countyscore
32.9
County Score
Property Tax 87.4Cost of Living 40Weather & Climate 30

County Report Card

About Mohave County, Arizona

Mohave lags significantly behind national average

Mohave County's composite score of 32.8 falls well below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This 34% gap indicates the county faces meaningful challenges across multiple livability dimensions compared to typical U.S. counties.

Below Arizona's state average

Mohave ranks near the middle of Arizona's 15 counties with a score of 32.8, slightly below the state average of 40.1. While not the lowest-performing county in the state, Mohave's livability profile reflects regional economic and infrastructure constraints.

Exceptional tax advantages and stable housing costs

Mohave County shines in taxation, with an effective tax rate of just 0.485%—among Arizona's lowest—earning a tax score of 87.4. Housing costs are moderate at $1,047/month rent and $253,200 median home values, making it accessible for cost-conscious movers.

Schools and health services need attention

The county's school score of 7.1 and health score of 26.0 are significant weak points, indicating challenges in educational quality and healthcare access. Safety concerns also emerge, with a safety score of just 17.7, suggesting residents should research specific neighborhoods carefully.

Best for budget-minded retirees and remote workers

Mohave County suits retirees and remote workers prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over robust schools and urban amenities. The county offers a quieter lifestyle at a modest cost, but prospective residents should have strong independent income or healthcare resources given local service limitations.

Score breakdown

Tax87.4Cost40Safety17.7Health26Schools7.1Income27.2Risk5.2Water26.2Weather30
🏛87.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓7.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱5.3
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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40.7
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Deep Dives

Mohave County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mohave County

via TaxByCounty

Mohave's tax rate ranks low nationally

At 0.485%, Mohave County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.620%, putting it in roughly the bottom quartile of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,229 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690—despite homes valued at $253,200, close to the national median home value.

Lowest tax rate in Arizona

Mohave County has the lowest effective tax rate among all Arizona counties at 0.485%, significantly below the state average of 0.581%. This means homeowners here pay considerably less in property taxes than most other Arizonans, with a median annual tax of $1,229 versus the state median of $1,349.

Mohave undercuts northern neighbors

Compared to neighboring Navajo County (0.605% effective rate), Mohave homeowners save roughly $100 per $250,000 in home value annually. Yavapai County to the south also taxes slightly higher at 0.441% effective rate, though Yavapai homes are substantially more expensive at $392,900.

What Mohave homeowners actually pay

On a median home valued at $253,200, expect to pay roughly $1,229 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes typically increase to $1,347; without one, they drop to $1,068.

You might be overassessed

Many Arizona property owners discover their homes are reassessed above true market value. If your property taxes seem high relative to your home's actual worth, filing an appeal with Mohave County's assessor's office costs nothing and could reduce your bill substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mohave County

via CostByCounty

Mohave renters stretch paychecks further

Mohave County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% exceeds the national median, meaning renters here dedicate more of their earnings to housing than the typical American household. Still, the median income of $55,799 falls $19,000 short of the national average of $74,755, compounding the affordability squeeze.

Above-average rents in Arizona context

Mohave County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Arizona's state average of 19.4%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. The median gross rent of $1,047 per month also exceeds Arizona's state average of $1,016, despite lower household incomes.

Costlier than rural neighbors

Mohave County's $1,047 monthly rent sits between Navajo County's bargain $832 and Yavapai County's pricier $1,258. Though home values average $253,200—lower than Pinal or Yavapai counties—Mohave renters pay a steeper percentage of income for housing than most Arizona neighbors.

Housing costs eat 22.5% of income

Renters in Mohave spend $1,047 monthly while mortgage-holders pay $792, yet both groups feel the pinch of a $55,799 median household income. Combined, housing consumes a significant share of household budgets, leaving less room for savings and other essentials.

Consider Mohave if you value affordability

Mohave County offers a lower cost of entry than Yavapai or Pinal counties, with a median home value of $253,200. If you're relocating from a high-cost state but earning Arizona wages, compare Mohave's 22.5% rent burden against your current housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mohave County

via IncomeByCounty

Mohave's income lags national standard

Mohave County's median household income of $55,799 falls 25% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower tier nationally. This gap reflects broader economic patterns in rural Arizona, where employment opportunities and wage scales differ significantly from urban centers.

Below Arizona's typical household earnings

At $55,799, Mohave ranks below Arizona's state average of $62,663—a difference of about $6,900 per year. The county trails most Arizona peers, underperforming even other rural communities in the state.

Mohave outearns Navajo and Santa Cruz

Mohave's median income exceeds Navajo County ($52,752) and Santa Cruz County ($53,614) but lags Yuma County ($60,417). Among Arizona's smaller counties, Mohave occupies the middle ground, earning more than its northeastern and southern neighbors.

Rent remains manageable at 22.5%

With a rent-to-income ratio of 22.5%, Mohave households devote a reasonable share of earnings to housing—well within the recommended 30% threshold. However, the median home value of $253,200 still requires significant savings for downpayments, challenging first-time buyers.

Build financial stability in Mohave

Mohave residents earning $55,799 annually can accelerate wealth-building by maximizing tax-advantaged retirement accounts and exploring local first-time homebuyer programs. Starting an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses creates a foundation for investing in property or education.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mohave County

via CrimeByCounty

Mohave County Safety Profile vs National Trends

Mohave's total crime rate of 2,194.9 per 100K sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.5 out of 100.

Comparing Mohave to Arizona Averages

With a safety score slightly below the state average of 97.4, Mohave faces higher crime rates than many Arizona peers. The county reports 2,194.9 incidents per 100K, while the state average is 1,677.3.

Regional Safety Comparison with Nearby Counties

Mohave's crime rate is considerably higher than neighboring Yavapai County's 1,224.4 per 100K. However, it remains safer than more urban hubs like Pima County.

Property vs Violent Crime in Mohave

Property crimes dominate the local landscape at 1,892.4 per 100K, while violent crime stays lower at 302.5. Residents are six times more likely to experience a property-related incident than a violent one.

Secure Your Mohave County Home

Local authorities from six reporting agencies emphasize the importance of securing personal property. Simple upgrades like motion-activated lighting can deter property crimes which make up the bulk of local reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mohave County

via HealthByCounty

Mohave lags behind national health benchmarks

At 72.8 years, Mohave County's life expectancy falls 5.9 years short of the U.S. average of 78.7 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 18%, signaling deeper health challenges across the county.

Among Arizona's lower-performing counties

Mohave ranks below Arizona's state average life expectancy of 74.0 years, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 15 counties. The county's 21.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, reflecting sustained health disparities.

Neighboring Yavapai County shows better outcomes

Yavapai County residents live 3.6 years longer on average and report better overall health (16.6% poor/fair vs. 21.2%). Both counties have similar primary care access, but Mohave residents face notably higher rates of preventable health conditions.

Healthcare access gaps persist in Mohave

With 14.1% of residents uninsured and just 53 primary care providers per 100,000 people, Mohave struggles with both coverage and access. Mental health support is available through 81 providers per 100,000, yet many residents delay or skip preventive care due to cost.

Check your health insurance options today

One in seven Mohave residents lacks coverage—a rate that costs families and the community in delayed diagnoses and emergency care. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local enrollment counselor to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, or employer coverage that fits your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mohave County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Education Network Across Mohave County

Mohave County supports 24,019 students across a network of 71 public schools and 24 districts. The infrastructure includes 37 elementary and 25 high schools, providing coverage from urban centers to remote areas.

Evaluating Performance and Spending in Mohave

The county's 80.4% graduation rate sits just below the Arizona state average of 81% and significantly lags the 87% national benchmark. With per-pupil spending at $5,348, the county invests less than the $5,607 state average and less than half the national average of $13,000.

Leading Districts and Charter School Options

Kingman Unified School District leads the region with 7,178 students enrolled across 14 separate schools. Charter schools play a significant role in the local landscape, representing 21.1% of all public institutions in the county.

From Growing Towns to Quiet Rural Classrooms

Schools range from the massive Lake Havasu High with 1,813 students to small rural outposts, creating an average school size of 375. While 35 schools serve established towns, 22 rural schools ensure access for the county's most isolated residents.

Find Your Home Near Mohave Schools

Families researching the area should consider how proximity to Lake Havasu or Kingman districts impacts educational access. Evaluating school quality is a critical step for anyone looking to purchase a home in this diverse desert region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mohave County

via RiskByCounty

Mohave's risk exceeds U.S. average

Mohave County scores 94.75 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively high category and above the national baseline. This elevated score reflects exposure to multiple hazards, particularly wildfire and earthquake threats that dominate the county's profile.

Third-riskiest county in Arizona

At 94.75, Mohave ranks third among Arizona's 15 counties for overall disaster risk, trailing only Pima (99.11) and Pinal (93.83). The county's 94.75 score significantly exceeds Arizona's 84.45 state average by 10.3 points.

Higher risk than northern peers

Mohave's 94.75 score surpasses neighboring Navajo County (88.07) and statewide peers Santa Cruz (88.33) and Yavapai (93.73). Only Pima and Pinal counties carry comparable overall risk levels in Arizona.

Wildfire and earthquake dominate

Wildfire risk reaches 98.82 in Mohave—nearly the highest in the state—with earthquake risk at a substantial 87.05. Flood risk also poses significant concern at 97.07, while tornado risk remains minimal at 3.34.

Ensure wildfire and quake coverage

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude earthquake and may not cover wildfire damage; Mohave residents should verify coverage for both hazards. Consider a separate earthquake policy and review wildfire protections given the county's 98.82 wildfire score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mohave County

via WeatherByCounty

A Desert Climate Hotter Than the National Average

Mohave County maintains an average annual temperature of 65.9°F, placing it significantly higher than the national median of approximately 54°F. This arid environment receives only 8.2 inches of annual precipitation, making it one of the drier regions in the United States.

Staying Warmer Than Most of Arizona

With an annual average of 65.9°F, Mohave County ranks warmer than the state average of 63.5°F. While high-altitude counties provide a cooling effect elsewhere, this region remains a stronghold for Arizona's signature desert heat.

Cooler Than Yuma But Drier Than Yavapai

While Mohave's 65.9°F average is intense, it remains cooler than Yuma County to the south, which averages 74.1°F. However, it sees much less moisture than neighboring Yavapai County, which enjoys nearly double the rainfall at 15.4 inches.

Long Summers and Rare Winter Dustings

The county experiences 134 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F, peaking with a July average of 88.1°F. Winters stay mild with a December through February average of 47.2°F and a modest 4.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration Systems

Residents must maintain high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the four months of extreme heat. Since the area only sees 8.2 inches of rain, xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscaping are essential for any home planning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mohave County

via SoilByCounty

A Rugged and Diverse Soil Identity

Mohave County's soil landscape remains a rugged mystery due to limited taxonomic data. Without specific pH readings, gardeners should test local patches to see how they deviate from the 6.5 national median. The diverse desert terrain likely features alkaline profiles common to the Mojave Desert region.

Mysterious Textures in the Desert

Detailed sand and clay percentages are not currently mapped for this vast county. This lack of data makes site-specific testing essential to determine if your patch offers high drainage or heavy clay retention. Understanding the local mix is the first step toward improving workability.

Building Fertility in Arid Ground

The county lacks official organic matter and water capacity benchmarks at this time. Most desert soils fall below the 2.0% national average for organic matter, suggesting a need for compost and mulching. High-quality amendments can bridge the gap in this water-scarce environment.

Navigating Drainage and Runoff

With dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups undocumented, builders and farmers must rely on physical site assessments. Proper drainage is critical in the arid West to prevent salt buildup during irrigation. Local surveys remain the gold standard for your construction and planting plans.

Sun-Drenched Growing in Zone 9b

Mohave County sits in Hardiness Zone 9b, supporting long growing seasons for heat-tolerant crops. Citrus and peppers thrive here when provided with consistent moisture and shade. Start your desert oasis today by selecting plants adapted to this intense solar environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mohave County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Mohave's Steep Lawn Challenges

With a lawn difficulty score of just 5.3, maintaining turf here is significantly harder than the national median of 50.0. This USDA Hardiness Zone 9b environment presents one of the most demanding landscapes for traditional grass in the state.

Searing Heat and Sparse Rain

Mohave County endures 134 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 113 days. Residents must manage lawns with only 8.2 inches of annual precipitation, requiring heavy irrigation to supplement the 30-50 inches grasses typically prefer.

Preparing Desert Ground for Growth

While specific soil data for Mohave is currently unavailable, local desert terrain often requires substantial organic amendments to improve water retention. Testing your soil for pH balance is a critical first step before investing in sod or seed.

Managing a Year of Constant Drought

The county spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions, with nearly 59% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Deep, infrequent watering during early morning hours helps minimize evaporation while promoting deeper root growth.

Warm-Season Success in the High Desert

Tough, heat-tolerant species like Bermuda grass are the best fit for this climate's intense 6,444 growing degree days. Plan your planting after the last spring frost on March 7 to ensure roots establish before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mohave County's county score?
Mohave County, Arizona has a composite county score of 32.9 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 Mohave County rank among counties in Arizona?
Mohave County ranks #13 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 Mohave County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Mohave County is $1,229, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Mohave County a tax score of 87.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mohave County?
The median household income in Mohave County, Arizona is $55,799 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mohave County earns an income score of 27.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mohave County, Arizona a good place to live?
Mohave County scores 32.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Mohave 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 Mohave County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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