ArizonaPop. 252,833Big cities
Is Glendale a Good Place to Live? Glendale, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Glendale ranks #872 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #28 of 53 big cities and #18 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.5%, #2 of 53) and high graduation rates (91.6%, #7 of 47), and trails on long commutes (27.7 min, #45 of 53).
Glendale by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Glendale'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 Glendale?
Glendale'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 $1,528/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $401,811, 4% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Glendale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 103.3#872 of 1,308 | 100.7 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $401,811#635 of 1,187 | $417,990 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,507/mo#337 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $387,500#763 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,528/mo#740 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 24.9%#996 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Glendale 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. Glendale is in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Glendale safe?
Glendale recorded 438 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% above the US rate of 328 and 16% above Arizona's 378. That ranks #769 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #22 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Glendale Police Department. Property crime runs 2,352 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Glendale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 438#769 of 1,085 | 378 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,352#815 of 1,085 | 1,514 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Glendale?
The median household in Glendale earns $73,530, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Glendale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $73,530#739 of 1,312 | $81,486 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 15.1%#868 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.5%#153 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Glendale?
The median resident of Glendale is 34.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 24.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1003 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Glendale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 34.6 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 24.3%#1003 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 57.2% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Glendale's schools and health?
Glendale's 59 public schools graduate 91.6% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 22.5 students per teacher and $10,659 spent per pupil. 32.9% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Glendale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 91.6%#281 of 1,063 | 77.3% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 22.5#1057 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $10,659#1102 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 32.9%#604 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 17.6%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 48,296 students are enrolled in Glendale's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Glendale?
The average commute in Glendale is 27.7 minutes (Arizona 26.4); 1.3% of workers take transit and 14.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Glendale scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 90.3°F and winters 53.9°F, with 8.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Glendale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 27.7 min#977 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.6%#881 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 67.4% | 67.5% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 1.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.2% | 1.7% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 14.4% | 16.3% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.5#410 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 65.4 | 41.1 | 1 |
| Feb | 68.9 | 43.8 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 76.5 | 48.9 | 1 |
| Apr | 84.1 | 54.8 | 0.3 |
| May | 92.9 | 63.6 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 102.2 | 72.2 | 0 |
| Jul | 104.9 | 79.7 | 0.8 |
| Aug | 103.6 | 79.2 | 1 |
| Sep | 98.4 | 72.5 | 0.7 |
| Oct | 87 | 59.5 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 73.9 | 47.7 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 63.8 | 40.2 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Youngtown.
| Measure | Glendale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 71.9°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 90.3°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 53.9°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 8.3 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Youngtown.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Glendale?
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 | Glendale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 73#1053 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| 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 0.14% | 0.16%#722 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Glendale compare with similar-size cities?
Glendale is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #28 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 252,833.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale, AZPop. 252,833 | #872 | 52.1 | $73,530 | $1,528/mo | 438 | 27.7 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #633 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 | 25.6 min |
| Irving, TXPop. 256,492 | #544 | 57.3 | $81,830 | $1,619/mo | 268 | 24.1 min |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #430 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 | 25.8 min |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #1103 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 | 21.5 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 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 Glendale compare with the rest of Arizona?
Glendale ranks #18 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 52.1 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 10% below the Arizona median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% 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 Glendale's score calculated?
Glendale scores 52.1 out of 100, #872 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Glendale. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Glendale's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
62.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Glendale. Similar-size median 54.8.
56.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Glendale's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
42.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Glendale's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
60.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Glendale. Similar-size median 47.2.
44.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Glendale. Similar-size median 42.4.
55.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Glendale. Similar-size median 53.7.
48.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Glendale's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
22.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Glendale's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Glendale 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 Glendale
Is Glendale, AZ a good place to live?
Glendale ranks #872 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #28 of 53 big cities and #18 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.5%, #2 of 53) and high graduation rates (91.6%, #7 of 47), and trails on long commutes (27.7 min, #45 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Glendale?
Glendale'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 $1,528/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $401,811, 4% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Glendale?
Glendale recorded 438 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% above the US rate of 328 and 16% above Arizona's 378. That ranks #769 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #22 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Glendale Police Department. Property crime runs 2,352 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Glendale?
The median household in Glendale earns $73,530, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Glendale?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,528/mo (Census), #740 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,507/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Glendale?
The typical home value in Glendale is $401,811, down 1.4% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $387,500.
How are the public schools in Glendale?
Glendale's 59 public schools graduate 91.6% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 22.5 students per teacher and $10,659 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Glendale?
The average commute is 27.7 minutes, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Arizona. 7.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Glendale?
Glendale averages 71.9°F over the year, 90.3°F in summer and 53.9°F in winter, with 8.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Glendale walkable?
Glendale scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 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 Glendale 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 Glendale?
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 Glendale?
Glendale has 252,833 residents. The median resident of Glendale is 34.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 24.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1003 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Glendale compare with the rest of Arizona?
Glendale ranks #18 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 52.1 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 10% below the Arizona median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Glendale?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Glendale's population of 252,833 are Fort Wayne, IN (#596 overall), Toledo, OH (#1240 overall), St. Petersburg, FL (#633 overall), Irving, TX (#544 overall), and Chesapeake, VA (#430 overall). Glendale is #872.