countyscore
37.2
County Score
Cost of Living 88.3Property Tax 62.4Schools 20.1

County Report Card

About La Paz County, Arizona

La Paz County falls below national livability baseline

La Paz County's composite score of 37.2 sits below the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 32nd percentile nationally. While affordability is notable, persistent income and health challenges limit overall appeal.

Below Arizona's average livability standard

La Paz County's composite score of 37.2 trails Arizona's state average of 40.1, ranking it among the state's less livable counties. Its underperformance reflects structural economic and health challenges.

Housing affordability provides real value for stretching budgets

La Paz County's cost score of 88.3 delivers genuine affordability with median home values of $117,600 and gross rents averaging $735 monthly. Combined with a tax score of 62.4, housing costs present a significant advantage for budget-limited households.

Income levels and health outcomes lag significantly

La Paz County's income score of only 13.4 reflects median household income of just $49,506, among Arizona's lowest. Health outcomes are equally concerning with a score of 8.9, indicating substantial healthcare access barriers for residents.

Option for retirees or very low-income households only

La Paz County suits primarily fixed-income retirees or those with minimal income requirements who can live very affordably. Working families should weigh the extremely low health and income scores carefully before relocating.

Score breakdown

Tax62.4Cost88.3Safety19.1Health8.9Schools20.1Income13.4Risk16.5Water9.8Weather11.9
🏛62.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤11.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱6.4
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

Imperial County
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Yuma County
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Riverside County
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San Bernardino County
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Maricopa County
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Yavapai County
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Mohave County
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Clark County
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Deep Dives

La Paz County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in La Paz County

via TaxByCounty

La Paz taxes higher than most counties

La Paz County's effective tax rate of 0.707% sits above the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the higher-tax quartile across U.S. counties. Property owners here face a notably steeper annual tax burden relative to home values.

Above-average rate for Arizona

La Paz County's 0.707% rate exceeds Arizona's state average of 0.581% by about 22%, making it one of the higher-tax counties within Arizona. La Paz residents pay notably more in property taxes than the typical Arizona homeowner.

Higher than most western Arizona counties

La Paz County (0.707%) has a higher rate than Maricopa County (0.474%) and Coconino County (0.486%), making it one of the pricier options for property taxes in western Arizona. A homeowner in nearby Maricopa County would pay roughly 33% less in annual taxes on a comparable property.

Median home costs $831 annually

Despite the high 0.707% rate, La Paz County's modest median home value of $117,600 results in approximately $831 in annual property taxes. However, with a mortgage, budget around $1,139 per year when factoring in property taxes and insurance.

La Paz homeowners should appeal assessments

With La Paz County's relatively high tax rate, even modest assessment reductions through appeals can yield meaningful annual savings. The county assessor's office will review your assessment for free if you believe your home's value has been inflated above current market rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in La Paz County

via CostByCounty

La Paz renters enjoy solid affordability

At 17.8%, La Paz County's rent-to-income ratio falls below the national standard, indicating renters here preserve more income than typical Americans after paying rent. With median rent at $735 and household income at $49,506, La Paz delivers reliable affordability for lower-income households.

Better than Arizona average for renters

La Paz County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio beats Arizona's 19.4% state average, positioning it as a renter-friendly Arizona market. At $735 per month, its median rent undercuts the state average by 28%, offering meaningful relief for households earning below the state median.

More expensive than Apache, cheaper than Gila

La Paz's $735 median rent exceeds Apache's $647 but undercuts Gila's $1,001 and Coconino's $1,406, while its $117,600 median home value represents Arizona's lowest entry point for homeownership. For budget-conscious buyers and renters, La Paz sits at the state's affordability frontier.

Renters allocate 18% of income to housing

La Paz renters pay $735 monthly—17.8% of the $49,506 median income—while homeowners pay $448, or just 10.9% of income. This significant gap favors owners, and at $117,600 median home value, La Paz offers the state's most achievable homeownership entry point for low-income households.

La Paz: affordable but economically limited

If you're seeking Arizona's lowest homeownership threshold at $117,600 or want rents under $750, La Paz County delivers with 17.8% affordability well above state norms. Confirm employment opportunities in this quieter region, as its bargain pricing reflects limited job market diversity compared to larger counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in La Paz County

via IncomeByCounty

La Paz County income lags national average by 34%

La Paz County's median household income of $49,506 trails the U.S. median by $25,249, placing it well below national norms. The Southwest Arizona county captures only 66% of typical American household earnings.

Third-lowest income county in Arizona

La Paz County ranks 13th among Arizona's 15 counties, with median income $13,157 below the state average of $62,663. The rural, sparsely populated county faces significant economic headwinds.

Lower income than all nearby rural counties

La Paz County's $49,506 income falls behind Coconino ($69,748), Graham ($67,326), and Greenlee ($75,239), reflecting limited job diversity in the remote West Arizona region. Only Apache County earns less among Arizona's rural areas.

Affordable housing provides modest relief

La Paz County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio offers reasonable housing affordability, though the median home value of $117,600 reflects a depressed real estate market. Low income and modest home values create tight household budgets overall.

Build stability through deliberate financial planning

La Paz County residents should prioritize creating a $2,000-3,000 emergency fund before investing, given income constraints and economic volatility. Even modest monthly savings of $50-75 into a high-yield account compounds over time and builds household resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in La Paz County

via CrimeByCounty

La Paz County Stays Below National Average

La Paz County maintains a safety score of 96.7. Its total crime rate of 2,116.2 per 100,000 is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This reflects a generally safe environment for this rural riverfront community.

Comparing La Paz to Arizona Averages

The county's safety score of 96.7 is slightly below the Arizona state average of 97.4. However, its total crime rate of 2,116.2 is higher than the state average of 1,677.3. Three reporting agencies manage the safety needs of this expansive western county.

A Safer Alternative to Maricopa

La Paz County is notably safer than Maricopa County, which sees 2,930.3 crimes per 100,000. It faces more crime than the very quiet Apache and Graham counties but remains typical for Arizona's western corridor. Local officials balance safety with high seasonal visitor traffic.

Property Crime is the Main Factor

Property crime sits at ,1732.5 per 100,000, while violent crime is 383.7. The violent crime rate is almost identical to the national average of 369.8. Most crime in the area is non-violent and related to theft or property damage.

Focusing on Property Protection

Securing seasonal homes and vehicles is particularly important in La Paz County. Using timed lighting and modern deadbolts can significantly reduce the risk of property crime. Neighborhood awareness is vital during peak travel seasons when population fluctuates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in La Paz County

via HealthByCounty

La Paz County faces serious health challenges

Life expectancy in La Paz County is 69.3 years, more than 9 years below the U.S. average of 78.4 years, indicating substantial population health struggles. The poor or fair health rate of 25.2% is among Arizona's highest, affecting one in four residents and signaling widespread health vulnerabilities.

Lowest life expectancy in Arizona

La Paz County's life expectancy of 69.3 years trails the Arizona state average of 74.0 years by 4.7 years—among the state's worst performers. The county's 16.9% uninsured rate significantly exceeds Arizona's 14.0%, compounding healthcare access barriers.

Health outcomes lag across all comparisons

La Paz County's 69.3-year life expectancy is the lowest among comparable Arizona rural counties, trailing even Gila County (69.6 years). With only 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county has the fewest primary care resources among peer regions.

Severe healthcare access and coverage gaps

La Paz County struggles with only 37 primary care providers and 90 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—below regional minimums for adequate care. The 16.9% uninsured rate leaves nearly one in six residents without health coverage, creating a crisis-level access problem.

Coverage is your pathway to health

With 16.9% of La Paz County residents uninsured, getting coverage is urgent for your health and financial security. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit Healthcare.gov immediately to apply for Marketplace insurance, Medicaid, or other assistance programs—help is available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in La Paz County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Along the Colorado River

La Paz County manages 14 public schools across 6 districts for its 2,233 students. The infrastructure consists of 8 elementary schools and 5 high schools, providing essential coverage for this desert region. These schools serve as vital community hubs for families living along the river corridor.

Academic Success with Balanced Funding

La Paz County achieves an 83.2% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 81%. Per-pupil spending is healthy at $6,344, which is significantly higher than the Arizona state average of $5,607. These investments reflect in a school score of 48.5, notably higher than the state average of 45.8.

Parker Unified Anchors the County

Parker Unified School District is the county's largest, enrolling 1,722 students across 6 schools. Other districts, like Quartzsite Elementary and Salome Consolidated, serve much smaller student populations. La Paz currently has no charter schools, with all 14 schools operating as traditional public entities.

Intimate Learning in River Towns

The average school size is just 203 students, creating an environment where every child is known by name. Parker High is the largest school with 507 students, while the county is evenly split between 7 rural and 7 town locales. This creates a quiet, community-oriented atmosphere for learning.

Find Your Home Near Parker Schools

For families moving to La Paz County, homes near Parker Unified provide the most centralized access to educational resources. The small school sizes are a significant draw for buyers looking for a personalized touch in their children's education. Explore riverfront and desert properties near these local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in La Paz County

via RiskByCounty

La Paz County faces moderate risks

La Paz County scores 83.52 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category and nearly at Arizona's state average of 84.45. The southwestern county contends with multiple overlapping hazards that demand preparation.

Close to Arizona's average risk

La Paz County tracks nearly at the Arizona state average, positioned in the moderate-risk tier. Its 83.52 score reflects a balanced mix of flood, earthquake, and wildfire exposure typical of western Arizona.

Moderate risk within the region

La Paz County's 83.52 score is notably higher than Greenlee County (12.37) to the east but comparable to Maricopa County (99.87) in overall magnitude. Its western position exposes it to different hazard patterns than the state's mountainous regions.

Flood and earthquake are top concerns

La Paz County faces high flood risk (91.48) and significant earthquake exposure (79.04), making these the primary hazards. Wildfire risk (70.17) is notably lower than in Arizona's mountain counties but still warrants attention.

Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage

La Paz County residents should secure flood insurance given the 91.48 risk score, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas. Earthquake insurance is also recommended to protect against the county's 79.04 seismic exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in La Paz County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Heat and Arid Plains

La Paz County is one of the warmest spots in the country, with a 72.4°F average that towers over the national median. It is exceptionally dry, receiving only 5.3 inches of rain.

One of Arizona's Hottest Counties

At 72.4°F, La Paz is nearly 9 degrees hotter than the Arizona state average. It ranks as one of the driest and hottest counties in the entire state.

Hotter Than Maricopa's Urban Core

It exceeds neighboring Maricopa's heat, recording 178 extreme heat days compared to Maricopa's 167. With only 5.3 inches of rain, it is much drier than any county to its east.

Six Months of Triple-Digit Heat

Summer is extreme, with 178 days over 90°F and a July average of 93.7°F. Winters are virtually non-existent by national standards, averaging 53.6°F with zero snowfall.

Heat Safety is the Priority

Focus almost entirely on heat mitigation and sun safety for the long summer. Ensure your cooling systems are top-tier to handle nearly six months of extreme temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in La Paz County

via SoilByCounty

River-Fed Desert Soils

La Paz County's pH and taxonomic data are not currently available in the state survey. In this arid river valley, knowing your soil's deviation from the 6.5 national median pH is key for crop health.

Understanding Desert Sand

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unrecorded for La Paz County. Determining this texture is the first step in managing the rapid drainage typical of Colorado River valley soils.

Measuring Arid Fertility

Data on organic matter and available water capacity remain undefined for this region. Most desert soils require significant additions to match the national organic matter average of 2.0%.

Water Flow and Drainage

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group are not listed for La Paz County. These metrics help residents understand how the ground responds to irrigation and sudden desert storms.

Harvesting in Zone 9a

La Paz County falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, offering a nearly year-round growing season for citrus and palms. Gardeners can thrive here by focusing on heat-tolerant varieties and efficient drip irrigation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in La Paz County

via LawnByCounty

Desert Survival in La Paz County

A lawn score of 6.4 places La Paz among the most challenging counties for landscaping in the country. This 9a zone is characterized by extreme aridity and heat that defies traditional lawn care logic. To succeed here, you must abandon standard methods in favor of desert-specific strategies.

Extreme Heat and Minimal Moisture

The county receives a meager 5.3 inches of rain annually, the lowest in our group and less than half the state average. Combined with 178 extreme heat days and a massive 8,313 growing degree days, the environment is incredibly hostile to turf. Your lawn will require near-constant irrigation just to prevent total dormancy.

Amending the Sandy Desert Floor

Soil data is missing, but the proximity to the Colorado River suggests potential for sandy or silty textures with very poor water retention. You must aggressively amend your soil with organic matter to prevent water from simply draining away. Regular top-dressing with compost can slowly build the biology needed for plant survival.

Navigating Constant Aridity

Though current severe drought is at 0%, 30.9% of the area is abnormally dry and the county has seen 43 weeks of drought in a year. Given the low annual rainfall, you are effectively in a permanent state of water management. Focus on subsurface irrigation to deliver water directly to roots and avoid evaporation.

An Exceptionally Long Growing Season

Warm-season grasses are the only viable option, with Tifway Bermuda being a top choice for its heat tolerance. Your growing season is massive; the last frost is usually over by January 28th, allowing for very early starts. Expect your lawn to stay active until the first frost in early December.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is La Paz County's county score?
La Paz County, Arizona has a composite county score of 37.2 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 La Paz County rank among counties in Arizona?
La Paz County ranks #9 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 La Paz County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in La Paz County is $831, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns La Paz County a tax score of 62.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in La Paz County?
The median household income in La Paz County, Arizona is $49,506 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. La Paz County earns an income score of 13.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is La Paz County, Arizona a good place to live?
La Paz County scores 37.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate La Paz 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 La Paz County with other counties side by side.

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