Catalina continues to experience increasing population growth, while attempting to maintain its rural character.

[2] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 13.9 square miles (36 km2), all land.

Lloyd Golder III and family moved to Tucson from Illinois in 1956 and by the following year had purchased the Rancho Vistoso, which at the time was a 4,800 acre ranch.

The Saddlebrooke subdivision now occupies that land and only the Lago Del Oro Parkway still exists as a reminder of the failed community.

Around 1976, Chief H.D "Bob" and Della Murray, started Golder Ranch Fire District and retired in 1993.

The land for the fire district headquarters, was donated by Lloyd Golder and his brother in law Jim McLaughlin.

The CDP is also in Arizona's 11th State Legislative District, served by Representatives Mark Finchem and Vince Leach and Senator Steve Smith, all Republicans.