countyscore
32.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.9Property Tax 88.5Water Quality 68

County Report Card

About Maricopa County, Arizona

Maricopa County underperforms despite metro status and wealth

Maricopa County's composite score of 32.6 falls well below the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 25th percentile nationally. This underperformance is striking given the county's status as Arizona's largest and most prosperous region.

Arizona's largest county ranks among lowest in livability

Maricopa County's composite score of 32.6 significantly underperforms Arizona's state average of 40.1. Home to Phoenix and over 4 million residents, Maricopa's low score reflects the cost-of-living and safety challenges endemic to the metro area.

Strong income and favorable tax environment for earners

Maricopa County boasts an income score of 88.9 with median household income of $85,518, among the nation's highest. Its tax score of 88.5 with an effective rate of 0.474% provides significant relief for those with substantial earnings.

Extreme housing costs and severe safety concerns dominate

Maricopa County's cost score of only 7.7 reflects prohibitive housing: median home values of $414,700 and gross rents of $1,587 monthly. A safety score of 8.5 and school score of 4.9 indicate serious public safety and education challenges across the metro area.

Only for high-income professionals accepting tradeoffs

Maricopa County suits affluent professionals and established families who earn substantial incomes and can afford premium housing while accepting below-average schools and safety ratings. This is a place where financial resources are essential to achieving livability.

Score breakdown

Tax88.5Cost7.7Safety8.5Health56.3Schools4.9Income88.9Risk0.1Water68Weather13.4
🏛88.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓4.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤13.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱5.1
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

Pinal County
Arizona
37.5
Gila County
Arizona
34.3
Yavapai County
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Pima County
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Graham County
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La Paz County
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Yuma County
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Santa Cruz County
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Deep Dives

Maricopa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Maricopa County

via TaxByCounty

Maricopa taxes rank among nation's lowest

Maricopa County's effective tax rate of 0.474% places it in the bottom 20% nationally, well below the 0.73% U.S. median. This exceptionally low rate benefits Arizona's largest county and most populous region.

Below-average rate for Arizona

Maricopa County's 0.474% rate sits 18% below Arizona's state average of 0.581%, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in the state. Phoenix-area residents benefit from property tax rates among Arizona's lowest.

Lower than most surrounding counties

Maricopa County (0.474%) has a lower tax rate than Apache (0.838%), Cochise (0.639%), La Paz (0.707%), and Graham (0.540%), offering excellent tax value despite being Arizona's most economically developed region. The Phoenix metro area's favorable tax rate helps attract homebuyers from higher-tax regions.

Median home costs $1,965 annually

Maricopa County's median home value of $414,700—the highest among these counties—produces approximately $1,965 in annual property taxes. The combination of high home values and a low tax rate means Phoenix-area homeowners benefit from reasonable tax burdens despite expensive properties.

Maricopa homeowners can still find savings

Even with favorable tax rates, many Maricopa County homeowners discover their properties have been overassessed during valuation audits. Filing a formal assessment protest with the county assessor is free and can identify whether your home's assessed value aligns with recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Maricopa County

via CostByCounty

Maricopa renters pay above national average

At 22.3%, Maricopa County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard by roughly three percentage points, indicating tighter affordability for renters than typical American markets. With median rent at $1,587 and household income at $85,518, Maricopa reflects Phoenix's urban popularity and rapid growth.

Second-priciest rental market in Arizona

Maricopa County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-highest in Arizona after Coconino's 24.2%, signaling moderate-to-tight rental affordability in the state's largest metro. At $1,587 median rent, Maricopa exceeds the state average by 56%, driven by Phoenix's dominance as Arizona's employment and population center.

Significantly costlier than all surrounding counties

Maricopa's $1,587 median rent dwarfs every surrounding county—Coconino at $1,406, Gila at $1,001, Cochise at $939, and Apache at $647—reflecting Phoenix's metropolitan scale and economic pull. Its median home value of $414,700 essentially matches Coconino's, making Maricopa the state's priciest urban housing market.

Renters spend 22%, owners 20% of income

Maricopa renters pay $1,587 monthly—22.3% of the $85,518 median income—while homeowners pay $1,445, or just 20.3% of income. The narrow 2-percentage-point gap shows that Maricopa's high home values mean both renters and owners face substantial housing burdens despite above-average household incomes.

Maricopa offers opportunity at a premium

If Phoenix's job markets, urban services, and networking opportunities justify higher housing costs, Maricopa County's $1,587 rent and $414,700 home values deliver access to Arizona's economic engine. Compare this against smaller, cheaper counties to decide whether metro-area benefits offset a 22% housing cost burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Maricopa County

via IncomeByCounty

Maricopa County outearns the nation by 14%

Maricopa County's median household income of $85,518 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $10,763, placing it among the top-earning counties nationwide. The Phoenix metro area captures 114% of typical American household earnings.

Highest income county in all of Arizona

Maricopa County ranks first among Arizona's 15 counties, with median income $22,855 above the state average of $62,663. The economic dominance reflects Phoenix's status as a major metropolitan hub with diverse employment sectors.

Dramatically outearns all rural Arizona counties

Maricopa County's $85,518 income dwarfs Greenlee County by $10,279, Graham by $18,192, and Apache by $45,180. The metro-rural income gap underscores Arizona's uneven economic geography.

Strong income offset by high housing costs

Maricopa County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio reflects a median home value of $414,700, among the nation's highest. Residents earning the median income allocate significant portions to housing despite above-average earnings.

Aggressively invest Phoenix metro income premium

Maricopa County residents should capitalize on higher earnings by investing 20-25% of household income into diversified portfolios, real estate, and retirement accounts. The income premium over national averages can fund substantial wealth accumulation and financial independence goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Maricopa County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Challenges in Arizona's Largest County

Maricopa County has a safety score of 95.4, with a total crime rate of 2,930.3 per 100,000. This rate is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. As a major metropolitan hub, it faces more complex safety issues than its rural neighbors.

Leading the State in Incident Volume

Maricopa's safety score of 95.4 is the lowest among the eight counties reviewed and sits below the state average of 97.4. Its crime rate of 2,930.3 is significantly higher than the Arizona average of 1,677.3. Twenty-two reporting agencies work to secure this densely populated region.

Urban Density vs. Rural Safety

Maricopa County experiences much higher crime rates than all neighboring counties, such as Gila (1,967.4). This is a common trend for large urban centers compared to rural surroundings. The sheer volume of residents and visitors contributes to these higher figures.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

The violent crime rate of 511.1 is well above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is a significant concern at 2,419.2 per 100,000 residents. Residents should be aware that these figures are driven by the county's major cities.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

Living in a high-activity area necessitates robust home security measures like alarm systems and cameras. Staying informed through local police apps can help you track trends in your specific neighborhood. Vigilance and modern security tech are the best tools for urban residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Maricopa County

via HealthByCounty

Maricopa County leads Arizona health outcomes

Maricopa County achieves a life expectancy of 77.5 years, just 0.9 years below the U.S. average of 78.4 years, demonstrating strong population health. The poor or fair health rate of 17.1% slightly exceeds the national average of 16%, yet remains favorable for a county of 4 million residents.

Best-in-state health outcomes

Maricopa County's 77.5-year life expectancy ranks highest in Arizona, exceeding the state average of 74.0 years by 3.5 years. The county's 12.5% uninsured rate beats Arizona's 14.0% state average, reflecting robust healthcare access infrastructure.

Exceptional health resources and outcomes

Maricopa County's 77.5-year life expectancy surpasses all neighboring and comparable Arizona counties, including Coconino (75.9 years) and Cochise (76.1 years). With 70 primary care and 214 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Maricopa offers comprehensive healthcare access rivaling national standards.

World-class healthcare infrastructure

Maricopa County residents benefit from 70 primary care providers and 214 mental health providers per 100,000—among the nation's highest concentrations of healthcare professionals. At 12.5% uninsured, the county ensures most residents can access this robust network of medical and behavioral health services.

Complete your coverage picture

Maricopa County's exceptional healthcare system works best when residents maintain continuous coverage; even 12.5% uninsured represents thousands of residents missing care access. Verify your plan remains active at Healthcare.gov or with your employer to maximize the county's outstanding health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Maricopa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Arizona’s Massive Metropolitan School System

Maricopa County features a staggering 1,268 public schools and 342 districts serving 746,037 students. The system is incredibly dense, with 717 elementary schools and 346 high schools forming the backbone of the state's education. It is one of the largest and most complex school landscapes in the United States.

Striving for Success in a Large System

The graduation rate is 77.1%, which trails both the state average of 81% and the national 87% mark. Per-pupil spending is $5,251, slightly below the Arizona average and roughly 60% lower than the national average. Despite these challenges, the county supports hundreds of high-performing alternative and special education schools.

Mesa Unified and a Charter Powerhouse

Mesa Unified is the largest district with 58,343 students across 78 schools. The county is a leader in school choice, with 369 charter schools representing nearly 30% of all institutions. Massive online charters like Primavera serve over 6,000 students each across the region.

Diverse Urban and Suburban Campus Life

The average school size is 623 students, but mega-campuses like Hamilton High serve 3,850 learners. Most schools are in city (808) or suburban (354) locales, offering a traditional metropolitan experience. This variety allows families to choose between small specialty charters and massive, amenity-rich high schools.

Explore Homes in Top-Tier Districts

From the suburbs of Chandler to the heart of Mesa, school quality is a primary driver of the Maricopa real estate market. Homes in districts like Paradise Valley or Mesa Unified are highly coveted for their diverse academic and athletic programs. Start your search today to find a home in one of Arizona's most vibrant education hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Maricopa County

via RiskByCounty

Maricopa County faces extreme risks

Maricopa County scores 99.87 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Very High" rating and sitting far above Arizona's state average of 84.45. The state's most populous and hazard-exposed county faces nearly maximum composite risk across multiple disaster types.

Arizona's highest-risk county by far

Maricopa County ranks as Arizona's most hazard-exposed county, with a composite score that dwarfs all peers. Its 99.87 rating reflects extreme exposure to floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes in a densely populated region.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas

Maricopa County's 99.87 score vastly exceeds La Paz County (83.52) to the west and Gila County (90.17) to the north. Its extreme rating is unmatched in the state, reflecting the convergence of urban density and multiple overlapping hazards.

Multiple severe hazards converge here

Maricopa County faces near-maximum flood risk (99.87), extreme wildfire exposure (99.62), and exceptionally high tornado (84.00) and earthquake risk (96.82). This unprecedented concentration of hazards makes it the state's most disaster-prone county.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Maricopa County residents must secure wildfire and flood insurance beyond standard homeowners policies, given both score above 99. Earthquake and tornado coverage should also be evaluated, particularly for properties in areas with older construction.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Maricopa County

via WeatherByCounty

America's Desert Metropolis Climate

Maricopa's 71.8°F annual average is among the highest in the United States. This desert powerhouse receives only 9.4 inches of rain, well below the national average.

Well Above the Arizona Average

Maricopa is significantly warmer than the state average of 63.5°F. It serves as the urban heat center of Arizona, characterized by 167 extreme heat days annually.

Hotter and Drier Than Gila

While slightly cooler than La Paz, Maricopa is far hotter and drier than its eastern neighbor Gila. It records zero snowfall, whereas Gila sees over 5 inches.

Blistering July and Snowless Winters

July is blistering with an average temperature of 91.7°F. Winters provide a mild escape, with average temperatures of 54.4°F and absolutely no recorded snow.

Manage the Urban Heat Island

High-performance air conditioning is a non-negotiable requirement for the 167 days of extreme heat. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening during the long summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Maricopa County

via SoilByCounty

The Sunny Valley's Profile

Maricopa County's soil taxonomy and pH levels are not currently specified in the primary dataset. Most local soils are alkaline, requiring sulfur or other amendments to approach the 6.5 national median pH.

Composition of the Basin

Precise sand, silt, and clay ratios are unavailable for the county at this time. Understanding this mix is crucial for managing the dense, often clay-rich soils found across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Urban and Rural Fertility

Organic matter and water capacity data remain unrecorded for Maricopa County. Desert soils typically lack the 2.0% organic matter found nationally, so regular mulching is essential for plant health.

Hydrology in the Desert

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for Maricopa County are not currently defined. These statistics are vital for managing flash flood risks and large-scale agricultural irrigation.

Thriving in Zone 9b

Maricopa County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, supporting lush citrus groves and winter vegetable gardens. With the right water management, this zone allows you to harvest fresh produce during the coldest months of the year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Maricopa County

via LawnByCounty

The Ultimate Lawn Test in Maricopa

Maricopa County holds a lawn score of 5.1, making it the most difficult place in this group for green space. In this 9b zone, the heat and dryness are nearly unparalleled compared to the rest of the United States. Growing grass here is a deliberate act of defiance against a harsh desert environment.

The 167-Day Heat Wave

With 167 days of extreme heat and only 9.4 inches of annual rain, the climate creates a perpetual moisture deficit. The staggering 8,073 growing degree days mean your grass is active almost year-round, requiring massive amounts of water and nutrients. Mowing becomes a year-round chore as the grass rarely goes fully dormant.

Conquering Compaction and Salt

Local soil data is unavailable, but Maricopa is famous for its 'caliche'—a hard, cement-like layer that blocks drainage. You must ensure your lawn has proper drainage to prevent salt buildup, which is common in low-rainfall desert basins. Deep aeration and sulfur applications are often necessary to keep the soil habitable.

Water Management in the Valley of the Sun

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in some level of drought, with 77.8% of the area currently abnormally dry. You should embrace 'desert-smart' landscaping, using berms to catch every bit of seasonal monsoon rain. Irrigation should be done at night to ensure the water actually reaches the grass roots.

Hybrid Success in Zone 9b

Hybrid Bermuda is the king of Maricopa lawns, but many residents overseed with Ryegrass in winter to maintain color. You can start your spring lawn as early as January 27th, as frosts are rare and brief. Your grass will likely continue growing until the very middle of December.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maricopa County's county score?
Maricopa County, Arizona has a composite county score of 32.6 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 Maricopa County rank among counties in Arizona?
Maricopa County ranks #14 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 Maricopa County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Maricopa County is $1,965, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Maricopa County a tax score of 88.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Maricopa County?
The median household income in Maricopa County, Arizona is $85,518 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Maricopa County earns an income score of 88.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Maricopa County, Arizona a good place to live?
Maricopa County scores 32.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Maricopa 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 Maricopa County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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