Surprise, AZ town hall & government
Surprise spent $311.5 million in the year to June 30, 2024, about $2,020 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Surprise's government.
Who runs Surprise
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Surprise's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Sales taxes 34%
- From the state 23%
- Fees & charges 21%
- Interest, fines & other 8%
- Utility sales 6%
- Property taxes 5%
- Other taxes & licenses 3%
Who works for Surprise
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2022. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Dysart Unified District
Surprise's K–12 school district, shared with El Mirage. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from Arizona districts overall: 35% local, 47% state, 18% federal
- Local 34%
- State 53%
- Federal 13%
Of the $10,430 per pupil, $5,637 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Surprise: Nadaburg Unified School District ($10,708 per pupil) · Wickenburg Unified District ($12,263 per pupil).
Which schools Surprise kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Surprise pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Surprise's government
Who represents Surprise
Surprise is represented in Congress by Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego and Representatives Paul A. Gosar and Abraham J. Hamadeh. Katie Hobbs is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.