes of rent-control or just-cause expansion risk.

What this score means for landlords

At 4.0/10, Surprise is a lower-risk environment. Standard screening, documented notices, and prompt action on non-payment typically resolve quickly. Still follow your state's specific notice and service requirements.

Nearby Cities — Eviction Risk Comparison

Landlord Guides & Research Tools

Deepen your market research with these ACS-data guides. The metrics powering this score feed directly into each ranking.

• Rent Control Cities 2026 — Full National List & Map
• Best Cities for Landlords 2026 — see where Surprise ranks nationally
• Most Rent-Burdened Cities in America — ACS 2023 leaderboard
• Arizona Eviction Risk Overview — all counties & cities in Arizona
• Maricopa County — compare every city in the county