Carefree Community Profile

Demographics

Carefree residents enjoy resort-style living, with an approximate 10% increase in population during winter months. The Town has seen a gradual increase in general population during recent years. It encompasses approximately 9 square miles and reported a population of nearly 3,000 in the 2000 census. The largest portion of the Town’s population is age 45 and over. Nearly half (47%) of Carefree residents report German, English, or Irish ancestry.

Income

Carefree’s general populace holds a high-level of formal education. Nearly 50% of Carefree inhabitants age 25 and older hold a Bachelor's or Advanced college degree. The median household income in Carefree is $88,702 per year, which is more than double the state and national averages. The per capita income averages $62,000 per year, a rate three times state and national statistics.

Taxes

The Town of Carefree does not levy a property tax. Town residents, however, pay property taxes to numerous jurisdictions. Most taxing jurisdictions comprise two rates, a primary and a secondary rate.

The tax rate is levied on each $100 of assessed value. The assessed value is a percentage of market value, as established by the Maricopa County Assessor. Although the Town does not levy a property tax, it has continued to be financially stable by cautious, conservative budgeting. Chief sources of Town income include a portion of the State sales tax, a 3% Town sales tax, permit fees, State income tax, gasoline and auto lieu taxes, annual franchise fees from Black Mountain Gas, cable TV license fees, and interest on investments.

Schools

All Carefree residents reside in the Cave Creek School District. Elementary schools include Desert Sun Elementary School (K-5), Black Mountain Elementary School (K-5), and Desert Willow Elementary School (K-5). Carefree middle school students attend either Desert Arroyo Middle School (6-8) or Sonoran Trails Middle School (6-8). All Carefree high school students attend Cactus Shadows High School (9-12).

Weather

Because Carefree is situated at a higher elevation (2382 ft) than the rest of the Phoenix metro area, its average temperatures are slightly cooler. The warmest month on average is July, when the typical high temperature is 101°F. January is normally the coolest month with an average high temperature of 62°F. The maximum average monthly precipitation (2.01 inches) occurs in March.