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Is Maricopa a Good Place to Live? Maricopa, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Maricopa ranks #842 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #357 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.6%, #13 of 468) and low poverty (7.4%, #130 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (68%, #427 of 437) and long commutes (36.6 min, #511 of 524).
Maricopa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Maricopa'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 Maricopa?
Maricopa'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 $1,998/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $341,392, 18% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Maricopa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.3#872 of 1,308 | 100.7 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $341,392#499 of 1,187 | $417,990 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,790/mo#574 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $377,200#730 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,998/mo#1093 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.9%#996 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.
Maricopa 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. Maricopa is in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Maricopa safe?
Maricopa recorded 242 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 36% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #443 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #204 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Maricopa Police Department. Property crime runs 794 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Maricopa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 242#443 of 1,085 | 378 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 794#135 of 1,085 | 1,514 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
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 Maricopa?
The median household in Maricopa earns $96,391, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 18% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Maricopa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $96,391#396 of 1,312 | $81,486 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.4%#274 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +4.6%#24 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 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 Maricopa?
The median resident of Maricopa is 36.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Maricopa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23.6%#1035 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 83.6% | 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 Maricopa's schools and health?
Maricopa's 15 public schools graduate 68% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 24.8 students per teacher and $9,403 spent per pupil. 38.4% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Maricopa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 68%#1042 of 1,063 | 77.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 24.8#1163 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $9,403#1170 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38.4%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.5%#827 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. 12,294 students are enrolled in Maricopa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Maricopa?
The average commute in Maricopa is 36.6 minutes (Arizona 26.4); 0.2% of workers take transit and 22.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Maricopa scores 6.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1283 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 91.1°F and winters 53.5°F, with 7.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Maricopa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 36.6 min#1285 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 18%#1264 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 62.6% | 67.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.2% | 16.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 6.3#1283 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 | 69 | 36.7 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 72.9 | 39.8 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 80.2 | 44.5 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 88.2 | 50.8 | 0.2 |
| May | 97.4 | 59.4 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 107.1 | 68.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 108.9 | 77.8 | 0.7 |
| Aug | 107.3 | 77.2 | 1 |
| Sep | 102.3 | 69.1 | 0.7 |
| Oct | 91.2 | 54.6 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 78.1 | 42.7 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 67.5 | 35.3 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Maricopa 4 N.
| Measure | Maricopa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 71.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 91.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 53.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 7.1 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 Maricopa 4 N.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Maricopa?
Pinal County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 17% of measured days were rated good; 34 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from pm10. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pinal County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 59% of US counties.
| Measure | Maricopa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 34#1034 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#786 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 Pinal County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pinal County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.016% | 88% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 85% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0012% | 39% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% 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 Maricopa compare with similar-size cities?
Maricopa is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #357 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,163.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa, AZPop. 67,163 | #842 | 52.6 | $96,391 | $1,998/mo | 242 | 36.6 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #40 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 min |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #903 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 | 22.8 min |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #217 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data | 27.2 min |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #1280 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 | 19.7 min |
| Yorba Linda, CAPop. 67,170 | #263 | 62.9 | $157,582 | $2,846/mo | 47 | 31 min |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #1014 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 | 15.9 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 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 Maricopa compare with the rest of Arizona?
Maricopa ranks #17 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 18% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 36% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% 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 Maricopa's score calculated?
Maricopa scores 52.6 out of 100, #842 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 Maricopa. Similar-size median 55.5.
59.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Maricopa's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
85.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Maricopa. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Maricopa's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
11.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Maricopa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
55.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Maricopa. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Maricopa. Similar-size median 42.4.
85.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Maricopa. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Maricopa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
27.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
23.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Maricopa'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 Maricopa 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 Maricopa
Is Maricopa, AZ a good place to live?
Maricopa ranks #842 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #357 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.6%, #13 of 468) and low poverty (7.4%, #130 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (68%, #427 of 437) and long commutes (36.6 min, #511 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Maricopa?
Maricopa'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 $1,998/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $341,392, 18% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Maricopa?
Maricopa recorded 242 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 36% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #443 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #204 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Maricopa Police Department. Property crime runs 794 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Maricopa?
The median household in Maricopa earns $96,391, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 18% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Maricopa?
Median rent in Maricopa is $1,998/mo (Census), #1093 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,790/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Maricopa?
The typical home value in Maricopa is $341,392, down 3.4% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $377,200.
How are the public schools in Maricopa?
Maricopa's 15 public schools graduate 68% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 24.8 students per teacher and $9,403 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Maricopa?
The average commute is 36.6 minutes, #1285 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Arizona. 18% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Maricopa?
Maricopa averages 71.9°F over the year, 91.1°F in summer and 53.5°F in winter, with 7.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Maricopa walkable?
Maricopa scores 6.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1283 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 Maricopa at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pinal County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 59% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Maricopa?
Pinal County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 17% of measured days were rated good; 34 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from pm10.
Who lives in Maricopa?
Maricopa has 67,163 residents. The median resident of Maricopa is 36.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Maricopa compare with the rest of Arizona?
Maricopa ranks #17 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 18% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 36% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Maricopa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Maricopa's population of 67,163 are Rockville, MD (#40 overall), Conway, AR (#903 overall), Horizon West, FL (#217 overall), Albany, GA (#1280 overall), and Yorba Linda, CA (#263 overall). Maricopa is #842.