ArizonaPop. 243,821Mid-size cities
Is Scottsdale a Good Place to Live? Scottsdale, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Scottsdale ranks #345 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #45 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.4%, #27 of 241) and low poverty (7.3%, #30 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #223 of 241) and expensive homes ($789,800, #229 of 256).
Scottsdale by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Scottsdale'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 Scottsdale?
Scottsdale'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 $2,013/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $851,107, 2 times the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Scottsdale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.3#872 of 1,308 | 100.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $851,107#1076 of 1,187 | $417,990 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,127/mo#767 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $789,800#1187 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,013/mo#1101 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.1x#1158 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.8%#657 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Scottsdale 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. Scottsdale is in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Scottsdale safe?
Scottsdale recorded 175 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 328 and 54% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #298 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #42 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Scottsdale Police Department. Property crime runs 1,751 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Scottsdale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 175#298 of 1,085 | 378 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,751#602 of 1,085 | 1,514 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Scottsdale?
The median household in Scottsdale earns $110,886, 33% above the US figure of $83,163 and 36% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Scottsdale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $110,886#231 of 1,312 | $81,486 | $80,112 | $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 12.6% | 7.3%#264 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Scottsdale?
The median resident of Scottsdale is 49 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 61.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #109 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Scottsdale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 49 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 61.9%#109 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 67% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Scottsdale's schools and health?
Scottsdale's 38 public schools graduate 89.8% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 20.4 students per teacher and $11,075 spent per pupil. 26.2% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Scottsdale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89.8%#432 of 1,063 | 77.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.4#955 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,075#1056 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 26.2%#189 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 12.1%#19 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arizona is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 24,325 students are enrolled in Scottsdale's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Scottsdale?
The average commute in Scottsdale is 21.6 minutes (Arizona 26.4); 0.4% of workers take transit and 31.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Scottsdale scores 11.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 91.6°F and winters 55.3°F, with 8.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Scottsdale | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.6 min#474 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 61% | 67.5% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 31.1% | 16.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.6#521 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 66.5 | 43.4 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 68.7 | 46 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 75.7 | 51.7 | 1.1 |
| Apr | 82.8 | 58.3 | 0.3 |
| May | 91.8 | 66.7 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 102 | 76.2 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 104.1 | 82.6 | 0.9 |
| Aug | 102.9 | 81.8 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 98.2 | 75.3 | 0.6 |
| Oct | 87.3 | 62.7 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 74.8 | 50.6 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 64.6 | 42.5 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Scottsdale Muni Airport.
| Measure | Scottsdale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 73.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 91.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 8.7 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Scottsdale Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Scottsdale?
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 | Scottsdale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 73#1053 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 38#1039 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#722 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Scottsdale compare with similar-size cities?
Scottsdale is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #45 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 243,821.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale, AZPop. 243,821 | #345 | 61.0 | $110,886 | $2,013/mo | 175 | 21.6 min |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #1103 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 | 21.5 min |
| Garland, TXPop. 246,844 | #727 | 54.5 | $76,320 | $1,641/mo | 191 | 29.7 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #11 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data | 26.2 min |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 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 Scottsdale compare with the rest of Arizona?
Scottsdale ranks #6 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 61 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 36% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 54% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2 times 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 Scottsdale's score calculated?
Scottsdale scores 61 out of 100, #345 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Scottsdale. Similar-size median 52.9.
71.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Scottsdale's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
83.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Scottsdale. Similar-size median 53.8.
78.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Scottsdale's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
45.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Scottsdale's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
38.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Scottsdale. Similar-size median 51.2.
75.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Scottsdale. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Scottsdale. Similar-size median 50.1.
65.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Scottsdale's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
55.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
22.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Scottsdale's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale
Is Scottsdale, AZ a good place to live?
Scottsdale ranks #345 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #45 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.4%, #27 of 241) and low poverty (7.3%, #30 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #223 of 241) and expensive homes ($789,800, #229 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale'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 $2,013/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $851,107, 2 times the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale recorded 175 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 328 and 54% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #298 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #42 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Scottsdale Police Department. Property crime runs 1,751 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Scottsdale?
The median household in Scottsdale earns $110,886, 33% above the US figure of $83,163 and 36% above Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Scottsdale?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $2,013/mo (Census), #1101 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,127/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Scottsdale?
The typical home value in Scottsdale is $851,107, up 2.9% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $789,800.
How are the public schools in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale's 38 public schools graduate 89.8% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 20.4 students per teacher and $11,075 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Scottsdale?
The average commute is 21.6 minutes, #474 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Arizona. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale averages 73.2°F over the year, 91.6°F in summer and 55.3°F in winter, with 8.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Scottsdale walkable?
Scottsdale scores 11.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #521 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale?
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 Scottsdale?
Scottsdale has 243,821 residents. The median resident of Scottsdale is 49 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 61.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #109 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Scottsdale compare with the rest of Arizona?
Scottsdale ranks #6 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 61 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 36% above the Arizona median. Violent crime is 54% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2 times the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Scottsdale?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Scottsdale's population of 243,821 are Winston-Salem, NC (#1103 overall), Garland, TX (#727 overall), Enterprise, NV (#616 overall), Boise, ID (#200 overall), and Arlington, VA (#11 overall). Scottsdale is #345.