ArizonaPop. 71,867Smaller cities
Is Queen Creek a Good Place to Live? Queen Creek, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Queen Creek ranks #149 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #72 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+8.2%, #2 of 468) and low poverty (3.7%, #8 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,210/mo, #447 of 524) and long commutes (31.1 min, #444 of 524).
Queen Creek by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Queen Creek'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 Queen Creek?
Queen Creek'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 $2,210/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $627,355, 50% above the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Queen Creek | 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 | $627,355#961 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 | $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 | $635,400#1105 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,210/mo#1174 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.7%#310 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.
Queen Creek 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. Queen Creek is in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Queen Creek safe?
Queen Creek recorded 155 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 328 and 59% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #250 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #113 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Queen Creek Police Department. Property crime runs 779 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Queen Creek | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 155#250 of 1,085 | 378 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 779#125 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 Queen Creek?
The median household in Queen Creek earns $141,978, 71% above the US figure of $83,163 and 74% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 8.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Queen Creek | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $141,978#60 of 1,312 | $81,486 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 3.7%#38 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +8.2%#6 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 Queen Creek?
The median resident of Queen Creek is 37 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 45% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #350 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 90.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Queen Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 45%#350 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 90.2% | 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 Queen Creek's schools and health?
Queen Creek's 21 public schools graduate 93.8% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 28.7 students per teacher and $9,133 spent per pupil. 29.7% of adults are obese and 8.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Queen Creek | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93.8%#149 of 1,063 | 77.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 28.7#1184 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $9,133#1179 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29.7%#380 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.5%#145 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.7%#229 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.9%#358 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. 22,720 students are enrolled in Queen Creek's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Queen Creek?
The average commute in Queen Creek is 31.1 minutes (Arizona 26.4); 0.3% of workers take transit and 25.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Queen Creek scores 7.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1149 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 | Queen Creek | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 31.1 min#1169 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.1%#1001 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 61.6% | 67.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 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% | 25.5% | 16.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.6#1149 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 | 67.5 | 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 | Queen Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 72.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 90.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 54.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 10.8 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 E Mesa.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Queen Creek?
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 | Queen Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 73#1053 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 38#1039 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.16%#722 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 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 Queen Creek compare with similar-size cities?
Queen Creek is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #72 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 71,867.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Creek, AZPop. 71,867 | #149 | 66.2 | $141,978 | $2,210/mo | 155 | 31.1 min |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #196 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 | 30.4 min |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #667 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 | 18.7 min |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #1115 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 | 17.9 min |
| Wilmington, DEPop. 71,727 | #1142 | 46.9 | $58,671 | $1,224/mo | 1,152 | 23.5 min |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #38 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data | 27.5 min |
| Bayonne, NJPop. 71,553 | #403 | 60.0 | $83,887 | $1,682/mo | 275 | 33.7 min |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #1134 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 | 20.4 min |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #258 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 | 21.6 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 Queen Creek compare with the rest of Arizona?
Queen Creek ranks #1 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 66.2 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 74% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 50% 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 Queen Creek's score calculated?
Queen Creek scores 66.2 out of 100, #149 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 Queen Creek. Similar-size median 55.5.
85.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Queen Creek's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
91.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Queen Creek. Similar-size median 58.9.
70.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Queen Creek's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
36.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Queen Creek's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
42.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Queen Creek. Similar-size median 56.1.
95.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Queen Creek. Similar-size median 42.4.
93.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Queen Creek. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Queen Creek's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
22.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Queen Creek'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 Queen Creek 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 Queen Creek
Is Queen Creek, AZ a good place to live?
Queen Creek ranks #149 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #72 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+8.2%, #2 of 468) and low poverty (3.7%, #8 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,210/mo, #447 of 524) and long commutes (31.1 min, #444 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Queen Creek?
Queen Creek'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 $2,210/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $627,355, 50% above the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Queen Creek?
Queen Creek recorded 155 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 328 and 59% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #250 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #113 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Queen Creek Police Department. Property crime runs 779 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Queen Creek?
The median household in Queen Creek earns $141,978, 71% above the US figure of $83,163 and 74% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 8.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Queen Creek?
Median rent in Queen Creek is $2,210/mo (Census), #1174 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,190/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Queen Creek?
The typical home value in Queen Creek is $627,355, up 0.1% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $635,400.
How are the public schools in Queen Creek?
Queen Creek's 21 public schools graduate 93.8% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 28.7 students per teacher and $9,133 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Queen Creek?
The average commute is 31.1 minutes, #1169 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Arizona. 9.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Queen Creek?
Queen Creek 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 Queen Creek walkable?
Queen Creek scores 7.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1149 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 Queen Creek 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 Queen Creek?
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 Queen Creek?
Queen Creek has 71,867 residents. The median resident of Queen Creek is 37 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 45% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #350 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 90.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Queen Creek compare with the rest of Arizona?
Queen Creek ranks #1 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 66.2 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 74% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 50% above the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Queen Creek?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Queen Creek's population of 71,867 are Framingham, MA (#196 overall), Johnson City, TN (#667 overall), Harlingen, TX (#1115 overall), Wilmington, DE (#1142 overall), and Centreville, VA (#38 overall). Queen Creek is #149.