Rio Rico Arizona Map
Explore Rio Rico, Arizona, with this interactive street and satellite map.
Interactive Map of Rio Rico, Arizona
| City | Rio Rico |
| State | Arizona (AZ) |
| County | Santa Cruz County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Mountain Standard Time — no DST (America/Phoenix) |
| Latitude | 31.498168 |
| Longitude | -110.987798 |
| Population | 20,549 |
| Density | 126.9 /km² |
| Incorporated | N/A |
| ZIP Codes | 85648, 85640 |
| Area Code | 520 |
| County Seat | Nogales |
| School District | Santa Cruz Valley Unified District |
About Rio Rico, Arizona
Rio Rico is a locality in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, United States. It has a population of 20,549. The population density is 126.9 people per km². Rio Rico is located at 31.4982°N, 110.9878°W. It observes the Mountain Standard Time — no DST (America/Phoenix) timezone. ZIP codes: 85648, 85640.Rio Rico emerges from the high desert landscape as a testament to the enduring spirit of the borderlands. It lies 9.4 miles north-northwest of Nogales, AZ (from Nogales, AZ: bearing 345°T), and is situated 33.6 miles south of Sahuarita. Sonoita Creek flows past the eastern boundaries of Rio Rico, providing a vital ribbon of sustenance through the arid terrain. The nearby Calabasas Canyon carves a rugged path through the earth, while Mount Shibell rises in the distance to anchor the horizon. During the height of the summer season, monsoon thunderheads build with dramatic intensity, casting long, shifting shadows over the scrubland. The light at dusk here possesses a unique clarity, turning the dry grasses to shades of copper and deep amber.
Rio Rico traces its origins to the legacy of land grants that defined the early development of this region. The local economy relies heavily on its position along the international trade corridor, serving as a gateway for cross-border commerce and logistical operations. Many residents find employment in industries that support the flow of goods between neighbors, ensuring that the wheels of regional trade continue to turn. While the pace of daily life remains measured, the influence of agricultural expansion and service-oriented enterprise continues to shape the character of the land. This industrious spirit reflects a history of adaptation, where the demands of the desert have long dictated the rhythm of work and growth.
Cultural life in Rio Rico flourishes through a shared appreciation for the stark, open beauty of the surrounding environment. The Sonoita Creek Natural Area offers a sanctuary for those seeking to observe the native flora and fauna in a pristine state. Residents often gather to celebrate the distinct traditions of the region, which blend deep-rooted customs with the contemporary outlook of a growing population. While the area is known for its quiet residential character, it remains connected to the broader narratives of the American Southwest. The landscape invites a contemplative existence, where the silence of the canyons provides a counterpoint to the busy activity of the transport hubs.
Nearby Outdoor Places
- Sonoita Creek Natural Area (State Park) — 2.0 mi, 130° SE
- Robert Damon Recreational Complex (Local Park) — 3.5 mi, 184° S
- Coronado National Forest (National Forest) — 3.7 mi, 270° W · 1.7M acres
- State Trust Land (State Resource Management Area) — 4.6 mi, 305° NW
- Coal Mine Spring (State Conservation Area) — 4.9 mi, 055° NE
- Calabasas Park (Local Park) — 5.6 mi, 141° SE
- Tumacácori Mission (Historic Ruins) — 6.1 mi, 323° NW
- Peña Blanca Sign (Monument) — 6.3 mi, 166° S
- Patagonia Lake State Park (State Park) — 6.9 mi, 092° E
- Padre Kino Statue (Monument) — 10.8 mi, 161° S
- Nogalitos (Monument) — 10.9 mi, 160° S
- Primeria Alta History Museum (Museum) — 11.6 mi, 166° S
- Pajarita Wilderness (Wilderness Area) — 11.7 mi, 232° SW · 7,499 acres
- Museo de Arte de Nogales (Museum) — 11.9 mi, 168° S
- Mt. Wrightson Wilderness (Wilderness Area) — 12.6 mi, 014° N · 25k acres
- Railroad Bridge Abutment (Historic Ruins) — 12.7 mi, 081° E
- Patagonia Mosaic (Public Artwork) — 13.7 mi, 078° E
- Arizona National Scenic Trail (National Trail) — 13.8 mi, 058° NE · 415 acres
- Global Arts Gallery (Gallery) — 14.1 mi, 078° E
- Bat viewing benches (Attraction) — 15.0 mi, 260° W
- Drop Tank Rocket Body (Attraction) — 16.1 mi, 057° NE
- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (National Wildlife Refuge) — 16.4 mi, 280° W · 235k acres
- Amphitheater (Theatre) — 16.7 mi, 022° N
- Cienega Trail, Buenos Aires NWR (Attraction) — 20.4 mi, 285° W
- Crusher (Attraction) — 22.8 mi, 288° W
- Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (National Conservation Area) — 24.2 mi, 046° NE · 49k acres
- Carr Canyon Waterfall (Viewpoint) — 41.6 mi, 096° E
- Cinemark 10 (Cinema) — 42.9 mi, 087° E
- Huachuca Art Association (Gallery) — 43.3 mi, 086° E
- Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (Nature Reserve) — 44.7 mi, 099° E
Latest News: Rio Rico
Loading news…
World News
Loading news-world…
More World News
Loading news-world…
About This Rio Rico Map Page
This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Rio Rico, Arizona. Coordinates: 31.498168, -110.987798. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for Rio Rico includes the ZIP code (85648, 85640), telephone area code (520), county seat of Santa Cruz County (Nogales), and school district assignment (Santa Cruz Valley Unified District).
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |
