Oracle, while not technically a city, is considered a census-designated place. Situated in Arizona’s Pinal County, the area is home just about 3,7000 people. While recent growth has encouraged Oracle to act as a bedroom community for the Tucson, development on a larger scale is still largely in the horizon. This leaves Oracle a quiet community with a lot to offer. If you are thinking about moving to this community, there are a few things to consider first.
The median age among Oracle residents is approximately 53 years old. This is higher than the median in Arizona. Additionally, the average household size is just 2.1 people, and the area offers a sparse population density of about 313 people per square mile.
Oracle’s racial breakdown includes a population that is 77 percent White, 2 percent Native American, and 18 percent from other races. About 38 percent of the population considered itself Latino.
Of the homes in Oracle, nearly one-third have children living in them. About 57 percent of the homes were occupied by married couples. More than one-quarter of homes consisted of non-family units.
The most common industries for employment in Oracle include construction, public administration, mining, wholesale trade, and manufacturing. The most common occupations include those in construction, extraction, installation, maintenance, repair, building/grounds maintenance, protective service, and food preparation.
There is much more to do in Oracle than meets the eye. For instance, the Acadia Ranch Museum is on the National Register of Historical Places. The region also contains Oracle State Park, encompassing nearly 4,000 acres and a wildlife refuge. Residents and visitors can travel to the park on weekends to hike on more than 15 miles of trail. If you adore outdoor recreation, you will find plenty of trails to explore in the Oracle area because it is located in the northern foothills of the Catalinas. You will also find a variety of scenic drives, including those to Redrock.
Arizona Zipline Adventures is another fun activity for families and adventure-seekers in Pinal County.
One of the biggest intrigues in Oracle is the Biosphere 2 building. Today, this is an earth systems science research facility owned by the University of Arizona. The property encompasses more than three acres and was initially designed to be an enclosed ecological system. At one time, it was the largest of its kind.
The median home price in Oracle is about $155,100. This is low compared to many other parts of Arizona. Additionally, the cost of living in Oracle is slightly lower than the average cost of living throughout the rest of the country. The median income for households in Oracle is about $38,267 per year, but families tend to make about $8,000 more.
According to recent data, the percentage of the population considered unemployed is 6.5 percent. This is just slightly higher than the average unemployment rate for the country. Job growth appears positive at this time, with increases in jobs evident. Among residents who do work, a long commute is a possibility. The average commute time is nearly 34 minutes among Oracle residents, nearly 10 minutes higher than the national average.
In terms of education, Oracle public schools tend to spend about $9,300 per student. This is less than average for the United States by about $3,000. Additionally, Oracle boasts about 22 students to each teacher. More than 91 percent of residents over the age of 25 have completed high school, and nearly 17 percent have completed a bachelor’s degree. The nearest colleges and universities to Oracle include Prima Medical Institute, Prima Community College, and the University of Arizona.
The estimated median house and condo value in Oracle is about $166,800. In the last 16 years, this has dramatically increased from less than $100,000. The median gross rent is still relatively low for Arizona at $627.
Oracle could be best known for its nice weather, by more than Arizona’s own standards. The region has low temperatures of about 35 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and high temperatures of 92 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Most rain occurs during monsoon season, July and August.
Before the Catalina Highway was built, the only way to access Summerhaven was on the Oracle Control Road. The road was one-way, and would change direction at different times. The road was extremely narrow and steep, and the alternate road was much needed. Now, the Oracle Control Road is more commonly accessed by motorcyclists and off-roaders.
Oracle is also best known for its proximity to large cities, all the while remaining its own small-town charm. These large cities include Casas Adobes (23 miles away), Tucson (29 miles away), and Phoenix (98 miles away). Smaller cities nearby include Saddlebrooke, San Manuel, and Catalina.
Oracle is a small community, but this does not make it any less intriguing. For those looking for a place to stay for a short commute to Tucson, Oracle may be the perfect choice. It offers the atmosphere of a small town with many advantages of living near the city.
