ArizonaPop. 547,073Large cities
Is Tucson a Good Place to Live? Tucson, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tucson ranks #1001 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 37 large cities and #20 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (368 per 100,000, #2 of 36) and short commutes (21.9 min, #4 of 37), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.4%, #35 of 37) and low household income ($57,073, #34 of 37).
Tucson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tucson'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 Tucson?
Tucson's cost of living index is 96.9, 3% below the US level of 100 and #538 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,145/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $321,918, 23% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Tucson | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 96.9#538 of 1,308 | 100.7 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $321,918#438 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 | $1,425/mo#276 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $266,200#440 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,145/mo#379 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 24.1%#911 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.
Tucson 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. Tucson is in the Tucson, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Tucson safe?
Tucson recorded 368 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% above the US rate of 328 and 3% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #677 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tucson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,060 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Tucson | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 368#677 of 1,085 | 378 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,060#730 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 Tucson?
The median household in Tucson earns $57,073, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Tucson | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $57,073#1104 of 1,312 | $81,486 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 18.9%#1074 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Tucson?
The median resident of Tucson is 34.6 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 31.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #751 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tucson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.6 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 31.1%#751 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 51.8% | 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 Tucson's schools and health?
Tucson's 153 public schools graduate 80.7% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $11,635 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 11.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Tucson | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 80.7%#867 of 1,063 | 77.3% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 19.4#916 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $11,635#1001 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 33.5%#655 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 11.5%#702 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 15.7%#1110 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. 75,476 students are enrolled in Tucson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tucson?
The average commute in Tucson is 21.9 minutes (Arizona 26.4); 2.3% of workers take transit and 13.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tucson scores 12.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 87.1°F and winters 54.3°F, with 10.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tucson | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 21.9 min#492 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 68% | 67.5% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.3% | 1.1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.6% | 1.7% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.3% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 13.8% | 16.3% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.4#428 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 | 66.5 | 40.8 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 69.2 | 43.2 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 75.8 | 48 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 82.9 | 53.3 | 0.2 |
| May | 91.8 | 61.8 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 101.2 | 71.1 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 100.2 | 76.3 | 2.2 |
| Aug | 98.6 | 75.2 | 2 |
| Sep | 95.1 | 70.4 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 86.3 | 59 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 75.1 | 47.9 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 65.5 | 40.5 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tucson International Airport.
| Measure | Tucson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 70.6°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 87.1°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 54.3°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 10.6 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 Tucson International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tucson?
Pima County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 34% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pima County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Tucson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 54#970 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.24%#1025 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 Pima County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pima County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.19% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.02% | 90% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0023% | 45% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% 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 Tucson compare with similar-size cities?
Tucson is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #25 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 547,073.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZPop. 547,073 | #1001 | 50.0 | $57,073 | $1,145/mo | 368 | 21.9 min |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #1088 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 | 29.1 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 |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #1184 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 | 22.4 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 |
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 Tucson compare with the rest of Arizona?
Tucson ranks #20 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 50 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 30% below the Arizona median. Violent crime is 3% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% 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 Tucson's score calculated?
Tucson scores 50 out of 100, #1001 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 Tucson. Similar-size median 50.4.
42.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tucson's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
68.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tucson. Similar-size median 52.4.
52.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tucson's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
38.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tucson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
74.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tucson. Similar-size median 43.4.
30.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tucson. Similar-size median 40.4.
35.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tucson. Similar-size median 56.6.
55.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tucson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
60.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
25.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tucson'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 Tucson 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 Tucson
Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live?
Tucson ranks #1001 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 37 large cities and #20 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (368 per 100,000, #2 of 36) and short commutes (21.9 min, #4 of 37), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.4%, #35 of 37) and low household income ($57,073, #34 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Tucson?
Tucson's cost of living index is 96.9, 3% below the US level of 100 and #538 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,145/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $321,918, 23% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Tucson?
Tucson recorded 368 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% above the US rate of 328 and 3% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #677 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tucson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,060 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Tucson?
The median household in Tucson earns $57,073, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Tucson?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,145/mo (Census), #379 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,425/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tucson?
The typical home value in Tucson is $321,918, down 2% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $266,200.
How are the public schools in Tucson?
Tucson's 153 public schools graduate 80.7% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $11,635 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tucson?
The average commute is 21.9 minutes, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Arizona. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tucson?
Tucson averages 70.6°F over the year, 87.1°F in summer and 54.3°F in winter, with 10.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tucson walkable?
Tucson scores 12.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #428 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 Tucson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pima County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tucson?
Pima County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 34% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Tucson?
Tucson has 547,073 residents. The median resident of Tucson is 34.6 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 31.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #751 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tucson compare with the rest of Arizona?
Tucson ranks #20 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 50 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 30% below the Arizona median. Violent crime is 3% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Tucson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tucson's population of 547,073 are Baltimore, MD (#1088 overall), Milwaukee, WI (#1199 overall), Albuquerque, NM (#1051 overall), Fresno, CA (#1184 overall), and Kansas City, MO (#985 overall). Tucson is #1001.