ArizonaPop. 56,938Smaller cities
Is Marana a Good Place to Live? Marana, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Marana ranks #157 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #76 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+5.7%, #6 of 468) and low violent crime (61 per 100,000, #16 of 442), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Marana by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Marana'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 Marana?
Marana's cost of living index is 96.9, 3% below the US level of 100 and #538 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,818/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $417,076, in line with the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Marana | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 96.9#538 of 1,308 | 101 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $417,076#664 of 1,187 | $417,990 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,190/mo#797 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $413,800#819 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,818/mo#977 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.4%#378 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Marana 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. Marana is in the Tucson, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Marana safe?
Marana recorded 61 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 84% below the US rate of 373 and 86% below Arizona's 430. That ranks #46 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #16 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Marana Police Department. Property crime runs 1,286 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Marana | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 61#46 of 1,083 | 430 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,286#347 of 1,083 | 2,369 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Marana?
The median household in Marana earns $112,606, 47% above the US figure of $76,827 and 51% above Arizona ($74,568). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 5.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Marana | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $112,606#208 of 1,312 | $74,568 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 4.9%#101 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +5.7%#13 of 1,132 | +1.8% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Marana?
The median resident of Marana is 40.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 47.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Marana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 47.8%#301 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 83.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Marana's schools and health?
Marana's 5 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Arizona 79%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $10,923 spent per pupil. 28.7% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Marana | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 79% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.6#694 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $10,923#1069 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 28.7%#313 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.5%#202 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.4%#432 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,302 students are enrolled in Marana's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Marana?
The average commute in Marana is 27.7 minutes (Arizona 21.9); 0.2% of workers take transit and 21.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Marana scores 6.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.9°F and winters 49.2°F, with 13.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Marana | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.7 min#977 of 1,312 | 21.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 6.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 68.4% | 70.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 1.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 21.7% | 14.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 6.9#1246 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 67 | 30.6 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 68.1 | 32 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 74.8 | 36.4 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 82.1 | 42.6 | 0.3 |
| May | 90.8 | 50.5 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 100.8 | 59.5 | 0.4 |
| Jul | 99.7 | 70.7 | 2.6 |
| Aug | 98.2 | 68.8 | 2.5 |
| Sep | 95.5 | 61.8 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 86.7 | 48.2 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 75.8 | 37.5 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.3 | 31 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Catalina Sp.
| Measure | Marana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 65.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 49.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 13.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Catalina Sp.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Marana?
Pima County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 34% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pima County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Marana | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 54#970 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.24%#1025 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Pima County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pima County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.19% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.02% | 90% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0023% | 45% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% 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 Marana compare with similar-size cities?
Marana is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #76 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,938.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marana, AZPop. 56,938 | #157 | 65.9 | $112,606 | $1,818/mo | 61 | 27.7 min |
| Kettering, OHPop. 57,206 | #313 | 61.8 | $74,681 | $1,051/mo | 86 | 20.3 min |
| Sarasota, FLPop. 56,970 | #584 | 56.9 | $72,105 | $1,684/mo | 380 | 20.7 min |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #445 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 | 24.4 min |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #318 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 | 30.8 min |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #866 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 | 21 min |
| Kyle, TXPop. 56,823 | #366 | 60.7 | $90,323 | $1,752/mo | 135 | 36.4 min |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #168 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 | 21.3 min |
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | #1075 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 | 30.4 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 Marana compare with the rest of Arizona?
Marana ranks #2 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 65.9 against Arizona's statewide 44.7. Its households earn 51% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 86% below the statewide rate. Homes are in line with 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 $74,568, violent crime 430 per 100,000.
How is Marana's score calculated?
Marana scores 65.9 out of 100, #157 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Marana. Similar-size median 55.5.
71.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Marana's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
93.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Marana. Similar-size median 58.9.
71.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Marana's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
46.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Marana's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
60.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Marana. Similar-size median 56.1.
80.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Marana. Similar-size median 42.4.
92.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Marana. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Marana's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
31.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
25.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Marana's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Marana 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 Marana
Is Marana, AZ a good place to live?
Marana ranks #157 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #76 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+5.7%, #6 of 468) and low violent crime (61 per 100,000, #16 of 442), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Marana?
Marana's cost of living index is 96.9, 3% below the US level of 100 and #538 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,818/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $417,076, in line with the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Marana?
Marana recorded 61 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 84% below the US rate of 373 and 86% below Arizona's 430. That ranks #46 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #16 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Marana Police Department. Property crime runs 1,286 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Marana?
The median household in Marana earns $112,606, 47% above the US figure of $76,827 and 51% above Arizona ($74,568). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 5.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Marana?
Median rent in Marana is $1,818/mo (Census), #977 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,190/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Marana?
Zillow's typical home value in Marana is $417,076, down 1.4% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $413,800.
How are the public schools in Marana?
Marana's 5 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Arizona 79%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $10,923 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Marana?
The average commute is 27.7 minutes, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 21.9 minutes across Arizona. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Marana?
Marana averages 65.7°F over the year, 82.9°F in summer and 49.2°F in winter, with 13.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Marana walkable?
Marana scores 6.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1246 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 Marana at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pima County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Marana?
Pima County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 34% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Marana?
Marana has 56,938 residents. The median resident of Marana is 40.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 47.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Marana compare with the rest of Arizona?
Marana ranks #2 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 65.9 against Arizona's statewide 44.7. Its households earn 51% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 86% below the statewide rate. Homes are in line with the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Marana?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Marana's population of 56,938 are Kettering, OH (#313 overall), Sarasota, FL (#584 overall), Bartlett, TN (#445 overall), Oak Lawn, IL (#318 overall), and Albany, OR (#866 overall). Marana is #157.