countyscore
51.9
County Score
Cost of Living 96.2Safety 81.8Property Tax 49.9

County Report Card

About Apache County, Arizona

Apache County slightly exceeds national livability baseline

Apache County's composite score of 51.8 edges out the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 52nd percentile nationally. This modest advantage reflects a county that meets fundamental livability standards while facing headwinds in key domains like income and health.

Above-average livability within Arizona

Apache County ranks solidly above Arizona's state average composite score of 40.1, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. This outperformance is driven primarily by exceptional affordability and housing costs.

Exceptional affordability defines Apache County

Apache County boasts a cost score of 96.2—among the highest in the nation—with median home values of just $68,500 and gross rents averaging $647 per month. It also maintains low tax burden with an effective rate of 0.838%, making it exceptionally wallet-friendly for budget-conscious families.

Income and health outcomes lag significantly

Apache County struggles with an income score of 3.1 and median household income of just $40,338, well below state and national averages. Health outcomes are equally concerning with a health score of only 9.2, suggesting residents face barriers to quality healthcare and wellness.

Best for cost-conscious families prioritizing affordability

Apache County suits families or retirees with modest incomes who prioritize rock-bottom housing costs and low taxes over robust job markets or healthcare access. This is a place where your money stretches far, but where economic opportunity and health infrastructure require careful evaluation.

Score breakdown

Tax49.9Cost96.2Safety81.8Health9.2Schools27.2Income3.1Risk21.2Water34.3Weather42.5
🏛49.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠96.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Apache County?

Many homeowners in Apache County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Apache County with Colbert County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Colbert County
Alabama
Median income: $56,736
51.9
Crowley County
Colorado
Median income: $47,563
51.9
Arenac County
Michigan
Median income: $56,989
51.9
Clinton County
New York
Median income: $69,208
51.9
Greene County
New York
Median income: $74,011
51.9
Mellette County
South Dakota
Median income: $51,364
51.9
Monroe County
Tennessee
Median income: $56,648
51.9
Louisa County
Virginia
Median income: $80,343
51.9

Nearby counties

Navajo County
Arizona
39.9
McKinley County
New Mexico
29.2
Cibola County
New Mexico
52.9
Catron County
New Mexico
64
Gila County
Arizona
34.3
Greenlee County
Arizona
70.1
Graham County
Arizona
47.6
San Juan County
New Mexico
33.2

Deep Dives

Apache County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Apache County

via TaxByCounty

Apache taxes rank high nationally

Apache County's effective tax rate of 0.838% puts it well above the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. Most American homeowners pay closer to 0.73% annually, making Apache's rate notably steeper despite lower home values.

Highest rate among Arizona counties

Apache County leads Arizona with a 0.838% effective tax rate, compared to the state average of 0.581%. This means Apache residents pay about 44% more in property taxes on their homes than typical Arizona homeowners.

Significantly higher than Navajo, Coconino

Apache's 0.838% rate far exceeds neighboring Coconino County (0.486%) and Gila County (0.539%), making Apache the most expensive county for property taxes in the eastern Arizona region. A homeowner in nearby Coconino pays roughly half the tax rate despite often owning more valuable property.

Median home costs $574 annually

With a median home value of $68,500 in Apache County, homeowners pay around $574 in annual property taxes. If you're buying with a mortgage, property taxes and insurance may add $793 to your annual housing costs.

Many Apache homeowners can appeal

Across Arizona, many property owners discover they've been overassessed during valuation disputes. If your Apache County home seems overvalued relative to recent sales, a tax appeal could reduce your annual bill—many county assessor offices offer free guidance on the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Apache County

via CostByCounty

Apache renters spend less than nation

At 19.3%, Apache County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national median, meaning renters here dedicate a manageable share of earnings to housing. The county's median gross rent of $647 per month is substantially lower than typical American rental markets, offering relief for households earning $40,338 annually.

Arizona's most affordable rental market

Apache County ranks among Arizona's most affordable for renters, with a 19.3% rent-to-income ratio matching the state average of 19.4% despite earning 46% less than the state median. The $647 median rent undercuts Arizona's $1,016 state average by 36%, making it a standout for cost-conscious renters.

Cheaper than neighboring Cochise County

Apache County's $647 median rent significantly undercuts Cochise County's $939 rent, even though both counties have similar rent-to-income ratios around 19%. Apache's lower home values—$68,500 versus Cochise's $207,400—reflect a genuinely accessible housing market for both renters and buyers.

Monthly housing takes 19% of income

Renters in Apache County pay $647 monthly while homeowners spend $289, but the real story is household income: at $40,338 annually, housing consumes 19.3% of renter incomes and just 8.6% of owner incomes. This gap shows why homeownership can be a financial game-changer, though the median home price of $68,500 remains a barrier for many.

Consider Apache for rural affordability

If you're prioritizing housing costs over urban amenities, Apache County offers the state's most affordable rents and some of Arizona's lowest home prices. Compare this market against neighboring Cochise and Gila counties to see if the trade-offs in services and employment match your lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Apache County

via IncomeByCounty

Apache County lags far behind national income

Apache County's median household income of $40,338 trails the U.S. median by $34,417, placing it in the bottom tier nationally. This 46% income gap reflects deeper economic challenges across the rural Northeast Arizona region.

Eighth-lowest income county in Arizona

Apache County ranks eighth from the bottom among Arizona's 15 counties, with a median income $22,325 below the state average of $62,663. The gap signals limited employment opportunities and wage growth compared to urban and suburban Arizona.

Significantly behind neighboring Navajo region

Apache County's $40,338 income sits well below Coconino County to the south ($69,748) and even modestly below rural Gila County ($59,089). Geographic isolation and limited economic diversity contribute to the income disparity across Northeast Arizona.

Low rent burden masks tight household budgets

A 19.3% rent-to-income ratio suggests reasonable housing affordability, yet the median home value of $68,500 reflects a depressed real estate market tied to limited economic opportunity. Many households stretch tight incomes just to cover basic needs.

Build financial resilience despite modest income

Every dollar matters in Apache County—prioritize building an emergency fund of at least $1,000 to weather unexpected costs. Explore low-cost financial literacy programs and employer retirement plans to compound wealth over time, even on a smaller income base.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Apache County

via CrimeByCounty

Apache County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Apache County maintains an exceptional safety score of 99.3 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 436.0 per 100,000 residents is roughly 80% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes the county one of the most secure rural areas in the United States.

A Leader in Arizona Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.3, Apache County significantly outperforms the Arizona state average of 97.4. The local crime rate is less than a third of the state's average total crime rate of 1,677.3 per 100,000. It remains a benchmark for safety within the state.

Quiet Landscapes and Low Crime Rates

Apache County is much safer than its neighbor to the west, Coconino County, which sees 2,529.9 crimes per 100,000. While nearby regions struggle with higher incident volumes, Apache's three reporting agencies manage a remarkably low caseload. This geographic safety advantage is a defining feature of the region.

Minimal Violent and Property Incidents

The county reports a low violent crime rate of 134.7 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 301.3 per 100,000, indicating that theft and burglary are relatively rare occurrences. Residents enjoy a level of security that is uncommon in most American counties.

Staying Proactive in a Safe Community

Even in high-safety areas, basic home security provides essential peace of mind. Motion-sensor lighting and secure locks help maintain the county's low property crime statistics. Staying connected with neighbors further strengthens the local culture of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Apache County

via HealthByCounty

Apache County trails U.S. health benchmarks

Life expectancy in Apache County stands at 63.9 years, nearly 14 years below the U.S. average of 78.4 years, signaling serious underlying health challenges. The poor or fair health rate of 32.5% is roughly double the national average of 16%, indicating that more than one-third of residents report compromised health status.

Significant gap from Arizona average

Apache County's life expectancy of 63.9 years lags the Arizona state average of 74.0 years by 10.1 years, placing it among the state's lowest performers. At 13.0% uninsured, the county performs slightly better than Arizona's 14.0% state average, though healthcare access remains constrained.

Health outcomes lag similar counties

Apache County's 63.9-year life expectancy is notably lower than neighboring Navajo and Coconino counties, which exceed 75 years. The county's primary care provider rate of 41 per 100,000 residents falls short of regional peers like Coconino (82 per 100K) and Cochise (58 per 100K).

Healthcare workforce shortages limit care access

Apache County has just 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the recommended level for rural regions—making routine checkups and preventive care harder to access. Mental health resources at 120 per 100,000 are modest, yet many residents report significant health challenges that demand comprehensive care.

Explore coverage options today

With 13.0% of Apache County residents uninsured, exploring available health insurance plans is a critical first step toward improving health outcomes. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to learn about Marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and tribal health benefits available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Apache County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schooling Across Apache County

Apache County manages 50 public schools across 11 districts, serving nearly 10,000 students. The infrastructure is evenly split between 19 elementary and 19 high schools, with 8 middle schools completing the core system. Enrollment is distributed across vast distances, primarily in rural and town settings.

Graduation Success and Funding Realities

The county's 79.9% graduation rate sits just below the Arizona state average of 81% and the national 87% benchmark. Local per-pupil spending is $7,209, which significantly exceeds the state average of $5,607 but trails the national $13,000 average. The composite school score of 48.7 indicates performance slightly above the state average of 45.8.

Chinle Unified Leads District Enrollment

Chinle Unified is the largest district, educating 3,164 students across 8 different schools. Window Rock Unified follows with 1,736 students and 6 schools in its network. Charter schools represent a minimal presence here, making up only 2% of the county's educational options.

Small Schools in Remote Settings

Education here feels personal with an average school size of just 244 students. While Chinle High School is the largest with 920 students, 26 schools operate in rural locales and 24 in small towns. This mix ensures most students learn in intimate, community-focused environments.

Discover Homes Near Local Schools

Families looking for close-knit school communities should explore residential options near the Chinle or Round Valley districts. Proximity to these central educational hubs remains a vital factor for homebuyers in Apache County. Use school performance data to guide your search for the perfect Arizona home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Apache County

via RiskByCounty

Apache County's moderate risk profile

Apache County scores 78.78 on the composite risk scale, landing it in the "Relatively Low" category and below Arizona's state average of 84.45. While this puts the county in a better position than many peers nationally, natural hazards still warrant serious preparation and insurance consideration.

Safest counties in Arizona

Apache County ranks among Arizona's lower-risk counties, positioned well below the state's average exposure. This relatively favorable standing doesn't mean the county is risk-free—it simply means residents face fewer overlapping hazards than those in high-risk areas like Maricopa County.

Compared to neighboring counties

Apache County's 78.78 score is notably lower than Coconino County (94.21) to the west and significantly safer than Navajo County's typical exposure profile. Its risk profile makes it one of the more protected areas in Arizona's northern region.

Wildfire and flood dominate here

Apache County faces extreme wildfire risk (97.90) that rivals the state's most dangerous areas, driven by vast forests and seasonal drought conditions. Flood risk scores 80.73, making these two hazards the primary concerns for property owners and emergency planners.

Secure comprehensive wildfire coverage

Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire damage, making supplemental coverage essential in Apache County. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is also recommended given the county's elevated flood risk, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Apache County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Exception to Arizona's Heat

Apache County's 51.4°F annual average sits near the national median, offering a reprieve from typical Arizona heat. This semi-arid climate averages only 11.9 inches of precipitation annually.

One of Arizona's Most Temperate Regions

At 51.4°F, Apache is significantly cooler than the Arizona state average of 63.5°F. It ranks among the state's highest and coolest regions due to its elevated geography.

Higher Snowfall Than Eastern Neighbors

Its 12.2 inches of annual snowfall dwarfs neighbors like Graham, which sees only 6.9 inches. However, it receives slightly less total precipitation than nearby Coconino.

Crisp Winters and Manageable Summers

Residents face 39 days of extreme heat above 90°F, far fewer than the triple-digit counts in southern Arizona. Winters are crisp with an average temperature of 33.5°F and 12.2 inches of snow.

Prepare for the High-Altitude Freeze

Winter preparation is essential here as temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Ensure your HVAC system handles cold cycles and keep a snow shovel ready for winter storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Apache County

via SoilByCounty

High-Plateau Soil Identity

Apache County's specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unrecorded in major surveys. While we lack a direct comparison to the national median pH of 6.5, the region's high-altitude terrain significantly shapes its chemical profile.

Defining the Texture Mix

The precise percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this area remain undefined in current datasets. These ratios are essential for understanding how well the ground holds water and resists compaction during the growing season.

Mapping Fertility and Moisture

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable for this county. Local gardeners should test their soil to see how it compares to the national average of 2.0% organic matter.

Drainage and Water Flow

Current records do not specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Apache County. Knowing these factors is critical for managing runoff and planning stable building foundations.

Growing in Zone 6b

Apache County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, making it ideal for cold-hardy crops like kale and hardy apple varieties. This high-country climate rewards those who use greenhouses to extend the shorter growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Apache County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Elevation Challenge in Apache County

Apache County scores a 29.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it significantly easier to manage than the Arizona state average of 13.7. While it sits well below the national median of 50.0, the 6b hardiness zone provides a cooler climate for grass compared to southern neighbors. You face a moderate climb to achieve a lush landscape here.

Cooler Temperatures and Limited Rainfall

Annual precipitation averages just 11.9 inches, which falls far short of the 30-50 inches lawns typically crave. With only 39 extreme heat days and 2,764 growing degree days, your mowing season is much shorter than in the scorching Phoenix valley. You must rely heavily on supplemental irrigation to bridge the 18-inch moisture gap.

Navigating Local Soil Variations

Specific data for soil texture and pH is limited for this region, necessitating a professional soil test before you plant. Local gardeners often encounter alkaline conditions typical of the Southwest, which can lock out essential nutrients. Amending your soil with organic matter helps improve water retention in this dry environment.

Persistent Drought Constraints

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with over 33% of the area facing severe conditions. You should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Using mulched clippings helps the soil retain precious moisture during these dry spells.

Seizing the 6b Growing Window

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue thrive best in this 6b zone if watered consistently. Plan your seeding around the May 15th last frost to ensure young roots establish before the summer heat. Your growing window closes quickly when the first frost arrives around October 10th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apache County's county score?
Apache County, Arizona has a composite county score of 51.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Apache County rank among counties in Arizona?
Apache County ranks #2 among all counties in Arizona on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Apache County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Apache County is $574, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Apache County a tax score of 49.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Apache County?
The median household income in Apache County, Arizona is $40,338 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Apache County earns an income score of 3.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Apache County, Arizona a good place to live?
Apache County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Apache County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Apache County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.