Gilbert, AZ Population: 2026 Size, Growth and What It Means for Homes
Gilbert, AZ has come a long way from its agricultural roots. What started as a farming community is now one of the largest municipalities in Arizona, and that transformation has shaped its housing market. A larger population means more homes change hands, but the town's size also affects how quickly properties move and how much room you have to negotiate at the closing table.
Key Takeaway
Gilbert is home to roughly 288,790 residents and is still growing, but that size is not producing a seller's market. There were 3.9 months of supply across all home types in the 90 days ending September 30, 2026. If you want the most room to negotiate, look at townhouses first. If you want the widest selection, single-family homes are nearly the whole market.
Who This Guide Is For
You are weighing a move to or within Gilbert and want to know whether its size and growth mean more competition when you buy or sell.
What Is the Population of Gilbert, AZ?
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the population of Gilbert at 288,790 as of July 1, 2024. The 2020 Census made it the fifth-largest municipality in Arizona, surpassing nearby Glendale and Scottsdale.
A town this size might suggest fierce competition for homes, but the sales data tells a different story. In that 90-day window, homes took a median of 57 days to sell and closed at a median 97.8% of their list price. That leaves you room to come in slightly under list without insulting anyone.
Gilbert Population Growth
The town grew from 208,453 residents in the 2010 decennial census to 267,918 in 2020. The 2020 Census counted 93,230 housing units.
The Town of Gilbert projects full buildout by 2030, with an anticipated population of over 330,000.
As the town approaches that buildout limit, growth depends more and more on whatever undeveloped land remains. If a vacant lot sits near a home you are considering, confirm with the builder or the Town of Gilbert planning department whether it is slated for development. Active new home developments show which parts of town are still seeing construction. Pinpointing these areas is simpler when you understand the Gilbert zip codes.
What Gilbert's Size Means for Home Buyers and Sellers
Selection lives in single-family homes. Negotiating room lives in townhouses. The property type you target decides whether your budget buys you choice or a better price.
If you need a detached house, the inventory is there. If a townhouse would work and price matters more than choice, that segment is worth a close look. Sellers, meanwhile, need to plan around a market where buyers know they have options.
Single-Family Homes
Of the 831 homes sold in Gilbert in that window, 786 were single-family houses. That volume of transactions is genuinely useful. With that many comparable sales available, you can benchmark a property's value instead of guessing at it.
The median sale price for a single-family home was $595,263, up 2.5% year over year. The depth of selection gives you choices, not a discount. If you are waiting for house prices to pull back, the current data does not support that strategy.
Townhouses
Of the three home types tracked in Gilbert, townhouses are the only one where prices moved in the wrong direction for sellers. Based on a sample of 37 sales, townhouse prices dropped 3.6% year over year. The segment also carried 7.3 months of supply, which gives you real room to ask for concessions or push on price.
The trade-off is space, and a lower overall price does not mean a lower cost per square foot. Before you make an offer, ask the HOA for current dues, reserve balances, and any planned special assessments. High supply in a segment can also slow your resale down the road.
Selling a Home in Gilbert
Only 9.1% of Gilbert homes closed above list in that window, so overbids are the exception here, not the norm. Pricing above recent comparable sales mostly buys you extra time sitting on the market.
Price near comps, plan for a couple of months before you close, and expect buyers to come in with repair requests or concession asks. They know their options, and the data backs them up.
At a Glance
All homes: median sale price $584,722, up 2.6% year over year (Redfin, 90 days ending Sept 30, 2026)
All homes: 831 sold, median 57 days on market, 97.8% sale-to-list, 9.1% sold above list (90 days ending Sept 30, 2026)
All homes: 1,047 active listings, 3.9 months of supply, median $281 per sq ft (90 days ending Sept 30, 2026)
Single-family homes: median sale price $595,263, up 2.5% year over year; 786 sold; 947 listings; 3.7 months of supply; $280 per sq ft (90 days ending Sept 30, 2026)
Townhouses (based on 37 sales): median sale price $375,004, down 3.6% year over year; median 48 days on market; 98% sale-to-list; 88 listings; 7.3 months of supply; $281 per sq ft (90 days ending Sept 30, 2026)
Gilbert, AZ Population FAQs
Is Gilbert, AZ a Wealthy Area?
The median sale price for all homes in Gilbert is $584,722.
Why Is Gilbert, AZ Famous?
Gilbert remained an agricultural town for many years and was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920s.
Is Gilbert, AZ a Town or a City?
Gilbert was officially incorporated as a town on July 6, 1920, and it legally remains a town today. According to the municipal government, it has evolved into the largest town in the United States.
Is Gilbert, AZ Urban or Rural?
The area is suburban, covering 68.57 square miles of land. As of the 2020 Census, the town had a population density of 3,907.3 people per square mile.
What County Is Gilbert, AZ In?
Gilbert is in Maricopa County, and the Maricopa County Assessor handles property tax records and assessments.
Is Gilbert, AZ Safe?
The Gilbert Police Department publishes an official annual report with a crime statistics section you can use to look up crime data.
What Is the Sales Tax Rate in Gilbert, AZ?
The combined rate for most standard business activities is 8.3%. It is made up of a 5.6% state tax, a 0.7% Maricopa County tax, and a 2.0% town tax.
