countyscore
34.3
County Score
Property Tax 82Cost of Living 44.4Weather & Climate 43.6

County Report Card

About Gila County, Arizona

Gila County ranks well below national livability standards

Gila County's composite score of 34.3 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 28th percentile nationally. Health outcomes and school quality are particularly weak, offsetting moderate tax efficiency.

Among Arizona's lower-livability counties

Gila County's composite score of 34.3 trails Arizona's state average of 40.1, ranking it among the state's less livable counties. Only a handful of Arizona counties score lower overall.

Tax burden remains manageable for residents

Gila County's tax score of 82.0 with an effective rate of 0.539% provides some financial relief for households. Moderate median household income of $59,089 and reasonable housing costs around $1,001 monthly offer balanced affordability.

Health and education outcomes significantly lag

Gila County's health score of only 15.7 and school score of 14.6 are among Arizona's worst, indicating severe gaps in healthcare access and educational quality. Safety concerns with a score of 22.9 further compound these challenges for families and seniors.

Limited appeal unless other factors override livability

Gila County has limited livability appeal and suits only those with strong ties to the region, employment commitments, or minimal expectations for schools and healthcare services. Families with children or those prioritizing health access should look elsewhere.

204060801008244.422.915.714.636.19.816.643.6Tax82Cost44.4Safety22.9Health15.7Schools14.6Income36.1Risk9.8Water16.6Weather43.634.3/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Gila County DNA

Foverall

How Gila County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gila County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (16.6/100), though Property Tax (82/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82+30
Cost
44.4
Safety
22.9-32.1
Health
15.7-34.3
Schools
14.6-39.4
Income
36.1-14.899999999999999
Risk
9.8-37.2
Water
16.6-41.4
Weather
43.6-12.399999999999999
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Compare mortgage rates in Gila County

Whether buying or refinancing in Gila County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$247,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,001/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$247,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,089/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.7

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
Compare Gila County with Crisp County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Pinal County
Arizona
37.5
Maricopa County
Arizona
32.6
Graham County
Arizona
47.6
Navajo County
Arizona
39.9
Yavapai County
Arizona
40.7
Greenlee County
Arizona
70.1
Apache County
Arizona
51.9
Pima County
Arizona
26.9

Deep Dives

Gila County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gila County

via TaxByCounty

Gila taxes slightly below national median

Gila County's effective tax rate of 0.539% sits meaningfully below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the lower-half tier of U.S. counties. This relatively low rate helps offset Gila's moderate home values.

Below average across Arizona

Gila County's 0.539% rate sits about 7% below Arizona's state average of 0.581%, making it a moderately taxed county within Arizona. Gila homeowners enjoy property taxes closer to the state's lower end.

Lower than Apache, higher than Coconino

Gila County (0.539%) falls between Apache County's 0.838% and Coconino County's 0.486%, positioning it as a moderate-tax option in central Arizona. Central Arizona property owners in Gila benefit from mid-range tax rates.

Median home costs $1,331 annually

With a median home value of $247,000, Gila County homeowners pay approximately $1,331 in annual property taxes. Factoring in insurance, monthly property tax costs with a mortgage typically reach around $1,493 per year.

Gila homeowners should challenge overvaluation

Many Gila County residents pay more in property taxes than necessary due to inflated assessed values that don't reflect current market conditions. The county assessor's office offers a free formal protest process if you believe your home was overappraised.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gila County

via CostByCounty

Gila renters pay slightly above average

At 20.3%, Gila County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard by roughly one percentage point, placing it in the moderately affordable range for American renters. With median rent at $1,001 and household income at $59,089, Gila sits comfortably above rural Arizona markets but below urban Phoenix.

Slightly less affordable than Arizona average

Gila County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio edges above Arizona's 19.4% state average, signaling moderately tight housing affordability for renters. The $1,001 median rent sits just below Coconino's $1,406 but above Apache's $647, positioning Gila as Central Arizona's middle-tier rental market.

More expensive than Apache, cheaper than Coconino

Gila's $1,001 rent surpasses Apache ($647) and undercuts Coconino ($1,406), while its $247,000 median home value sits between Cochise ($207,400) and Coconino ($413,200). This places Gila as a moderate-cost option for families balancing affordability with regional access.

Renters pay 20%, owners pay 15% of income

Gila County renters spend $1,001 monthly—20.3% of the $59,089 median income—while homeowners pay $756, or just 15.3% of income. This 5-percentage point spread reflects Gila's moderate affordability, where ownership becomes increasingly attractive as incomes rise.

Gila offers balanced Central Arizona living

For families seeking mountain scenery and small-town character without Flagstaff's altitude premium, Gila County's $1,001 rent and $247,000 home values hit a middle ground. Compare Gila's costs against neighboring Cochise and Coconino to evaluate which trade-offs align with your priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gila County

via IncomeByCounty

Gila County income falls short of U.S. average

Gila County's median household income of $59,089 lags the national median by $15,666, representing about 79% of typical American earnings. The rural Central Arizona county faces sustained income challenges despite regional growth.

Below Arizona's state income average by $3,574

Gila County ranks sixth from the bottom among Arizona's 15 counties, sitting slightly below the state median of $62,663. The position reflects a county economy still recovering from historic mining and timber industries.

Comparable to Cochise, behind Graham and Greenlee

Gila County's $59,089 income closely matches Cochise County's $58,970 but trails Graham County's $67,326 and Greenlee County's $75,239. The clustering reveals income patterns across Arizona's rural heartland.

Moderate housing burden with elevated home values

Gila County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio is manageable, yet the median home value of $247,000 indicates rising property costs outpacing wage growth. Households allocating one-fifth of income to housing have less flexibility for savings.

Diversify income to match rising living costs

Gila County residents should explore side income streams and skill certifications to offset rising home values and cost of living. Even a modest $200-300 monthly increase from a second income source can fund a meaningful emergency savings or investment account.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gila County

via CrimeByCounty

Gila County Stays Under National Crime Rates

Gila County holds a safety score of 96.9, supported by a total crime rate of 1,967.4 per 100,000. This rate is safely below the national average of 2,385.5. Residents benefit from a safety profile that is better than many mid-sized U.S. counties.

Monitoring Trends in the Copper Country

Gila's safety score of 96.9 is slightly lower than the Arizona average of 97.4. Its crime rate of 1,967.4 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 1,677.3, indicating some localized challenges. Five agencies coordinate to maintain order across the county’s diverse terrain.

Safer than the Phoenix Metro

Gila County is significantly safer than neighboring Maricopa County, which has a much higher crime rate of 2,930.3. However, it sees more activity than Graham County to the south. This makes Gila a relatively quiet alternative to the bustling urban corridor.

Violent Crime Elevated Above National Average

While total crime is lower than the U.S. average, the violent crime rate of 544.7 exceeds the national mark of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,422.7 incidents per 100,000. These figures highlight a need for continued focus on community-based violence prevention.

Building a Secure Gila Household

Smart security choices like alarm systems and outdoor cameras can deter property-related crimes. Since violent crime rates are higher than average, maintaining situational awareness in public spaces is equally important. Strong neighborhood watch programs can help lower these statistics over time.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gila County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Schooling in Gila County

Gila County manages 36 public schools across 12 districts for its 7,734 students. The network includes 16 high schools and 11 elementary schools, reflecting a strong focus on finishing secondary education. Most schools are situated in rugged, rural, or small-town environments.

Funding Success Despite Graduation Challenges

The county's 76.1% graduation rate falls below the state average of 81% and the national 87% benchmark. However, investment is relatively high, with per-pupil spending at $6,379, which is $772 more than the state average. The school score of 44.9 remains close to the Arizona average of 45.8.

Payson and Miami Unified Districts

Payson Unified is the primary district, serving 2,291 students across 5 schools. Miami Unified also plays a vital role, supporting 933 students in the region. Charter schools are less common here, accounting for only 5.6% of the county's total school count.

Tight-Knit Campuses in Rural Arizona

Average school size is modest at 276 students, providing a personalized feel for most learners. Payson High School is the largest campus with 790 students, while 20 schools are located in strictly rural areas. These settings foster strong community ties between students, teachers, and local families.

Relocate Near Payson’s Top Schools

Families looking for a mountain lifestyle should consider homes within the Payson Unified District boundaries. Access to local elementary schools like Copper Rim is a major draw for new residents moving to the area. Let school quality be your guide when exploring real estate in Gila County.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gila County

via RiskByCounty

Gila County faces moderate-to-high risks

Gila County scores 90.17 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category and above Arizona's state average of 84.45. The central county's hazard profile reflects its mountainous terrain and monsoon exposure.

Above-average risk in Arizona

Gila County ranks higher than the Arizona average, placing it firmly in the state's moderate-risk tier. Its 90.17 composite score reflects significant overlap of wildfire, flood, and earthquake hazards across the county.

Similar risk to nearby counties

Gila County's 90.17 score sits between Coconino County (94.21) to the north and Apache County (78.78) to the northeast. It faces comparable exposure to Cochise County (92.84), making it one of central Arizona's more hazard-prone areas.

Wildfire and flood are primary threats

Gila County faces extreme wildfire risk (99.08) combined with significant flood danger (93.07), driven by forested terrain and monsoon storms. These two hazards account for much of the county's elevated composite score and should dominate preparation efforts.

Get wildfire and flood protection today

Standard homeowners insurance excludes wildfire, making supplemental coverage critical for Gila County properties. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is also essential given the county's 93.07 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gila County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Violations Exceed State Average

Gila County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance with 92 health violations over five years. The county’s violation rate of 170.0 per 100,000 residents is notably higher than the Arizona average of 140.2. This suggests a higher-than-average risk for residents relying on public water systems.

Ten Percent of Gila Watersheds Impaired

Exactly 10.7% of assessed water bodies in Gila County are classified as impaired, closely matching the state average. According to the 2022 reporting cycle, 11 out of 103 water bodies fail to meet standards. Copper, pH, and cadmium remain the primary pollutants of concern in these local waters.

Organic Compounds Dominate Water Quality Data

Local monitoring efforts across 124 sites have produced 22,197 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on organics and pesticides, reflecting a specific interest in chemical contaminants. This targeted monitoring helps track the impact of human activity on the region's watersheds.

Salt River Flow Drops to 12%

The Salt River near Roosevelt is currently flowing at 97 cfs, just 12% of its long-term mean of 836 cfs. This gauge monitors a 4,306 square mile drainage area that is currently experiencing significantly reduced runoff. Low flows often lead to higher concentrations of dissolved metals like copper.

Managing High Violation Risks and Metals

Given a violation rate that exceeds the state average, Gila County residents should prioritize drinking water filtration and testing. Copper and cadmium impairments in the watershed suggest that surface water should be treated with caution. During current low-flow conditions on the Salt River, be aware that pollutant concentrations may rise.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gila County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Unusually Wet Climate

Gila County's 62.6°F average temperature is considerably warmer than the national median. This transitional climate is surprisingly wet, averaging 19.0 inches of precipitation per year.

Exceeding State Rainfall Averages

At 62.6°F, Gila sits right in line with the Arizona state average. However, it exceeds the state precipitation average by nearly 7 inches, making it one of Arizona's wettest spots.

Wetter Than Maricopa and Graham

Gila's 19 inches of rain makes it wetter than all its immediate neighbors, including Maricopa. It averages 104 extreme heat days, landing it between the cool north and blistering west.

Hot Summers and Soft Winters

July reaches a hot average of 82.4°F, part of a summer season that sees 104 days over 90°F. Winters are mild with only 5.4 inches of snow and an average temperature of 45.6°F.

Gutter Maintenance and Cooling Plans

Prepare for heavy seasonal rains by checking roof drainage and gutter systems. High-efficiency cooling is necessary to handle the three months of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gila County

via SoilByCounty

Transition Zone Soil Profile

Gila County's specific pH and taxonomic classification are currently missing from available data. While the national median is 6.5, desert mountain soils often require careful monitoring to balance acidity.

Texture and Drainage Potential

Data regarding the ratio of sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for this area. Knowing these proportions is essential for identifying how quickly your garden will dry out between waterings.

Measuring Fertility Success

No specific organic matter or water capacity values are recorded for Gila County at this time. Most local soils will need help to match the national average of 2.0% organic matter.

Water Movement and Stability

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group are not yet specified in the county's data profile. These statistics guide builders and farmers in managing water runoff during heavy rainfall.

Abundance in Zone 9a

Gila County thrives in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, which is perfect for citrus trees and heat-tolerant herbs. The long, warm summers provide ample time for tomatoes and peppers to reach peak maturity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gila County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Aridity in Gila County

Gila County scores a 12.6 for lawn difficulty, falling slightly below the already-tough Arizona average. Maintaining turf in this 9a hardiness zone is a labor-intensive project compared to most of the United States. You must be prepared for a high-maintenance relationship with your grass.

High Heat and Unexpected Rainfall

While Gila sees a respectable 19.0 inches of rain annually, the 104 extreme heat days quickly evaporate that moisture. The 5,289 growing degree days indicate a long, active season where grass grows rapidly and demands constant attention. You will need to water frequently to counter the high July average of 82.4°F.

Foundation for Desert Turf

Regional soil data is limited, but desert landscapes here often feature high mineral content and low organic matter. It is vital to perform a local test to see if your soil requires sulfur to lower the pH for better nutrient uptake. Incorporating composted manure can provide the nitrogen boost your lawn needs.

Drought Persistence in the Rim Country

The county has faced drought for 53 consecutive weeks, though only 20.8% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. This long-term trend suggests you should shift toward drought-tolerant cultivars to save on utility bills. Implementing a cycle-and-soak watering method prevents runoff and encourages deeper root growth.

Long Growing Windows in Zone 9a

Bermuda grass is the standard for this heat, offering the resilience needed for 100+ days of extreme sun. With the last frost occurring early on March 13th, you can start your lawn much sooner than northern counties. Enjoy a green lawn well into late autumn, as the first frost typically waits until November 19th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gila County's county score?
Gila County, Arizona has a composite county score of 34.3 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 Gila County rank among counties in Arizona?
Gila County ranks #12 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 Gila County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Gila County is $1,331, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Gila County a tax score of 82/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gila County?
The median household income in Gila County, Arizona is $59,089 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gila County earns an income score of 36.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gila County, Arizona a good place to live?
Gila County scores 34.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Gila 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 Gila 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.