Greenlee County's composite score of 84.9 places it in the top tier of American counties, nearly 70% above the national median of 50.0. The county combines exceptional affordability with favorable taxes and solid incomes.
2 / 5
Arizona's strongest county overall
At 84.9, Greenlee County significantly outperforms Arizona's state average of 73.9, ranking as the state's highest-scoring county across these eight. This premium position reflects exceptional value across multiple dimensions.
3 / 5
Unmatched affordability and tax savings
Greenlee County leads with cost and tax scores of 92.5 and 92.2 respectively, featuring the lowest effective tax rate (0.359%), cheapest rent ($570/month), and modest home values ($136,300). Median household income of $75,239 amplifies household purchasing power.
4 / 5
Quality-of-life data remains sparse
Despite economic strength, Greenlee County lacks published information on schools, safety, health outcomes, and water security—factors that communities often prioritize alongside cost. An income score of 32.5, while solid, suggests some income diversity.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-prioritizing families
Greenlee County represents Arizona's best value proposition for cost-conscious families and retirees, delivering unmatched affordability, low taxes, and respectable incomes. It suits those willing to trade anonymity for financial security, pending clarity on schools and services.
Greenlee County's composite score of 84.9 places it in the top tier of American counties, nearly 70% above the national median of 50.0. The county combines exceptional affordability with favorable taxes and solid incomes.
Arizona's strongest county overall
At 84.9, Greenlee County significantly outperforms Arizona's state average of 73.9, ranking as the state's highest-scoring county across these eight. This premium position reflects exceptional value across multiple dimensions.
Unmatched affordability and tax savings
Greenlee County leads with cost and tax scores of 92.5 and 92.2 respectively, featuring the lowest effective tax rate (0.359%), cheapest rent ($570/month), and modest home values ($136,300). Median household income of $75,239 amplifies household purchasing power.
Quality-of-life data remains sparse
Despite economic strength, Greenlee County lacks published information on schools, safety, health outcomes, and water security—factors that communities often prioritize alongside cost. An income score of 32.5, while solid, suggests some income diversity.
Perfect for budget-prioritizing families
Greenlee County represents Arizona's best value proposition for cost-conscious families and retirees, delivering unmatched affordability, low taxes, and respectable incomes. It suits those willing to trade anonymity for financial security, pending clarity on schools and services.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Greenlee County's life expectancy of 75.1 years approaches the U.S. average of 78.4 years, demonstrating effective local health management. The poor or fair health rate of 19.6% slightly exceeds the national average of 16%, though it remains favorable within Arizona's rural county context.
Outperforms Arizona state average
At 75.1 years, Greenlee County's life expectancy exceeds Arizona's 74.0-year state average by 1.1 years, positioning it among the state's better performers. The county's 9.3% uninsured rate is notably low, outperforming Arizona's 14.0% state average and the national average of 10.5%.
Leading health outcomes in southeast Arizona
Greenlee County's 75.1-year life expectancy outpaces Apache (63.9 years), Gila (69.6 years), and Graham (73.5 years) counties, ranking among southeast Arizona's healthiest. The county's 64 primary care providers per 100,000 exceeds most regional peers except well-resourced Coconino.
Excellent coverage with solid provider access
Greenlee County residents enjoy Arizona's lowest uninsured rate at 9.3%, combined with 64 primary care providers per 100,000, ensuring strong healthcare access. Mental health provider data is limited, yet the county's overall health metrics suggest residents access necessary behavioral health care.
Maintain your health insurance advantage
Greenlee County's exceptional 9.3% uninsured rate reflects strong community engagement with health coverage—continue that success by reviewing your plan annually. Confirm your coverage remains active and sufficient at Healthcare.gov or with your local health office.
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.