Tolleson, Arizona Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 4, 2019 · Updated September 5, 2024

Tolleson, Arizona is a city located in Maricopa County, near Phoenix. It has a population of approximately 7,000 people. Geographically, the city is situated on flat terrain and is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. The climate in Tolleson is hot and dry with low humidity. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing while summers can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The history of Tolleson dates back to 1888 when it was founded as an agricultural community. It was originally known as West Phoenix until it officially became Tolleson in 1914. The city was named after early settler W.W. Tolleson who ran a general store there for many years before his death in 1918. Since its founding, the city has been known for its agricultural production and until recently its economy was largely based on cotton farming and dairy products.

In recent years, Tolleson’s economy has diversified to include manufacturing and logistics services due to its proximity to Phoenix and other major cities in Arizona such as Tucson and Flagstaff. Additionally, Tolleson’s location near the I-10 freeway has made it an attractive destination for businesses looking to take advantage of the area’s easy access to transportation networks throughout the state and beyond.

Tolleson is served by three school districts: Littleton Elementary School District, Avondale Elementary School District, and Litchfield Elementary School District which all offer K-8 education as well as high school options for students living within their boundaries. Additionally, there are several charter schools located within the city limits including a K-8 campus operated by Great Hearts Academies that offers college preparatory courses for high school students planning on attending college or university after graduation from high school.

When it comes to landmarks in Tolleson, one of the most popular attractions is the Wigwam Resort which opened in 1929 as one of Arizona’s first luxury resorts featuring adobe-style rooms modeled after Native American pueblos complete with fireplaces and private patios overlooking lush gardens and golf courses designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr.. Additionally, several historical sites such as St John’s Lutheran Church (built in 1912) can still be found around town offering visitors a glimpse into life during early settlement days before modern amenities were available in this part of Arizona

Population: 4,974. Estimated population in July 2024: 5,974 (+20.1% change)
Males: 2,521 (50.7%), Females: 2,453 (49.3%)

Maricopa County

Zip code: 85353

Demographics

Median resident age: 29.4 years
Median household income: $38,773
Median house value: $79,100

Population by Race

Races in Tolleson:

Hispanic (78.0%)
Other race (40.8%)
White Non-Hispanic (19.0%)
Two or more races (3.7%)
American Indian (1.7%)
Black (1.4%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: German (3.2%), United States (3.2%), English (2.6%), Irish (2.6%).

Land area: 5.6 square miles

Map of Tolleson, AZ

Population by Education

Tolleson, Arizona is a small city located in the western part of Maricopa County. It has an estimated population of 8,902 people according to the 2020 United States Census. The median age of individuals living in Tolleson is 32.4 years old and the median household income is $50,335. The majority of households in Tolleson are comprised of married couples with children under 18 years old making up 25% of the population. Approximately 60% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, making it one of the most diverse cities in Arizona. Additionally, 8% of residents identify as Black or African American, 4% are Asian American and 2% are Native American or Alaskan Native.

Tolleson is also known for its thriving economy and businesses that have successfully established themselves in this city over the years. There are many popular retailers located within the city limits such as Walmart Supercenter, Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Best Buy among others. Businesses that cater to locals include restaurants such as El Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut and Biscuits Café; banks like Chase Bank; gas stations like Circle K; grocery stores like Food City; pharmacies such as Walgreens; automotive services such as Midas Auto Service Experts; and many more. In addition to these establishments, there are also several parks located throughout Tolleson which provide recreational activities for citizens to enjoy including baseball fields, basketball courts and playgrounds.

For population 25 years and over in Tolleson

High school or higher: 54.5%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.3%
Graduate or professional degree: 2.8%
Unemployed: 4.3%
Mean travel time to work: 21.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Tolleson city

Never married: 29.6%
Now married: 50.8%
Separated: 4.9%
Widowed: 5.6%
Divorced: 9.0%

22.5% Foreign born (22.3% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +475 (+10.6%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Tolleson:

MARYVALE HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 7 miles; PHOENIX, AZ)
WALTER O BOSWELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 11 miles; SUN CITY, AZ)
PHOENIX BAPTIST HOSP & MED CENTER (about 12 miles; PHOENIX, AZ)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Tolleson:

LUKE AFB (about 10 miles; GLENDALE, AZ; Abbreviation: LUF)
PHOENIX SKY HARBOR INTL (about 18 miles; PHOENIX, AZ; Abbreviation: PHX)
WILLIAMS GATEWAY (about 44 miles; PHOENIX, AZ; Abbreviation: IWA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Tolleson:

GLENDALE MUNICIPAL (about 5 miles; GLENDALE, AZ; Abbreviation: GEU)
PHOENIX GOODYEAR (about 9 miles; GOODYEAR, AZ; Abbreviation: GYR)
PHOENIX DEER VALLEY (about 21 miles; PHOENIX, AZ; Abbreviation: DVT)

Amtrak stations near Tolleson:

13 miles: PHOENIX (401 W. HARRISON ST.) – Bus Station. Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, free short-term parking, paid long-term parking, taxi stand.
13 miles: PHOENIX NORTHWEST (PHOENIX, 8101 BLACK CANYON FWY.) – Bus Station. Services: public payphones, call for taxi service.
18 miles: PHOENIX AIRPORT (PHOENIX, TERMINAL 2) – Bus Station. Services: enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, full-service food facilities, paid short-term parking, paid long-term parking, car rental agency, taxi stand, intercity bus service, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Tolleson:

GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 10 miles; GLENDALE, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 9,981)
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY (about 11 miles; PHOENIX, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 2,207)
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE INC (about 11 miles; PHOENIX, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 2,091)
PHOENIX COLLEGE (about 13 miles; PHOENIX, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 5,911)
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-WEST (about 14 miles; Glendale, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 3,334)
DEVRY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 14 miles; PHOENIX, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 3,165)
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX-ONLINE CAMPUS (about 16 miles; PHOENIX, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 14,783)

Schools

Public high schools in Tolleson:

TOLLESON UNION HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 2,048; Location: 9419 WEST VAN BUREN; Grades: 09 – 12)
LA JOYA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,054; Location: 11650 W. WHYMAN AVENUE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Tolleson:

PORFIRIO H. GONZALES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 795; Location: 9401 W. GARFIELD; Grades: PK – 08)
ARIZONA DESERT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 441; Location: 8803 W. VAN BUREN STREET; Grades: KG – 08)
UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 372; Location: 3834 S 91ST AVE; Grades: PK – 08)

Libraries

Library in Tolleson:

TOLLESON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $182,615; Location: 9555 WEST VAN BUREN; 20,581 books; 168 audio materials; 699 video materials; 57 serial subscriptions)