countyscore
70.1
County Score
Cost of Living 98.6Property Tax 95.9Safety 90.1

County Report Card

About Greenlee County, Arizona

Greenlee County significantly exceeds national livability standards

Greenlee County's composite score of 70.1 substantially outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 80th percentile nationally. This outstanding performance reflects strong fundamentals across multiple dimensions.

Arizona's most livable county by composite score

Greenlee County's composite score of 70.1 far exceeds Arizona's state average of 40.1, making it the clear leader in statewide livability. Its performance gap over the nearest competitors is substantial.

Exceptional affordability paired with strong incomes and safety

Greenlee County excels across nearly every measure: a cost score of 98.6, median home value of $136,300, gross rent of just $570 monthly, and an income score of 77.7 with median household income of $75,239. Its safety score of 90.1 and minimal tax burden (0.359% effective rate) complete an impressive profile.

Water scarcity and education resources warrant attention

Greenlee County's water score of only 5.2 reflects serious water availability concerns, a critical long-term consideration. School quality with a score of 14.8 also lags, meaning families may need to supplement educational resources.

Arizona's premier choice for value-conscious families

Greenlee County suits families and retirees seeking exceptional affordability, safety, and income stability in a small-town setting. The main caveat is water scarcity; those comfortable with this constraint and lower school ratings will find extraordinary value here.

2040608010095.998.690.147.814.877.787.75.235.5Tax95.9Cost98.6Safety90.1Health47.8Schools14.8Income77.7Risk87.7Water5.2Weather35.570.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Greenlee County DNA

Coverall

How Greenlee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Greenlee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (98.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95.9+43.900000000000006
Cost
98.6+50.599999999999994
Safety
90.1+35.099999999999994
Health
47.8
Schools
14.8-39.2
Income
77.7+26.700000000000003
Risk
87.7+40.7
Water
5.2-52.8
Weather
35.5-20.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$136,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$570/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$136,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$22,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,239/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Griggs County
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Hoonah-Angoon Census Area
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Grant County
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Nearby counties

Graham County
Arizona
47.6
Catron County
New Mexico
64
Grant County
New Mexico
61.5
Hidalgo County
New Mexico
54.1
Cochise County
Arizona
39.9
Luna County
New Mexico
59
Sierra County
New Mexico
53.1
Gila County
Arizona
34.3

Deep Dives

Greenlee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greenlee County

via TaxByCounty

Greenlee has lowest taxes in nation

Greenlee County's effective tax rate of 0.359% places it among the most tax-friendly counties in the entire United States, less than half the national median of 0.73%. This exceptionally low rate is one of the major financial advantages of homeownership in Greenlee.

Lowest rate across entire Arizona

Greenlee County's 0.359% rate is the lowest in Arizona, roughly 38% below the state average of 0.581%. Greenlee residents enjoy the most favorable property tax climate in the entire state.

Dramatically lower than all regional counties

Greenlee County (0.359%) has a substantially lower tax rate than Apache (0.838%), Cochise (0.639%), and Graham (0.540%), offering the best property tax value in southeast Arizona. Property owners relocating to Greenlee from neighboring counties could see tax savings of $400–500 annually on comparable homes.

Median home costs just $489 annually

Greenlee County's median home value of $136,300 combines with its low 0.359% rate to produce just $489 in annual property taxes—the lowest among these eight counties. This represents exceptional affordability for homeowners seeking to minimize housing costs.

Even low rates warrant assessment reviews

Although Greenlee County offers Arizona's lowest tax rates, homeowners should still verify that their assessed value aligns with current market conditions. Filing a low-cost assessment appeal can identify any overvaluation and ensure you're paying the absolute minimum in property taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greenlee County

via CostByCounty

Greenlee offers exceptional rental affordability

At just 9.1%, Greenlee County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in America, delivering extraordinary affordability for renters earning $75,239 annually. With median rent at only $570 per month, Greenlee provides a rare opportunity where housing costs consume barely a dime of every dollar earned.

Arizona's most affordable county overall

Greenlee County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio sits less than half Arizona's 19.4% state average, making it the state's undisputed affordability champion. The $570 median rent undercuts the state average by 44%, offering unparalleled renter relief in Arizona's portfolio of counties.

Far cheaper than Apache, Cochise, and Graham

Greenlee's $570 median rent dramatically undercuts every neighboring county—Apache at $647, Graham at $890, and Cochise at $939—while maintaining the state's second-highest median income of $75,239. This combination creates Arizona's strongest renter affordability profile.

Renters pay 9%, owners pay 6% of income

Greenlee renters spend just $570 monthly—9.1% of the $75,239 median income—while homeowners pay $385, or merely 6.1% of income. These figures suggest a uniquely stable, low-cost housing market where the majority of income remains available for savings, investment, or quality of life.

Greenlee's exceptional value demands attention

For remote workers or retirees seeking maximum housing affordability combined with decent household income, Greenlee County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio and $570 median rent are essentially unmatched in Arizona. Carefully research employment and amenity availability, as this value often reflects limited economic opportunity outside specific sectors.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greenlee County

via IncomeByCounty

Greenlee County matches the national income median

Greenlee County's median household income of $75,239 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $484, placing it at parity with the national average. The Southeast Arizona county punches above its rural weight economically.

Second-highest income county in all of Arizona

Greenlee County ranks second among Arizona's 15 counties, with median income $12,576 above the state average of $62,663. Mining operations and related industries anchor an unusually strong economic base for a rural county.

Outearns all neighboring rural counties significantly

Greenlee County's $75,239 income surpasses Graham by $7,913, Cochise by $16,269, and Gila by $16,150. The county stands as a rare example of sustained rural prosperity in Arizona.

Exceptional affordability with lowest rent burden

Greenlee County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in Arizona, offering unmatched housing affordability despite a median home value of $136,300. Households keep 90% of income for other necessities, investments, and savings.

Leverage mining income to build substantial wealth

Greenlee County residents earning mining-sector wages should maximize retirement contributions and explore real estate investment beyond primary residences. The exceptional income-to-housing ratio creates opportunity to build six-figure investment portfolios within 10-15 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greenlee County

via CrimeByCounty

Greenlee County: Among the Nation's Safest

Greenlee County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.7. Its total crime rate of 200.3 per 100,000 is a staggering 91% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes it a premier destination for those prioritizing public safety.

The Gold Standard for Arizona Safety

Greenlee County's safety score of 99.7 far exceeds the Arizona average of 97.4. With only 200.3 crimes per 100,000 people, its incident rate is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed. Two reporting agencies maintain this high level of security for the local population.

Unmatched Security in the Region

Even compared to the very safe Graham County (834.8), Greenlee’s crime rate is four times lower. It provides a level of isolation from crime that is rare even in rural Arizona. The county represents a quiet bastion of safety for its residents.

Violent Crime is Virtually Non-Existent

The violent crime rate in Greenlee is a mere 10.5 per 100,000, compared to a national average of 369.8. Property crime is similarly low at 189.8 per 100,000. These numbers represent some of the lowest crime statistics found anywhere in the United States.

Maintaining a Culture of Security

In a community this safe, security is often about maintaining the existing peace. Simple measures like knowing your neighbors and reporting unusual activity help preserve these elite safety rankings. Greenlee proves that small-town vigilance pays off.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Greenlee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Efficient Schooling in Greenlee

Greenlee County operates just 8 public schools across 3 districts, serving a total of 1,919 students. This streamlined system includes 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 4 high schools. It is one of the smallest school networks in Arizona, focused primarily on its core communities.

High Graduation and Competitive Funding

The graduation rate stands at a solid 83.3%, beating the Arizona state average of 81%. Greenlee invests $5,884 per pupil, which is above the state average of $5,607 but below the national $13,000 average. The county's school score of 47.6 also remains higher than the state average of 45.8.

Morenci Unified Dominates the Area

Morenci Unified District is the primary educator here, serving 1,524 students across its 3 schools. Duncan Unified follows as the only other major district with 395 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning education is handled entirely by traditional districts.

Small Districts with Large Impact

Despite having few schools, the average school size is relatively high at 384 students. Metcalf Elementary is the largest campus, enrolling 770 students in a primary school setting. The locale is evenly split between 4 rural schools and 4 town schools, reflecting the county’s mining and ranching geography.

Live Near Morenci’s Central Schools

Finding a home near Morenci Unified allows families to be part of a highly focused and well-funded school system. The compact nature of Greenlee County means schools are often the social center of town. Search for homes that offer easy access to Metcalf Elementary or Morenci High.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greenlee County

via RiskByCounty

Greenlee County has minimal risk

Greenlee County scores just 12.37 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and placing it far below Arizona's state average of 84.45. The northeastern county is among the safest areas in the nation for natural disasters.

Safest county in Arizona

Greenlee County ranks as Arizona's lowest-risk county by a significant margin, with a composite score less than one-sixth of the state average. This exceptional safety makes it unique among Arizona's natural hazard exposure profile.

Dramatically safer than all neighbors

Greenlee County's 12.37 score is dramatically lower than Apache County (78.78) to the west and Graham County (64.60) to the south. Its minimal exposure stands out starkly against the higher-risk counties surrounding it.

Wildfire is the only notable concern

Greenlee County's sole significant hazard is wildfire risk at 82.51, stemming from the county's forested areas. All other natural disasters—flood, tornado, earthquake, and hurricane—score well below regional and national averages.

Wildfire coverage for peace of mind

Even in Greenlee County's low-risk environment, wildfire insurance remains worthwhile given the 82.51 risk score. Standard homeowners policies exclude wildfire, so supplemental coverage ensures full protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Greenlee County

via WaterByCounty

Extremely High Violation Rate in Greenlee

Greenlee County faces a severe compliance challenge with a violation rate of 696.2 per 100,000 residents, earning an F grade. This is nearly five times the Arizona state average of 140.2. Despite having only 53 total health violations, the impact on this small population is disproportionately high.

Healthy Watersheds with Minimal Impairment

The 2022 assessment shows that only 4.0% of the 25 water bodies in Greenlee County are impaired. This is significantly better than the state average of 10.0%, with E. coli being the only reported cause of failure. The county's environmental water quality appears strong compared to its drinking water infrastructure.

Consistent Monitoring of Inorganic Compounds

A network of 44 monitoring sites has logged 3,483 measurements over the past five years. Testing focuses primarily on inorganics, metals, and physical water properties. This data helps local officials track the baseline health of the Gila River and its tributaries.

Gila River Flow Struggles at 8%

Current discharge for the Gila River near Clifton is 17 cfs, which is just 8% of the long-term mean of 198 cfs. This gauge monitors 4,010 square miles of drainage area currently affected by dry conditions. Reduced river volume can stress local ecosystems and concentrate naturally occurring minerals.

Action Needed for High Compliance Risk

The exceptionally high violation rate makes drinking water safety a top priority; residents should consider using certified filters. While watershed health is generally good, the presence of E. coli means surface water is not safe for consumption without treatment. Watch for worsening water quality as Gila River flows remain far below typical levels.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greenlee County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Climate with Surprising Snow

Greenlee's 64.3°F average temperature reflects a warm climate that exceeds the national median. It maintains a relatively wet profile with 15.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Slightly Warmer Than State Average

Greenlee is slightly warmer than the Arizona average of 63.5°F. It is unique for balancing 133 high heat days with a respectable 16.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Hotter and Snowier Than Graham

It experiences 133 extreme heat days, far more than neighboring Graham or Gila. Surprisingly, it also gets more snow than Apache, despite being warmer on average.

Summer Sizzle and Winter Bursts

The summer heat is intense, with July averaging 84.5°F and 133 days topping 90°F. Winters are active, delivering 16.7 inches of snow and a 46.5°F average.

Prepare for All Weather Extremes

Homeowners should prepare for both extreme summer heat and moderate winter snow accumulation. Versatile HVAC systems and sturdy winter tires are smart local investments.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greenlee County

via SoilByCounty

Copper Country Soil Identity

Taxonomic and pH data for Greenlee County are currently unavailable in major soil databases. Local testing remains the best way to see how your land compares to the national median pH of 6.5.

Soil Texture and Drainage

The specific blend of sand, silt, and clay for Greenlee County is not currently documented. This ratio is critical for understanding the workability of the ground in this rugged, mountainous region.

Nutrient Potential in the Hills

Specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing for this county. High-desert and mountain soils often need organic amendments to reach the national average of 2.0% organic matter.

Hydrology and Runoff Management

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for Greenlee County are not listed in the current data. These factors are vital for controlling erosion and managing water in steep terrain.

Growing in Zone 8a

Greenlee County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, allowing for a diverse range of crops. Many residents find success with fruit trees and berries that benefit from the county's unique elevation changes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greenlee County

via LawnByCounty

The High Difficulty of Greenlee Lawns

Greenlee County posts a very low lawn score of 5.3, indicating extreme difficulty for turf enthusiasts. It is significantly tougher than the Arizona average and is among the hardest places in the nation to grow grass. You are fighting against some of the most intense growing conditions in the Southwest.

Relentless Heat and Moderate Rain

With 133 extreme heat days, your grass spends nearly a third of the year in survival mode against temperatures over 90°F. While 15.6 inches of rain is better than the state average, it cannot keep up with the 5,766 growing degree days. Frequent, heavy irrigation is the only way to maintain a green carpet here.

Testing the Ground for Growth

Specific soil metrics are not currently available, making a DIY soil test kit your first necessary purchase. You likely face the alkaline, nutrient-poor soils common to the region, which require significant organic fortification. Focus on building soil health to help your lawn withstand the brutal summer sun.

Severe Drought Domination

Drought conditions are critical, with 94% of the county currently in a severe drought state. Every part of the county is abnormally dry, and this trend has held for a full 53 weeks. You should explore graywater systems or extreme water-saving techniques to keep any turf alive during these periods.

Late Spring Starts for Zone 8a

Choose the most drought-tolerant warm-season grasses available, such as Buffalo grass or specialized Bermuda blends. Wait for the April 24th frost to pass before beginning any major sodding or seeding projects. Your lawn will likely enter dormancy by late November as the first frosts arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greenlee County's county score?
Greenlee County, Arizona has a composite county score of 70.1 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 Greenlee County rank among counties in Arizona?
Greenlee County ranks #1 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 Greenlee County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Greenlee County is $489, with an effective tax rate of 0.36%. This earns Greenlee County a tax score of 95.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greenlee County?
The median household income in Greenlee County, Arizona is $75,239 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greenlee County earns an income score of 77.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greenlee County, Arizona a good place to live?
Greenlee County scores 70.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Greenlee 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 Greenlee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.