Santa Cruz Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County

Updated on: April 13, 2022
State
Arizona
County Seat:
Nogales
Year Organized:
1899
Total Square Miles:
1238.108
Population:
46212 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
37

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Board of Supervisors
Size of Legislative Body:
3

Demographics

2018 Population:
46212
25 to 64 Years of Age:
45.70%
65 Years of Age and Older:
18.11%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$1.7 B
Labor Force:
19,325
Unemployment Rate:
9.30%

County Contact

2150 N Congress Dr
County Courthouse
Nogales, AZ, 85621-1090

http://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov

The holiday season is coming, and most families struggle to find a favorite getaway destination. Santa Cruz County in Southern Arizona State of the US is the place for you. It neighbors Pima and Cochise counties, with Rio Rico, Nogales, Sonoita, and Amado, as its major cities and towns. Mexico is another essential border town using Santa Cruz as an entry port. 

Santa Cruz got its establishment from Pima County in 1899 and is the 3rd congressional district. This area derived its name from the Santa Cruz River. Santa Cruz in Spanish means’ holy cross.’ Nogales is its county seat and largest city. The county uses the Mountain Standard time zone, seven hours behind the coordinated universal time. 

County Offices 

For inquiries about various county government services, below is a summary of how to get help. The updated list shows vital county offices, the relevant personnel, and official contacts. 

Suzanne Sainz heads the recorder’s office. She keeps all records, maps, surveys, and other vital documents. For all your inquiries, call 520-375-7990. 

Sheriff David Hathaway heads the County Sheriff’s office. His primary duties include providing security to the citizens and the county. As the most critical entry port with Mexico, he promotes peace and strong economic and cultural relationship between the two places. For inquiries about your safety, call 520 761-7869 or email [email protected] 

The county treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr is to collect, distribute, and manage property taxes. In addition, she supervises county bank accounts and acts as the official county fiscal custodian. Contact her via telephone at 520-375-7980 or email [email protected]

The director of public works, Jesus Valdez, has a tremendous task to manage and design bridges/roadways, flood management, and the county’s engineering. Contact the office at [email protected] or call 520-375-7830.  

The county assessor’s primary task is to map and value all local properties in the region for ad valorem tax. Such include vacant land, residential, rental, commercial, and owner-occupied properties. Contact Pablo Ramos at 520-375-8030 or email him at [email protected]

The County Board of Supervisors serves as appointed and elected officials to govern the county alongside overall management. As the executive and legislative members, they appoint board members of commissions and other boards to assist them. 

Their humble chairperson Manuel Ruiz heads the team. For inquiries, email [email protected] or call 520-375-7812. 

Economy 

For the cities and towns of Santa Cruz County, the QuickFacts US Census official page estimates its population to be 47,883 by July 2021. White (Hispanic) people and the civilian labor force taking the lion’s share in percentages. For example, the whites are more than other races in this region.   

Despite being the smallest county in Arizona, Santa Cruz is the most populated among the 15 Arizona counties. Today, it has a unique history and trends for several reasons. It has vibrant culture and art, a friendly climate, excellent beaches, and non-stop sightseeing sites. In addition, it is the only county in Arizona without an Indian Reservation. 

Apart from depending on winemaking as its economic base point, it harvests from retail trade, health care, and transport. The highest paying manufacturers are quarries, mines, gas, and oil extracts.    

This county is famous for its many vineyards, with over 60 wineries and tasting rooms for wine lovers. The town of Sonoita-Elgin is among the best and oldest growers of the vine, with great sites to spend your weekend. 

While here, pop in for a taste at the Callaghan Vineyards and Ranch Rossa Vineyards. Other popular rooms based on your preference include: 

  • Flying Leap Vineyards 
  • Deep Sky Vineyard 
  • Autumn Sage Vineyards 

Famous wineries based on your wine and song include: 

  • Arizona Hops and Vines 
  • Hannah’s Hill Vineyard 
  • Charron Vineyards 

The unemployment rate is 4.5 percent compared to the US’ 6.0 percent. This trend shows a drop in available jobs for the Santa Cruz County citizens. However, researchers predict a rise in the coming year with many upcoming tourist sites. 

Apart from that, well-paying sectors like health, wine, and mining are fast-growing to help boost the economy. Hence, there will be a change in both jobs and financial gains for traders.   

Santa Cruz County Unique Services 

Santa Cruz County, AZ, is a unique and outstanding province as it offers its residents extraordinary, modern service delivery. It has a free visitor’s help page for submission guidelines and information about various services. 

For example, payment of bills online is available. Unlike the usual manual cash sale receipt system, this method saves time, money, and energy. The animal control unit allows for pet adoption, though it welcomes reports about neglect and cruelty. So, if you need to pay a license fee for your animal, this is your stop. 

In addition, the region offers education services to suit everyone. For instance, they have homeschooled, continuing education programs like the English language, and high school programs. Other education services are the superintendent of schools acting as the fiscal agent to all institutions in the county.   

The county uses efficient and effective methods and avails essential health services to the people. Alongside court service, emergency information, airport, and finance, there are county bids and solicitations. 

County Maps 

It is now easy to find directions to this region using an online map. Also, browse road conditions, local businesses, and landmarks in the comfort of your home. So, residents and visitors to this grand county may perform a free public GIS maps search anytime. However, caution is needed as the map data may contain omissions and errors. 

Some popular links on the county map and addresses include: 

County Public Records 

Santa Cruz region citizens have free access to all county public records. For government documents or records, visit the online web portal for a simple, accurate, and fast search. Other providers offer the same service, though, at a fee with obsolete data. Hence, it is prudent to use the official county website. 

Some vital records available are: 

  • Death certificate 
  • Fictitious Business Name Filings 
  • Marriage records 
  • Property tax information 
  • Birth records 
  • Criminal records 
  • Voter registration 
  • Recorder documents