ArizonaPop. 100,139Mid-size cities
Is Yuma a Good Place to Live? Yuma, Arizona: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Yuma ranks #1169 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #219 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.4 min, #20 of 256) and fast population growth (+1.1%, #37 of 241), and trails on high unemployment (10.5%, #241 of 241).
Yuma by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Yuma'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 Yuma?
Yuma's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,114/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $295,611, 29% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
| Measure | Yuma | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.7#361 of 1,308 | 100.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $295,611#363 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 | $1,459/mo#307 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $230,000#327 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,114/mo#353 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.4%#500 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.
Yuma 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. Yuma is in the Yuma, AZ metro.
Arizona housing market →Is Yuma safe?
Yuma recorded 353 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% above the US rate of 328 and 7% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #643 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #120 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Yuma Police Department. Property crime runs 1,153 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Yuma | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 353#643 of 1,085 | 378 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,153#288 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 Yuma?
The median household in Yuma earns $65,482, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 10.5% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Yuma | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $65,482#916 of 1,312 | $81,486 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 10.5%#1054 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15.5%#887 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.1%#213 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 Yuma?
The median resident of Yuma is 33.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 20.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Yuma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 20.9%#1142 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 66.8% | 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 Yuma's schools and health?
Yuma's 37 public schools graduate 90.9% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 24.3 students per teacher and $10,183 spent per pupil. 37.4% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Yuma | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 90.9%#336 of 1,063 | 77.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 24.3#1152 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,183#1139 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.4%#971 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 20.9%#1232 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. 25,426 students are enrolled in Yuma's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Yuma?
The average commute in Yuma is 18.4 minutes (Arizona 26.4); 0.2% of workers take transit and 8.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Yuma scores 11.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #485 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 92.8°F and winters 59.3°F, with 3.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Yuma | ArizonaAZ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.4 min#215 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 7.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.3% | 67.5% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.6% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.4% | 16.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.9#485 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 | 69.8 | 47.9 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 73.4 | 50.4 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 80.2 | 55 | 0.4 |
| Apr | 86.4 | 59.8 | 0.1 |
| May | 94.3 | 66.9 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 103.3 | 75 | 0 |
| Jul | 106.7 | 82.6 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 106.4 | 83.2 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 101.4 | 77.6 | 0.7 |
| Oct | 90.2 | 65.7 | 0.1 |
| Nov | 77.7 | 54.4 | 0.2 |
| Dec | 67.8 | 46.8 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Yuma Mcas.
| Measure | Yuma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 76°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 92.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 59.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 3.3 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 Yuma Mcas.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Yuma?
Yuma County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yuma County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Yuma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.21%#984 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 Yuma County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Yuma County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.094% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.094% | 64% 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 Yuma compare with similar-size cities?
Yuma is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #219 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 100,139.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #1020 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 | 19.4 min |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #700 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 | 20 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #347 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | #808 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 | 29.5 min |
| San Angelo, TXPop. 99,674 | #701 | 54.9 | $65,864 | $1,153/mo | 287 | 19.2 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #355 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 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 Yuma compare with the rest of Arizona?
Yuma ranks #22 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 46.1 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 20% below the Arizona median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% 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 Yuma's score calculated?
Yuma scores 46.1 out of 100, #1169 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Yuma. Similar-size median 52.9.
13.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Yuma's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
76.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Yuma. Similar-size median 53.8.
48.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Yuma's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
36.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Yuma's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
78.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Yuma. Similar-size median 51.2.
40.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Yuma. Similar-size median 42.1.
31.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Yuma. Similar-size median 50.1.
47.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Yuma's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
57.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
33.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Yuma'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 Yuma 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 Yuma
Is Yuma, AZ a good place to live?
Yuma ranks #1169 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #219 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 23 in Arizona. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.4 min, #20 of 256) and fast population growth (+1.1%, #37 of 241), and trails on high unemployment (10.5%, #241 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Yuma?
Yuma's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,114/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $295,611, 29% below the typical Arizona home ($417,990).
What is the crime rate in Yuma?
Yuma recorded 353 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% above the US rate of 328 and 7% below Arizona's 378. That ranks #643 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #120 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Yuma Police Department. Property crime runs 1,153 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Yuma?
The median household in Yuma earns $65,482, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Arizona ($81,486). Unemployment is 10.5% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Yuma?
Median rent in Yuma is $1,114/mo (Census), #353 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,459/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Yuma?
The typical home value in Yuma is $295,611, up 0.3% in a year, against $417,990 for Arizona and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $230,000.
How are the public schools in Yuma?
Yuma's 37 public schools graduate 90.9% of students in four years (Arizona 77.3%), with 24.3 students per teacher and $10,183 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Yuma?
The average commute is 18.4 minutes, #215 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Arizona. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Yuma?
Yuma averages 76°F over the year, 92.8°F in summer and 59.3°F in winter, with 3.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Yuma walkable?
Yuma scores 11.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #485 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 Yuma at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yuma County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Yuma?
Yuma County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Yuma?
Yuma has 100,139 residents. The median resident of Yuma is 33.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 20.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Yuma compare with the rest of Arizona?
Yuma ranks #22 of the 23 Arizona cities we track, with a score of 46.1 against Arizona's statewide 47.8. Its households earn 20% below the Arizona median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Arizona home.
What cities are similar in size to Yuma?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Yuma's population of 100,139 are Davenport, IA (#1020 overall), Albany, NY (#700 overall), Boca Raton, FL (#347 overall), Norwalk, CA (#808 overall), and San Angelo, TX (#701 overall). Yuma is #1169.