Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona Overview

Phoenix faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (49.3/100) and ranking #15 of 20 cities in Arizona. Even so, the city scores 66/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Environment score of 26/100.

Income & Employment in Phoenix

The median household income in Phoenix is $79,664, 7% above the statewide median of $74,568. The local unemployment rate of 3.1% is lower than the state’s 4.3%. Population grew 1% recently.

Safety in Phoenix

With a violent crime rate of 784.8 per 100,000, Phoenix exceeds the Arizona average of 430. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2494.9 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Phoenix

Phoenix has a cost of living index of 105.5 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $381,900. Median monthly rent is $1,458. Renters spend 22.0% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Phoenix

The adult obesity rate in Phoenix is 32.3% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 10.8%. Residents report an average of 16.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Arizona ranks #33 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Phoenix

Phoenix has a high school graduation rate of 87.6%. With a student-teacher ratio of 23.3:1, class sizes tend to be larger than the national median. Per-pupil spending is $11,987. The city has 372 public schools serving 210,977 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Phoenix

Summers in Phoenix are hot, averaging 94.4°F. Summers average 94.4°F. Winters average 53.4°F. The area is arid, receiving only 10.9 inches of precipitation annually.

Frequently Asked Questions