Arizona
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Arizona vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Arizona
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tucson | A+ | 44.2 | 542,629 | $85,234 | 399 | 101 |
| 2 | Mesa | A | 42.9 | 504,258 | $82,239 | 415 | 97 |
| 3 | Glendale | B+ | 42.3 | 248,325 | $80,975 | 382 | 99 |
| 4 | Tempe | B | 41.3 | 180,587 | $62,025 | 375 | 96 |
| 5 | Chandler | B | 41.0 | 275,987 | $77,648 | 320 | 104 |
| 6 | Phoenix | C+ | 40.8 | 1,608,139 | $77,800 | 521 | 105 |
| 7 | Gilbert | C | 40.8 | 267,918 | $72,466 | 533 | 106 |
| 8 | Scottsdale | C | 39.2 | 241,361 | $79,449 | 351 | 89 |
| 9 | Surprise | D | 38.6 | 143,148 | $66,180 | 391 | 100 |
| 10 | Peoria | F | 38.2 | 190,985 | $64,119 | 340 | 108 |
More West States
Arizona Rankings Overview
Arizona earns an overall grade of C with a composite score of 41.7 out of 100, ranking #37 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Growth (68/100) while its biggest challenge is Education (10/100).
Economy & Employment in Arizona
With an unemployment rate of 4.3% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Arizona performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $74,568, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Arizona
Arizona's violent crime rate of 430 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Arizona
Arizona ranks #33 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #45 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arizona's overall ranking?
Arizona ranks #37 out of 50 states with a composite score of 41.7/100 and a grade of C.
Is Arizona a good place to live?
Arizona scores 41.7/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Arizona?
The violent crime rate in Arizona is 430 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Arizona's economy compare?
Arizona's median household income is $74,568 with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Arizona?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Arizona are Tucson, Mesa, and Glendale.