ArizonaPop. 104,923Mid-size cities
Is Buckeye a Good Place to Live? Buckeye, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Buckeye ranks #478 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #70 of 256 mid-size cities and #9 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+5.5%, #2 of 241) and high graduation rates (93.5%, #22 of 205), and trails on long commutes (33.3 min, #238 of 256) and high rents ($1,963/mo, #193 of 256).
Buckeye by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Buckeye's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Buckeye?
Buckeye's cost of living index is 103.3, 3% above the US level of 100 and #872 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,963/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $391,351, 6% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Buckeye | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.3#872 of 1,308 | 100.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $391,351#606 of 1,187 | $417,990 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,975/mo#697 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $419,800#832 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,963/mo#1078 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.7%#859 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Buckeye housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Buckeye is in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Buckeye safe?
Buckeye recorded 159 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 52% below the US rate of 328 and 58% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #255 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #34 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Buckeye Police Department. Property crime runs 755 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Buckeye | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 159#255 of 1,085 | 378 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 755#113 of 1,085 | 1,514 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Buckeye?
The median household in Buckeye earns $99,486, 20% above the US figure of $83,163 and 22% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 5.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Buckeye | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $99,486#349 of 1,312 | $81,486 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8%#326 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +5.5%#16 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Buckeye?
The median resident of Buckeye is 35.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 86% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Buckeye | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 24.8%#977 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 86% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Buckeye's schools and health?
Buckeye's 26 public schools graduate 93.5% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 28.4 students per teacher and $9,872 spent per pupil. 32.7% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Buckeye | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93.5%#155 of 1,063 | 77.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 28.4#1182 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $9,872#1150 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.7%#587 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 16.7%#1135 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 22,087 students are enrolled in Buckeye's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Buckeye?
The average commute in Buckeye is 33.3 minutes (Arizona 26.4); 0.5% of workers take transit and 19.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Buckeye scores 6.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1277 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 91.7°F and winters 55.3°F, with 8.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Buckeye | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 33.3 min#1232 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 13.1%#1176 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 67.7% | 67.5% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 19.6% | 16.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 6.5#1277 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 66.1 | 42.9 | 1 |
| Feb | 70.2 | 45.9 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 77.7 | 51.2 | 1 |
| Apr | 85.5 | 57 | 0.3 |
| May | 94.3 | 65.3 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 104 | 73.7 | 0 |
| Jul | 106.5 | 81.2 | 0.8 |
| Aug | 104.7 | 80.6 | 1.1 |
| Sep | 99.3 | 73.8 | 0.8 |
| Oct | 88.1 | 60.9 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 74.6 | 49.3 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 64.5 | 42 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Litchfield Park.
| Measure | Buckeye | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 73.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 91.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 8.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Litchfield Park.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Buckeye?
Maricopa County's air had a median air quality index of 73, and 9% of measured days were rated good; 38 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Maricopa County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Buckeye | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 73#1053 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 38#1039 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#722 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Maricopa County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Maricopa County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 85% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0047% | 77% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0028% | 57% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0026% | 48% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Buckeye compare with similar-size cities?
Buckeye is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #70 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 104,923.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #478 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 | 33.3 min |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #447 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 | 18.1 min |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #592 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 | 19.2 min |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 min |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #442 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 | 29.7 min |
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | #401 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 | 27.1 min |
| Inglewood, CAPop. 104,569 | #1262 | 41.3 | $72,750 | $1,787/mo | 684 | 30.5 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #36 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #179 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Buckeye compare with the rest of Arizona?
Buckeye ranks #9 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 58.4 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 22% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 58% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Arizona home.
| City | Rank in AZ | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Creek, AZPop. 71,867 | #1 | 66.2 | $141,978 | $2,210/mo | 155 |
| Marana, AZPop. 56,938 | #2 | 65.9 | $112,606 | $1,818/mo | 61 |
| Gilbert, AZPop. 280,262 | #3 | 63.8 | $122,551 | $2,110/mo | 117 |
| Catalina Foothills, AZPop. 52,593 | #4 | 62.9 | $115,304 | $1,412/mo | no data |
| Chandler, AZPop. 280,136 | #5 | 61.0 | $108,095 | $1,902/mo | 124 |
| Scottsdale, AZPop. 243,821 | #6 | 61.0 | $110,886 | $2,013/mo | 175 |
| Surprise, AZPop. 154,948 | #7 | 60.2 | $96,711 | $2,033/mo | 86 |
| Goodyear, AZPop. 107,645 | #8 | 60.2 | $103,319 | $1,956/mo | 236 |
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #9 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 |
| Peoria, AZPop. 196,906 | #10 | 58.2 | $95,815 | $1,843/mo | 253 |
| Tempe, AZPop. 188,065 | #11 | 57.4 | $79,663 | $1,743/mo | 418 |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #12 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 |
| Mesa, AZPop. 511,764 | #13 | 54.7 | $82,752 | $1,620/mo | 424 |
| Casas Adobes, AZPop. 72,059 | #14 | 53.6 | $83,683 | $1,650/mo | no data |
| Flagstaff, AZPop. 76,445 | #15 | 53.3 | $71,512 | $1,645/mo | 501 |
| Lake Havasu City, AZPop. 58,359 | #16 | 53.0 | $70,148 | $1,320/mo | 299 |
| Maricopa, AZPop. 67,163 | #17 | 52.6 | $96,391 | $1,998/mo | 242 |
| Glendale, AZPop. 252,833 | #18 | 52.1 | $73,530 | $1,528/mo | 438 |
| Phoenix, AZPop. 1,642,323 | #19 | 51.3 | $81,332 | $1,582/mo | 696 |
| Tucson, AZPop. 547,073 | #20 | 50.0 | $57,073 | $1,145/mo | 368 |
| Casa Grande, AZPop. 60,905 | #21 | 48.5 | $69,983 | $1,386/mo | 434 |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #22 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 |
| San Tan Valley, AZPop. 109,189 | #23 | 45.8 | $96,713 | $2,085/mo | no data |
All 23 Arizona cities we track, by overall score. Arizona statewide: median income $81,486, violent crime 377.9 per 100,000.
How is Buckeye's score calculated?
Buckeye scores 58.4 out of 100, #478 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Arizona's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Buckeye. Similar-size median 52.9.
60.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Buckeye's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
91.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Buckeye. Similar-size median 53.8.
59.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Buckeye's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
37.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Buckeye's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
54.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Buckeye. Similar-size median 51.2.
68.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Buckeye. Similar-size median 42.1.
89.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Buckeye. Similar-size median 50.1.
43.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Buckeye's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
28.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
22.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
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Bar: Buckeye's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Buckeye has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Buckeye
Is Buckeye, AZ a good place to live?
Buckeye ranks #478 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #70 of 256 mid-size cities and #9 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+5.5%, #2 of 241) and high graduation rates (93.5%, #22 of 205), and trails on long commutes (33.3 min, #238 of 256) and high rents ($1,963/mo, #193 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Buckeye?
Buckeye's cost of living index is 103.3, 3% above the US level of 100 and #872 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,963/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $391,351, 6% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Buckeye?
Buckeye recorded 159 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 52% below the US rate of 328 and 58% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #255 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #34 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Buckeye Police Department. Property crime runs 755 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Buckeye?
The median household in Buckeye earns $99,486, 20% above the US figure of $83,163 and 22% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 5.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Buckeye?
Median rent in Buckeye is $1,963/mo (Census), #1078 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,975/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Buckeye?
The typical home value in Buckeye is $391,351, down 1.7% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $419,800.
How are the public schools in Buckeye?
Buckeye's 26 public schools graduate 93.5% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 28.4 students per teacher and $9,872 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Buckeye?
The average commute is 33.3 minutes, #1232 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Arizona. 13.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Buckeye?
Buckeye averages 73.3°F over the year, 91.7°F in summer and 55.3°F in winter, with 8.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Buckeye walkable?
Buckeye scores 6.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1277 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Buckeye at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Maricopa County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Buckeye?
Maricopa County's air had a median air quality index of 73, and 9% of measured days were rated good; 38 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Buckeye?
Buckeye has 104,923 residents. The median resident of Buckeye is 35.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 86% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Buckeye compare with the rest of Arizona?
Buckeye ranks #9 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 58.4 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 22% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 58% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Buckeye?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Buckeye's population of 104,923 are Boulder, CO (#447 overall), Green Bay, WI (#592 overall), Brockton, MA (#859 overall), Renton, WA (#442 overall), and New Braunfels, TX (#401 overall). Buckeye is #478.