ArizonaPop. 511,764Large cities
Is Mesa a Good Place to Live? Mesa, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Mesa ranks #717 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #11 of 37 large cities and #13 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (10.3%, #3 of 37) and low unemployment (3.7%, #4 of 37), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.2%, #31 of 37).
Mesa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Mesa'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 Mesa?
Mesa'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 $1,620/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $429,657, 3% above the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Mesa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 103.3#872 of 1,308 | 100.7 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $429,657#691 of 1,187 | $417,990 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,538/mo#368 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $408,000#804 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,620/mo#805 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.9x#823 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 23.5%#831 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Mesa 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. Mesa is in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Mesa safe?
Mesa recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 12% above Arizona's 378. That ranks #754 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #8 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mesa Police Department. Property crime runs 1,306 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Mesa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 424#754 of 1,085 | 378 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 1,306#361 of 1,085 | 1,514 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Mesa?
The median household in Mesa earns $82,752, in line with the US figure of $83,163 and 2% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Mesa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $82,752#568 of 1,312 | $81,486 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 10.3%#526 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Mesa?
The median resident of Mesa is 37.4 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 32.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #703 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Mesa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 37.4 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 32.5%#703 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 64.4% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Mesa's schools and health?
Mesa's 116 public schools graduate 82.8% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 20.5 students per teacher and $11,494 spent per pupil. 30.7% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Mesa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 82.8%#798 of 1,063 | 77.3% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 20.5#960 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $11,494#1023 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 30.7%#436 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13%#955 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 78,711 students are enrolled in Mesa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Mesa?
The average commute in Mesa is 24.7 minutes (Arizona 26.4); 0.7% of workers take transit and 18.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Mesa scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 90.4°F and winters 54.6°F, with 10.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Mesa | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 65.8% | 67.5% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 0.7% | 1.1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.3% | 1.7% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.7% | 16.3% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.7#506 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 67.5 | 41 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 70.1 | 42.7 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 77.2 | 47.6 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 85.2 | 53.3 | 0.4 |
| May | 94.4 | 61.6 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 104.1 | 70.7 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 105.9 | 78.9 | 1.2 |
| Aug | 104.6 | 78.4 | 1.3 |
| Sep | 100.2 | 71.4 | 1.1 |
| Oct | 89.5 | 59.1 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 76.8 | 47.6 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.1 | 40.1 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at E Mesa.
| Measure | Mesa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 72.3°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 90.4°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 54.6°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 10.8 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at E Mesa.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Mesa?
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 | Mesa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 73#1053 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 38#1039 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Mesa compare with similar-size cities?
Mesa is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #11 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 511,764.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa, AZPop. 511,764 | #717 | 54.7 | $82,752 | $1,620/mo | 424 | 24.7 min |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #1199 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 | 22.4 min |
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #1051 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 | 22.4 min |
| Sacramento, CAPop. 528,706 | #839 | 52.6 | $87,321 | $1,779/mo | 720 | 25.3 min |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 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 Mesa compare with the rest of Arizona?
Mesa ranks #13 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 54.7 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 2% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above 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 Mesa's score calculated?
Mesa scores 54.7 out of 100, #717 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 Mesa. Similar-size median 50.4.
57.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Mesa's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
70.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Mesa. Similar-size median 52.4.
63.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Mesa's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
38.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Mesa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
59.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Mesa. Similar-size median 43.4.
57.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Mesa. Similar-size median 40.4.
40.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Mesa. Similar-size median 56.6.
55.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Mesa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
22.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Mesa's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Mesa 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 Mesa
Is Mesa, AZ a good place to live?
Mesa ranks #717 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #11 of 37 large cities and #13 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (10.3%, #3 of 37) and low unemployment (3.7%, #4 of 37), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.2%, #31 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Mesa?
Mesa'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 $1,620/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $429,657, 3% above the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Mesa?
Mesa recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 12% above Arizona's 378. That ranks #754 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #8 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mesa Police Department. Property crime runs 1,306 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Mesa?
The median household in Mesa earns $82,752, in line with the US figure of $83,163 and 2% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Mesa?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,620/mo (Census), #805 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,538/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Mesa?
The typical home value in Mesa is $429,657, down 0.9% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $408,000.
How are the public schools in Mesa?
Mesa's 116 public schools graduate 82.8% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 20.5 students per teacher and $11,494 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Mesa?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Arizona. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Mesa?
Mesa averages 72.3°F over the year, 90.4°F in summer and 54.6°F in winter, with 10.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Mesa walkable?
Mesa scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 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 Mesa 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 Mesa?
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 Mesa?
Mesa has 511,764 residents. The median resident of Mesa is 37.4 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 32.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #703 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Mesa compare with the rest of Arizona?
Mesa ranks #13 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 54.7 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 2% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Mesa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Mesa's population of 511,764 are Milwaukee, WI (#1199 overall), Albuquerque, NM (#1051 overall), Sacramento, CA (#839 overall), Kansas City, MO (#985 overall), and Atlanta, GA (#481 overall). Mesa is #717.