countyscore
35.2
County Score
Property Tax 87.3Income & Jobs 65.7Health 46.5

County Report Card

About Coconino County, Arizona

Coconino County underperforms on national livability metrics

Coconino County's composite score of 35.1 sits notably below the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 30th percentile nationally. Despite strong income levels, housing costs and safety concerns drag the overall score down significantly.

Below Arizona's average despite mountain region appeal

Coconino County's composite score of 35.1 falls short of Arizona's state average of 40.1, indicating below-average livability for the state. This is surprising given the region's outdoor recreation appeal and relatively affluent demographics.

High incomes and favorable tax environment lead the way

Coconino County shines with an income score of 65.7 and median household income of $69,748, placing it among Arizona's more prosperous regions. Its tax score of 87.3 and effective rate of 0.486% also rank among the state's best.

Housing costs and safety present substantial hurdles

Coconino County's cost score of only 20.9 reflects steep housing realities, with median home values at $413,200 and gross rents averaging $1,406 monthly. A troubling safety score of 12.9 further limits its appeal, indicating residents face meaningful security concerns.

Best for affluent families prioritizing mountain lifestyle

Coconino County suits high-income families or professionals willing to pay premium prices for mountain living, outdoor access, and favorable taxes. This is a destination for those whose income can absorb expensive housing and who accept trade-offs in safety metrics for lifestyle amenities.

2040608010087.320.912.946.516.665.75.833.643.8Tax87.3Cost20.9Safety12.9Health46.5Schools16.6Income65.7Risk5.8Water33.6Weather43.835.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Coconino County DNA

Foverall

How Coconino County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Coconino County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (87.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (12.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.3+35.3
Cost
20.9-27.1
Safety
12.9-42.1
Health
46.5
Schools
16.6-37.4
Income
65.7+14.700000000000003
Risk
5.8-41.2
Water
33.6-24.4
Weather
43.8-12.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$413,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,406/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$413,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,748/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Sumter County
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Swisher County
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Wilbarger County
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Merced County
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Nearby counties

Yavapai County
Arizona
40.7
Mohave County
Arizona
32.9
Kane County
Utah
58.8
Navajo County
Arizona
39.9
Washington County
Utah
46.8
Clark County
Nevada
31.3
Gila County
Arizona
34.3
Maricopa County
Arizona
32.6

Deep Dives

Coconino County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Coconino County

via TaxByCounty

Coconino taxes rank among nation's lowest

Coconino County's effective tax rate of 0.486% ranks in the bottom 25% nationally, well below the 0.73% median across all U.S. counties. This makes Coconino one of the most tax-friendly counties in America for property owners.

Below-average rate in Arizona

Coconino County's 0.486% rate falls 16% below Arizona's state average of 0.581%, making it one of the most affordable counties for property taxes within the state. Coconino residents benefit from one of the lowest tax burdens in Arizona.

Lowest rate in the northern region

Coconino County (0.486%) has a significantly lower tax rate than Apache County (0.838%) and Gila County (0.539%), offering the best property tax value in northern Arizona. Homebuyers moving between these counties could save hundreds of dollars annually in taxes.

Median home costs $2,008 annually

Coconino County's median home value of $413,200—the highest among these counties—results in about $2,008 in annual property taxes. Despite the higher home prices, the low tax rate means Coconino residents pay less in taxes than owners of cheaper homes in higher-tax counties.

Low rates don't eliminate appeal opportunities

Even in tax-friendly Coconino County, overassessment can occur during property revaluations. Homeowners should compare their assessed value against recent sales of similar properties—appealing an inflated assessment could yield additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coconino County

via CostByCounty

Coconino rents exceed national norms

At 24.2%, Coconino County's rent-to-income ratio significantly outpaces the national median, meaning renters here sacrifice more of their earnings for housing than typical Americans. With median rent at $1,406 against a $69,748 household income, Coconino represents Arizona's priciest rental market.

Arizona's costliest rental county

Coconino County ranks as Arizona's most expensive for renters, with a 24.2% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 19.4%. At $1,406 per month, Coconino's median rent exceeds the state average by 38%, driven partly by Flagstaff's mountain-town desirability and altitude.

Steeper than every surrounding county

Coconino's $1,406 median rent towers over Navajo County data and far exceeds Apache ($647), Cochise ($939), and Gila ($1,001) counties to the south. Even its median home value of $413,200 approaches Maricopa County's Phoenix-driven prices, making Coconino a premium Arizona market.

Renters sacrifice 24% of income

Coconino renters pay $1,406 monthly—24.2% of the $69,748 median income—while homeowners pay $974, or just 16.8% of income. This 7.4 percentage point gap shows why owning, despite a $413,200 median home price, becomes financially appealing for those who can afford entry.

Coconino rewards committed residents

If Flagstaff's high-altitude lifestyle and outdoor access justify premium housing costs, Coconino County delivers—but renters should expect to allocate a quarter of income to rent. Compare this against lower-cost Gila and Apache counties to confirm the lifestyle premium fits your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Coconino County

via IncomeByCounty

Coconino County nearly matches national income

Coconino County's median household income of $69,748 sits just $5,007 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it within shouting distance of national averages. The county captures about 93% of typical American household earnings.

Above-average income for Arizona's rural counties

Coconino County ranks fourth among Arizona's 15 counties, with median income $7,085 above the state average of $62,663. The strong position reflects stable tourism, education, and healthcare employment anchored by Northern Arizona University.

Outearns Apache and Gila by significant margin

Coconino County's $69,748 income exceeds Apache County by $29,410 and Gila County by $10,659, reflecting the economic lift from Flagstaff's urban center. The county stands among Arizona's most economically robust rural regions.

Rising housing costs strain higher incomes

Despite solid household income, Coconino County's 24.2% rent-to-income ratio is among Arizona's highest, driven by a median home value of $413,200. Residents earning the median income face significant housing cost pressure.

Use Flagstaff's economic momentum to build wealth

Coconino County residents can capitalize on Flagstaff's growing job market by investing 10-15% of household income into retirement and college savings accounts. The relatively stable income base supports aggressive wealth-building strategies like index funds and long-term property investment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Coconino County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Near National Averages

Coconino County reports a total crime rate of 2,529.9 per 100,000, slightly exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a safety score of 96.0. High visitor volumes in tourist areas often influence these statistical outcomes.

Navigating Safety in Northern Arizona

Coconino’s safety score of 96.0 falls below the Arizona average of 97.4. The county's crime rate of 2,529.9 is also notably higher than the state average of 1,677.3. Seven reporting agencies are tasked with managing safety across this sprawling geography.

Contrasting Safety with Apache County

Coconino faces much higher crime levels than neighboring Apache County, which reports a rate of only 436.0. The disparity is largely driven by urban density in Flagstaff and heavy tourism traffic. Local law enforcement manages a significantly higher incident volume than its eastern neighbor.

High Property Crime and Violent Incident Rates

The violent crime rate stands at 429.8 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent, reaching 2,100.1 per 100,000 residents. These numbers suggest that both personal and property safety require active attention.

Enhancing Security for Coconino Residents

Active home monitoring is recommended to mitigate the risk of property crime. Ensure all windows and doors have modern locks and consider smart home security integration. Being vigilant about surroundings helps protect against the county's higher-than-average incident rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Coconino County

via SchoolsByCounty

Flagstaff and Beyond: Coconino Education

Coconino County operates 65 public schools serving 16,983 students across 21 districts. The landscape is dominated by 28 elementary schools and 30 high schools, reflecting a commitment to secondary education. The county supports a diverse student body across one of the largest geographic areas in the nation.

Strong Graduation Rates and Performance

The county boasts an 83.9% graduation rate, which is nearly 3 points higher than the Arizona state average. Per-pupil spending stands at $5,976, exceeding the state average of $5,607 but remaining well below the national average. A school score of 48.1 places Coconino ahead of the state median of 45.8.

Flagstaff Unified Leads the Region

Flagstaff Unified District is the largest entity by far, managing 16 schools and 9,043 students. The county also embraces school choice, with charter schools making up 18.5% of all public institutions. This district diversity provides families with specialized options like the Coconino Association for Vocation Industry.

Mountain Town Schools and City Hubs

With an average school size of 333 students, campuses here feel more populated than in neighboring counties. Flagstaff High School is the largest with 1,620 students, while 30 schools are located in city environments. The mix includes 21 town and 14 rural schools, offering a range of social and academic settings.

Finding Your Home in Flagstaff Districts

Real estate in Flagstaff is highly sought after by families wanting proximity to Flagstaff Unified's large high schools. Choosing a home near top-rated schools can secure long-term property value and quality of life. Start your search today to find a property in these high-performing school zones.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coconino County

via RiskByCounty

Coconino County faces elevated risks

Coconino County scores 94.21 on the composite risk scale, ranking in the "Relatively Moderate" category and above Arizona's state average of 84.45. The high-elevation county contends with some of the state's most severe wildfire and flood exposures.

Among Arizona's highest-risk counties

Coconino County ranks among the top-risk counties statewide, with a composite score that exceeds 94 out of 100. Only a handful of Arizona counties, including Maricopa, face equal or greater combined hazard exposure.

Riskier than Apache to the south

Coconino County's 94.21 score significantly exceeds Apache County (78.78) to the south and edges out Gila County (90.17) to the southeast. Its position in Arizona's high-risk tier reflects the concentration of wildfire, flood, and earthquake hazards in the region.

Wildfire and flood are severe threats

Coconino County experiences near-maximum wildfire risk (99.40) paired with extreme flood risk (96.47), driven by heavy monsoon rains and forest density. Earthquake risk also scores high at 90.36, creating compound vulnerability affecting infrastructure and safety planning.

Prioritize wildfire and flood coverage now

Wildfire and flood insurance are non-negotiable in Coconino County, given both hazards score above 96. Homeowners should also evaluate earthquake insurance, especially for structures not designed to modern seismic standards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Coconino County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Violation Rates Lead to Grade F

Coconino County holds an F grade due to 83 health-based drinking water violations over five years. However, its rate of 51.7 violations per 100,000 people is much lower than the state average of 140.2. While the frequency is high, the relative impact per capita is lower than in many neighboring counties.

Broad Assessment Shows 8.1% Watershed Impairment

Of the 111 water bodies assessed in 2022, nine are listed as impaired, representing 8.1% of the county's total. This is slightly healthier than the state average of 10.0%. The top causes for these failures are copper, pH levels, and mercury in fish tissue.

Robust Monitoring with 70,000+ Recent Samples

Coconino County maintains a massive monitoring footprint with 267 sites and 70,225 measurements recorded over the last five years. Physical and inorganic groups lead the data collection, providing a detailed look at the county's diverse water systems. This high data volume allows for a more nuanced understanding of local water quality trends.

Colorado River Flow Surges Above Mean

The Colorado River above National Canyon is currently discharging 19,600 cfs, which is 166% of its long-term mean. This primary gauge monitors a massive drainage area of 147,931 square miles. High flows can dilute some pollutants but may also increase turbidity and sediment transport.

Navigate High Flows and Mercury Risks

With the Colorado River running significantly above typical levels, recreational users should watch for high turbidity and rapid currents. Since mercury in fish tissue is a top impairment, following local fish consumption advisories is essential for safety. Homeowners should stay informed about the specific causes behind the 83 recent drinking water violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Coconino County

via WeatherByCounty

A National Median Match in Flagstaff

Coconino's 52.1°F average temperature aligns closely with the national median. This high-altitude climate receives a robust 15.5 inches of annual precipitation, mostly from snow.

Arizona's Cool Weather Hub

Coconino is over 11 degrees cooler than the Arizona state average of 63.5°F. It serves as one of the state's primary cold-weather destinations.

Dominating the Region in Snowfall

It leads the region in snowfall with nearly 50 inches annually, vastly outpacing Apache's 12.2 inches. Despite the snow, it still records 41 extreme heat days during summer.

Heavy Snow and Mild Summers

Winter is the dominant season, bringing 49.9 inches of snow and average January temperatures of 33.6°F. July remains pleasant at 73.0°F, providing an escape from the lower desert.

Winterize Your Home and Vehicle

Invest in high-quality winter gear and snow removal equipment for the heavy snowfall. Home insulation is a top priority here to manage the 34.6°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Coconino County

via SoilByCounty

Coconino's Rugged Highland Identity

The specific soil taxonomy and pH levels for Coconino County are currently unrecorded. Local variations across the plateau make individual testing necessary to reach the ideal national median pH of 6.5.

High-Altitude Soil Texture

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are not available for this diverse landscape. Understanding the particle mix is key to managing the varied terrain from the San Francisco Peaks to the high desert.

Nutrients and Water Holding

Current data provide no specific organic matter or water capacity figures for the county. Most mountain soils differ greatly from the national 2.0% organic matter average, requiring specialized amendments.

Hydraulic Conductivities

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain undefined for Coconino County in major datasets. These numbers are vital for protecting local watersheds and planning effective septic systems.

Gardening in Zone 7a

This county is characterized by USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, favoring cool-season vegetables and hardy perennials. Gardeners here find success with short-season crops that can withstand the high-altitude temperature swings.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Coconino County

via LawnByCounty

Arizona’s Best Betting Ground for Grass

Coconino County holds the highest lawn score in our group at 31.9, though it still trails the national average of 50.0. The 7a hardiness zone offers a much more temperate environment than the lower deserts. You have a distinct advantage over most Arizonans when it comes to maintaining a green space.

Temperate Summers and Helpful Rainfall

At 15.5 inches of annual precipitation, this is one of the wetter regions in the state, reducing your irrigation burden. The 41 extreme heat days are manageable, and the lower 2,979 growing degree days mean less aggressive mowing than southern counties. Your climate allows for a more traditional lawn experience if managed carefully.

Understanding Mountain Soils

Official soil metrics are missing, but the diverse topography suggests a mix of volcanic and limestone-based soils. You must verify your local drainage and pH to avoid nutrient deficiencies in the high-altitude terrain. Targeted aeration helps combat compaction in high-traffic lawn areas.

Weathering Continuous Dry Cycles

Despite higher rainfall, the county has endured 53 straight weeks of drought conditions. Currently, 64.5% of the area is abnormally dry, making efficient water use essential for long-term lawn health. Utilize rain barrels to capture snowmelt and summer runoff to supplement your garden's needs.

Short Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in these mountain conditions. Your window is tight; wait for the late May 31st spring frost before seeding, and prepare for dormancy by October 5th. This abbreviated season means you must maximize growth during the mild summer months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coconino County's county score?
Coconino County, Arizona has a composite county score of 35.2 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 Coconino County rank among counties in Arizona?
Coconino County ranks #10 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 Coconino County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Coconino County is $2,008, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Coconino County a tax score of 87.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coconino County?
The median household income in Coconino County, Arizona is $69,748 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coconino County earns an income score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coconino County, Arizona a good place to live?
Coconino County scores 35.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Coconino 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 Coconino County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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