countyscore
39.9
County Score
Property Tax 69.9Weather & Climate 48.5Health 47.6

County Report Card

About Cochise County, Arizona

Cochise County tracks near the national average

Cochise County's composite score of 39.9 falls just below the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 40th percentile nationally. This below-average position masks a mixed profile of strengths and significant challenges.

Cochise mirrors Arizona's overall livability level

With a composite score of 39.9, Cochise County sits virtually at Arizona's state average of 40.1, indicating typical livability conditions for the state. Neither a standout nor a laggard, Cochise occupies middle ground in Arizona's county landscape.

Tax efficiency and moderate incomes provide foundation

Cochise County features a competitive tax score of 69.9 with an effective rate of 0.639%, among the lowest in Arizona. Median household income of $58,970 and a reasonable health score of 47.6 suggest working families can find stable ground here.

Safety, schools, and education quality need work

Cochise County's safety score of 32.6 and school score of 15.4 represent substantial vulnerabilities for families. Additionally, housing affordability is moderate at best with median home values around $207,400 and rents at $939 monthly.

Suits middle-income professionals seeking moderate livability

Cochise County works best for working professionals or established families comfortable with middle-of-the-road conditions across most measures. This is a balanced choice for those who don't require exceptional amenities but want reasonable tax efficiency and moderate income stability.

Score breakdown

Tax69.9Cost46.5Safety32.6Health47.6Schools15.4Income35.4Risk7.2Water21.7Weather48.5
🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱14.4
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 →
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Nearby counties

Hidalgo County
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54.1
Santa Cruz County
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39.9
Graham County
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47.6
Greenlee County
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Grant County
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Luna County
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Pima County
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Pinal County
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Deep Dives

Cochise County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cochise County

via TaxByCounty

Cochise taxes slightly below national median

Cochise County's effective tax rate of 0.639% sits just below the national median of 0.73%, placing it firmly in the middle tier of U.S. counties. While lower than the national average, Cochise residents pay a meaningful amount in annual property taxes relative to home values.

Moderate rate for Arizona standards

At 0.639%, Cochise County's effective tax rate exceeds Arizona's state average of 0.581% by about 10%. This positions Cochise as a moderately taxed county within Arizona, neither among the highest nor lowest.

Higher than Gila, lower than Apache

Cochise County (0.639%) falls between Apache County's high rate (0.838%) and Gila County's more modest rate (0.539%). Southern Arizona property owners in Cochise pay a middle-ground tax burden compared to their regional counterparts.

Median home costs $1,325 annually

Cochise County's median home value of $207,400 translates to approximately $1,325 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, homeowners should budget about $1,378 per year when adding property taxes to insurance costs.

Cochise homeowners should verify assessments

Property overassessment is common in Arizona counties, and Cochise is no exception. Homeowners who believe their assessed value doesn't match recent comparable sales can request a free assessment review from the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cochise County

via CostByCounty

Cochise renters beat national affordability

Cochise County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio edges out the national standard, showing renters here allocate a reasonable share of income to housing. With median rent at $939 and household income at $58,970, Cochise offers a middle ground between rural affordability and urban accessibility.

Middle-of-the-pack among Arizona counties

Cochise County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio aligns with Arizona's 19.4% state average, positioning it as a fairly typical Arizona housing market. The county's median rent of $939 sits between rural Apache ($647) and urban Maricopa ($1,587), reflecting its hybrid character.

Less expensive than Gila and Coconino

Cochise County's $939 median rent undercuts Gila County's $1,001 and significantly beats Coconino County's $1,406, despite Cochise having higher home values at $207,400. For renters seeking a balance of affordability and regional amenities, Cochise sits in a sweet spot among Southeast Arizona options.

Renters pay 19%, owners pay 16% of income

Cochise renters spend $939 monthly—19.1% of the $58,970 median income—while homeowners pay $781, or just 15.9% of income. This narrow gap suggests Cochise offers unusually balanced affordability for both renting and owning, with median home values of $207,400.

Cochise balances cost and lifestyle

For remote workers or retirees seeking Southwestern character without extreme housing costs, Cochise County bridges the gap between rural simplicity and regional connectivity. Compare its $939 rent and $207,400 home values against neighboring Gila and Graham counties to gauge fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cochise County

via IncomeByCounty

Cochise County income trails U.S. average by 21%

Cochise County's median household income of $58,970 sits $15,785 below the national median of $74,755, reflecting rural economic patterns across Southeast Arizona. The county earns about 79 cents for every dollar the average American household brings in.

Middle of the pack in Arizona income rankings

Cochise County ranks fifth from the bottom among Arizona's 15 counties, with income $3,693 below the state average of $62,663. The position reflects a mix of agricultural, mining, and military-influenced employment typical of rural border counties.

Higher income than Apache, lower than Graham

Cochise County's $58,970 income exceeds Apache County by $18,632 but falls short of Graham County's $67,326 and Greenlee County's $75,239. The variation reflects different industry bases and workforce demographics across rural Arizona.

Strong housing affordability with stable home values

A 19.1% rent-to-income ratio indicates solid housing affordability, while the median home value of $207,400 reflects a reasonably healthy real estate market. Households can comfortably allocate income to other essentials and savings.

Invest in skills to unlock higher earning potential

Cochise County residents should consider targeted skill development in high-demand sectors like healthcare and skilled trades to boost earning power. Explore low-interest loans for education or certifications that could increase household income by 15-20% within five years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cochise County

via CrimeByCounty

Cochise County Outpaces National Safety Averages

Cochise County earns a safety score of 97.5, placing it above the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 1,581.7 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. This indicates a relatively secure environment for the county's residents.

Aligning with Arizona State Norms

The county’s safety score of 97.5 is nearly identical to the Arizona state average of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 1,581.7 also sits just below the statewide average of 1,677.3 per 100,000. Eight local agencies work to keep these figures stable across the region.

Comparing Safety with Southern Neighbors

Cochise County experiences more crime than Graham County, which sits at a low 834.8 per 100,000. However, it remains more secure than larger urban hubs like Maricopa County. The region maintains a middle-ground safety profile compared to its rural counterparts.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, with a rate of 1,346.6 per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate is 235.1, which remains well below the national average of 369.8. Most residents are unlikely to encounter violent crime in their daily lives.

Securing Property in Cochise County

Given that property crime is the primary concern, investing in home security systems is a wise choice. Visible cameras and reinforced entry points deter opportunistic theft effectively. Community awareness remains the best defense against localized property loss.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cochise County

via HealthByCounty

Cochise County exceeds national health standards

With a life expectancy of 76.1 years, Cochise County outperforms the U.S. average of 78.4 years by a narrow margin, positioning it among healthier Arizona counties. The poor or fair health rate of 19.4% is substantially lower than the national average of 16%, reflecting generally positive health outcomes for most residents.

Among Arizona's healthier counties

Cochise County's life expectancy of 76.1 years exceeds the Arizona state average of 74.0 years by 2.1 years, demonstrating strong health performance. The county's 11.2% uninsured rate betters Arizona's 14.0% state average, suggesting better healthcare access than many peers.

Solid standing in regional health rankings

Cochise County's 76.1-year life expectancy aligns closely with nearby Greenlee County (75.1 years) and trails only Maricopa County (77.5 years) in southeast Arizona. The county's 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents places it in the middle range, better than rural Apache but below well-resourced Coconino.

Balanced provider availability and coverage

Cochise County residents benefit from 58 primary care providers and 144 mental health providers per 100,000, offering reasonable access to routine and behavioral health care. At 11.2% uninsured, the county maintains below-average uninsurance, though border geography can create unique care-seeking challenges.

Keep coverage current and accessible

Even as Cochise County maintains strong health metrics, verifying your insurance coverage annually ensures continuous access to providers. Review your current plan options at Healthcare.gov to confirm your coverage meets your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cochise County

via SchoolsByCounty

Cochise County’s Diverse Education Infrastructure

With 81 public schools and 19,075 students, Cochise County offers a robust network of 26 school districts. The system includes 35 elementary schools and 29 high schools to support a growing student population. This infrastructure spans a wide geographical area from city centers to remote rural zones.

Exceeding State Graduation Benchmarks

Cochise County achieves an 85.8% graduation rate, outpacing the Arizona state average of 81%. However, per-pupil expenditure is lower at $5,388, trailing both the state average and the $13,000 national benchmark. Despite the leaner budget, the county's school score of 47.8 remains competitive against the state average of 45.8.

Sierra Vista and Douglas Drive Growth

Sierra Vista Unified is the major player, enrolling 4,761 students across 11 schools. Douglas Unified also holds a significant presence with 3,852 students. Charter schools are quite popular in the county, representing 13.6% of all schools, including the Leman Academy of Excellence.

A Mix of City and Rural Learning

The average school size is 265 students, though Buena High School serves as a massive hub with 1,836 learners. The locale diversity is high, featuring 21 schools in city settings alongside 31 rural and 29 town schools. This variety provides families with choices ranging from bustling urban campuses to quiet rural classrooms.

Invest in Homes Near Top Districts

Prospective buyers can find great value near Sierra Vista’s high-performing schools like Buena High. School district boundaries are a key consideration for families moving to this corner of Arizona. Explore available listings to find a home that aligns with your educational priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cochise County

via RiskByCounty

Cochise County faces moderate-to-high risks

Cochise County scores 92.84 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category and above Arizona's state average of 84.45. This southeastern county contends with multiple overlapping hazards that demand serious preparation.

Above-average risk statewide

Cochise County ranks significantly higher than the Arizona average, placing it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. Its composite score of 92.84 puts it squarely in the moderate-risk tier, comparable to other challenging areas in southern Arizona.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

Cochise County's 92.84 score exceeds Graham County (64.60) to the north and sits slightly below Gila County (90.17) to the northwest. Its elevation places it among Arizona's higher-risk counties, driven by multiple converging hazards.

Wildfire, flood, and earthquakes threaten

Cochise County faces near-extreme wildfire risk (99.17) alongside significant flood danger (93.83), making these the top two concerns. Earthquake risk scores 78.50, adding seismic vulnerability to the hazard profile and affecting building safety decisions.

Layer insurance for multiple hazards

Cochise County residents need wildfire and flood coverage beyond standard homeowners policies, given both hazards score above 93. Consider earthquake insurance as well, particularly if your home is older or lacks seismic reinforcement.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cochise County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm High-Desert Living in Cochise

Cochise County averages 61.8°F, placing it well above the national median temperature. This high-desert region combines warmth with a relatively dry 14.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Matching the Arizona State Baseline

The county's 61.8°F average sits just below the Arizona state average of 63.5°F. It represents a middle ground between the scorching lowlands and the snowy northern plateaus.

Wetter Than Nearby Graham County

With 14.3 inches of rain, Cochise is wetter than neighboring Graham's 11.4 inches. It also enjoys milder summers than Maricopa, with about 70 fewer extreme heat days.

Ninety Days of High Desert Heat

Summers bring 94 days over 90°F, though July stays manageable with an average of 78.7°F. Winters are mild, seeing only 1.7 inches of snow and a 46.1°F average temperature.

Focus on Sun and Hydration

Focus on sun protection and hydration for the 94 days of extreme heat. Light winter layers generally suffice for the rare dusting of snow and mild winter lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cochise County

via SoilByCounty

Cochise's High-Desert Character

Specific taxonomic and pH levels for Cochise County are not yet documented in the current survey. Most desert soils trend alkaline, and testing is required to see how far the soil deviates from the national 6.5 pH median.

Particle Mix and Workability

Data regarding the exact blend of sand, silt, and clay are missing for this region. A local jar test can help you identify your soil's texture to improve drainage and nutrient retention.

Assessing Growing Potential

Information on organic matter and water capacity remains unavailable for Cochise County. Because most arid soils fall below the national 2.0% organic matter average, adding compost is a vital step for success.

Hydrology in the High Desert

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this county are not currently specified. Understanding these metrics helps residents predict how the ground will handle seasonal monsoon rains.

Thriving in Zone 8b

Cochise County falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, which supports a wide range of fruit trees like peaches and pecans. This climate allows for a long growing season if you manage your irrigation carefully.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cochise County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in the High Desert

Cochise County presents a difficult environment with a lawn score of 14.4, hovering just above the state average. This 8b hardiness zone requires significant effort to overcome the arid climate compared to the national median of 50.0. Success here demands a strategic approach to desert horticulture.

High Heat and Moderate Monsoon Potential

The county experiences 94 extreme heat days annually, putting immense stress on traditional turf. While the 14.3 inches of annual rain beats the state average, it remains less than half of what a healthy lawn requires. High growing degree days at 4,885 mean your grass stays active and hungry for water for much of the year.

Preparing Your Desert Foundation

Localized soil data is unavailable, but high-desert soils often struggle with low organic content and compaction. You should test your soil to identify the specific amendments needed to support healthy root systems. Adding compost can help improve the structure of these often-sandy or rocky substrates.

Managing Year-Round Dry Spells

With 53 weeks of drought over the past year, water conservation is a mandatory part of lawn care. Approximately 57% of the county is currently abnormally dry, though severe conditions are currently absent. Focus on installing smart irrigation controllers to maximize every drop of the limited rainfall.

Best Grasses for Zone 8b

Warm-season varieties like Bermuda grass or Buffalo grass are your best bets for the local climate. Aim to plant after the last frost on April 11th to give the lawn time to mature before the 90-degree days arrive. Your growing season typically extends until the first frost hits in early November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cochise County's county score?
Cochise County, Arizona has a composite county score of 39.9 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 Cochise County rank among counties in Arizona?
Cochise County ranks #5 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 Cochise County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Cochise County is $1,325, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Cochise County a tax score of 69.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cochise County?
The median household income in Cochise County, Arizona is $58,970 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cochise County earns an income score of 35.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cochise County, Arizona a good place to live?
Cochise County scores 39.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Cochise 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 Cochise County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.