Research by Adina Dragos, RentCafe (Yardi data as of July 2025), published February 5, 2026.
TUCSON, AZ (February 13, 2026) -- Over the last decade, developers delivered 5,011 new apartments across Tucson, expanding renter options while concentrating most new supply in a handful of ZIP codes. For renters, these construction hotspots often signal newer inventory, more choice, and (sometimes) more competitive concessions — but they also reflect where jobs, transit access, and infill opportunities have been strongest.
Where is construction concentrated the most
Top 5 ZIP codes by new apartments completed (2015–2025):
- Zip code 85719 added 1,377 new apartments, the largest total in the city.
- Zip code 85705 gained 945 new rentals.
- Zip code 85701 welcomed 841 new apartments.
- Zip code 85742 added 836 new rentals.
- Zip code 85747 built 624 new apartments.
Why these ZIP codes lead the list
85719 (1,377 units): University corridor + streetcar access
The biggest pipeline landed in 85719, anchored by the University of Arizona and the Sun Link streetcar. The combination of campus-driven demand, walkability, and proximity to major medical and employment nodes has made this area Tucson’s most active zone for new apartment deliveries.
85705 (945 units): Central corridor value + connectivity
With nearly 1,000 new apartments, 85705 stands out as a central-location option that typically competes on value. It benefits from broad transit coverage via Sun Tran and access to major commercial corridors, supporting demand from healthcare, university, and downtown-adjacent workers.
85701 (841 units): Downtown revival + urban lifestyle
New construction in 85701 reflects Downtown’s continued reinvestment. Residents get close-in access to government and office concentrations, entertainment, and the streetcar connection to key districts — a package that tends to attract young professionals and households seeking a more urban, less car-dependent lifestyle.
85742 (836 units): Northwest suburban growth toward Marana
85742 has captured a large share of suburban-style deliveries, reflecting growth in the northwest corridor toward Marana. Communities here often feature newer infrastructure and modern amenities, with easy highway access for commuters who still want to reach major employment centers.
85747 (624 units): Southeast proximity to aviation/defense
In the southeast, 85747 has added meaningful supply near major defense and aviation employment, including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Tucson International Airport. That proximity tends to support steady demand from both civilian and military households seeking shorter commutes.
Market context noted in the report
The analysis characterizes Tucson as relatively affordable compared with national benchmarks, with development continuing to cluster near the university/downtown spine while newer suburban inventory expands in the northwest and southeast growth corridors.
Methodology
RentCafe’s study uses apartment completion data for 2015–2025, based on Yardi data as of July 2025.