countyscore
39.9
County Score
Cost of Living 74.6Property Tax 73.7Weather & Climate 47.3

County Report Card

About Navajo County, Arizona

Navajo's score trails the national median

Navajo County's composite score of 39.9 remains 20% below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county performs better than several peers in Arizona but still faces systemic livability gaps compared to U.S. averages.

Right at Arizona's median ranking

Navajo County scores 39.9, virtually tied with Arizona's state average of 40.1, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's 15 counties. This positioning reflects a mixed livability profile—strengths in affordability offset by health and education challenges.

Highly affordable housing and reasonable taxes

Navajo County excels in housing affordability with the lowest median rent among the seven counties at $832/month and a median home value of $186,100. Its cost score of 74.6 is Arizona's best, combined with a solid tax score of 73.7 reflecting a 0.605% effective tax rate.

Healthcare and income growth lag considerably

The county struggles most with health services, recording a health score of just 9.0—the lowest among these seven counties. Income levels are also constrained, with a median household income of $52,752 and income score of 20.2, suggesting limited wage growth opportunities.

Ideal for cost-conscious families seeking small-town life

Navajo County appeals to families prioritizing maximum affordability and tight-knit community over extensive services and healthcare infrastructure. Remote workers and those with alternative income sources will find exceptional value, but families should plan for limited healthcare access and educational options.

2040608010073.774.639.297.520.211.924.747.3Tax73.7Cost74.6Safety39.2Health9Schools7.5Income20.2Risk11.9Water24.7Weather47.339.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Navajo County DNA

Foverall

How Navajo County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Navajo County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (74.6/100) but notably weak in Schools (7.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
73.7+21.700000000000003
Cost
74.6+26.599999999999994
Safety
39.2-15.799999999999997
Health
9-41
Schools
7.5-46.5
Income
20.2-30.8
Risk
11.9-35.1
Water
24.7-33.3
Weather
47.3-8.700000000000003
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Many homeowners in Navajo County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$186,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$832/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,752/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.7

per 100K

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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Counties with similar scores

Cochise County
Arizona
Median income: $58,970
39.9
Santa Cruz County
Arizona
Median income: $53,614
39.9
Del Norte County
California
Median income: $66,780
39.9
Delaware County
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Median income: $56,932
39.9
Leavenworth County
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Median income: $86,906
39.9
Rensselaer County
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Median income: $86,663
39.9
Fairfield County
Ohio
Median income: $87,069
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Kenosha County
Wisconsin
Median income: $79,412
39.9

Nearby counties

Apache County
Arizona
51.9
Gila County
Arizona
34.3
McKinley County
New Mexico
29.2
Catron County
New Mexico
64
Cibola County
New Mexico
52.9
Yavapai County
Arizona
40.7
Coconino County
Arizona
35.2
Graham County
Arizona
47.6

Deep Dives

Navajo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Navajo County

via TaxByCounty

Navajo taxes stay below national average

Navajo County's 0.605% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.620%, placing it in the middle range of U.S. counties. At $1,126 annually on a median home value of $186,100, Navajo homeowners pay less than half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Navajo ranks in Arizona's middle

With a 0.605% effective rate, Navajo County slightly exceeds Arizona's 0.581% state average, ranking in the middle tier of the state's counties. The median property tax of $1,126 falls below the state median of $1,349, reflecting Navajo's lower home values relative to other Arizona counties.

Navajo taxes higher than Mohave

Navajo County's 0.605% rate edges out neighboring Mohave County (0.485%) by about 0.12%, meaning homeowners here pay roughly $100 more annually per $250,000 in home value. Santa Cruz County to the south charges 0.642%, slightly more than Navajo.

What Navajo homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $186,100, Navajo residents pay approximately $1,126 in annual property taxes. Adding a mortgage increases taxes to $1,251; without a mortgage, they drop to $977.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Navajo County property owners never challenge their assessments and may be paying more than warranted. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and straightforward—even a small reduction in assessed value can save hundreds over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Navajo County

via CostByCounty

Navajo County offers rare affordability

Navajo County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average, making it one of Arizona's most affordable places to rent relative to income. At $832 monthly rent and a $52,752 median household income, renters here spend less on housing than their national counterparts.

Below-average rents statewide

Navajo County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Arizona's 19.4% state average, and its $832 median rent undercuts the state's $1,016 baseline. This rural county delivers genuine housing relief for Arizona residents prioritizing affordability.

Navajo stands out for low rents

At $832 monthly, Navajo County's median rent is the lowest among the seven-county comparison—$215 cheaper than Mohave and $426 less than Yavapai. Even accounting for lower median incomes, Navajo County's rent-to-income ratio remains among the state's most balanced.

Renters and owners both find relief

Navajo County renters pay $832 monthly while homeowners spend $505, both well below state averages for housing costs. The $52,752 median household income means renters dedicate just 18.9% of earnings to housing, leaving more for other needs.

Navajo County: remote work's best-kept secret

If you work remotely or are relocating with portable income, Navajo County's $832 median rent is Arizona's bargain baseline. Compare this affordable foundation to job opportunities in your field before committing to a rural transition.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Navajo County

via IncomeByCounty

Navajo income trails U.S. average significantly

Navajo County's median household income of $52,752 is 29% below the national median of $74,755, among the lowest in the country. The county faces structural economic challenges tied to limited job diversity and geographic isolation.

Navajo ranks near bottom in Arizona

At $52,752, Navajo County sits well below Arizona's state average of $62,663, lagging by nearly $10,000 annually. The county faces tougher economic headwinds than most Arizona neighbors.

Navajo is county's lowest income peer

Navajo's $52,752 median is the lowest among our Arizona comparison group, below even Santa Cruz ($53,614) and Mohave ($55,799). The per capita income of just $24,347 reflects limited individual earnings across the workforce.

Low rent burden masks affordability gap

Navajo's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% is the healthiest in our group, yet the median home value of $186,100 remains challenging for a population earning $52,752. The apparent affordability masks deeper issues: low incomes make saving for homeownership difficult despite lower property costs.

Navajo residents must prioritize savings discipline

With a median income of $52,752, Navajo households benefit from the county's low housing costs by redirecting savings into retirement and emergency funds. Consider leveraging local nonprofits offering financial literacy and exploring income-boosting opportunities through skills training.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Navajo County

via CrimeByCounty

Navajo County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Navajo County's crime rate of 1,383.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an impressive safety score of 97.8.

Safety Ranking Within the State

Navajo is safer than the average Arizona county, beating the state safety score of 97.4. Its total crime rate sits nearly 300 points below the state average of 1,677.3.

Navajo County vs Northern Arizona Neighbors

It is much safer than neighboring Mohave County, which sees nearly 800 more crimes per 100K residents. Navajo provides a more secure environment than many of its regional peers.

Breaking Down Navajo's Crime Data

The county reports 1,079.3 property crimes and 304.4 violent crimes per 100K. Property crime here is nearly half the national average of 2,015.7.

Proactive Security Tips for Residents

Six reporting agencies monitor Navajo County to maintain these low numbers. Simple precautions like locking doors and windows help sustain the area's high safety rating.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Navajo County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Landscape of Navajo County

Navajo County manages 72 public schools serving a total of 17,339 students across 16 different districts. High schools make up the largest portion of the infrastructure, with 33 campuses distributed throughout the county.

Graduation Rates and Investment in Students

The county's 71.2% graduation rate remains significantly below the state average of 81% and the national target of 87%. However, per-pupil expenditure reaches $5,955, which actually exceeds the Arizona state average of $5,607.

Spotlight on Snowflake and Show Low Districts

The Snowflake Unified District serves 2,948 students, making it the largest traditional provider in the county. Charter schools are less common here than elsewhere in Arizona, representing only about 7% of total schools.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

Navajo County education feels intimate, with an average school size of just 294 students. Over half of all schools operate in rural settings, though Snowflake High remains a local hub with 943 students.

Investing in Homes and Local Education

Prospective homeowners often find that Navajo County offers a close-knit school environment in its rural and town centers. Exploring home options near top-performing districts like Snowflake or Show Low can provide long-term benefits for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Navajo County

via RiskByCounty

Navajo's risk moderately above average

Navajo County scores 88.07 on composite risk, landing in the relatively moderate category but still exceeding national averages. The rating reflects substantial wildfire exposure combined with meaningful flood and earthquake hazards.

Mid-range risk among Arizona counties

Navajo ranks fifth among Arizona's 15 counties with a score of 88.07, moderately above the state average of 84.45. The county sits squarely in Arizona's middle tier, facing meaningful but not extreme overall disaster exposure.

Similar risk to Santa Cruz County

Navajo's 88.07 score closely parallels Santa Cruz County (88.33) and falls below higher-risk neighbors Mohave (94.75) and Yavapai (93.73). The county experiences notably less extreme risk than Arizona's top three counties.

Wildfire and flood top the list

Wildfire risk reaches 98.79, making it Navajo's dominant hazard and among the state's highest. Flood risk at 89.50 and earthquake risk at 81.23 round out the county's significant exposure, while tornadoes (8.05) pose minimal threat.

Prioritize wildfire and flood coverage

Wildfire and flood damage are commonly excluded from standard policies; Navajo residents should obtain separate wildfire and flood insurance. Review your existing homeowners coverage to confirm these critical protections are in place.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Navajo County

via WaterByCounty

Violations Persist for Navajo County Systems

Navajo County receives an F grade for drinking water quality after recording 88 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 91.8 per 100,000 residents is better than the state average of 140.2 but far exceeds national targets. These figures highlight persistent infrastructure and compliance hurdles for local providers.

Mercury Impacts Local Fish Populations

Only 4.2% of assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired, which is less than half the statewide rate of 10.0%. According to the 2022 ATTAINS cycle, mercury in fish tissue remains the leading cause of these impairments. Regulators monitor 24 water bodies to track these specific toxicological trends.

Broad Scope for Quality Data Collection

Monitoring teams maintain 268 sites, generating 62,441 individual measurements in the last five years. Data in the Water Quality Portal focuses primarily on organic compounds and pesticides. This density of sites ensures that most significant watersheds receive regular scientific oversight.

Critical Low Flows on Little Colorado

The Little Colorado River near Winslow currently flows at a minimal 3 cubic feet per second. This discharge represents just 2% of the long-term mean of 192 cfs. This extreme deficit signals severe drought conditions affecting the primary drainage area for the county.

Navigating Water Safety and Scarcity

Residents should check for mercury advisories before consuming fish caught in local water bodies. Given the drinking water violations, households may benefit from high-quality filtration systems that target known contaminants. The critically low streamflow suggests that conservation is vital for protecting the remaining surface water resources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Navajo County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool High-Altitude Oasis

Navajo County averages 52.9°F annually, sitting just below the national median temperature. This climate is notably wetter than the national arid average, receiving 14.3 inches of precipitation each year.

One of Arizona's Coolest Counties

Navajo County stands as a major outlier in Arizona, with its 52.9°F average temperature falling more than 10 degrees below the state average of 63.5°F. It provides a stark contrast to the scorching desert floors found in the southern parts of the state.

Wetter and Wilder Than Desert Neighbors

While Pinal County to the south bakes at a 70.1°F average, Navajo County stays much cooler and sees 30.1 inches of snow. It serves as a regional moisture hub, receiving more precipitation than Mohave's scant 8.2 inches.

Snowy Winters Meet Mild Summers

Navajo County sees only 38 days of extreme heat per year, with July temperatures averaging a comfortable 73.6°F. Winters are the main event, bringing an impressive 30.1 inches of snowfall and an average January temperature of 33.7°F.

Prepare for Snow and Freezing Nights

Homeowners should invest in reliable heating systems and snow removal equipment to handle the heavy winter precipitation. Four-wheel drive vehicles and winter-grade tires are practical necessities for navigating the 30.1 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Navajo County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert Origins

Navajo County features a high-desert landscape where formal soil taxonomy data is currently limited. While we lack a specific pH average, regional soils often differ from the 6.5 national median due to volcanic and sedimentary origins. Local testing is the best way to uncover the chemical secrets of your plot.

Varied Textures Across the Plateau

Data on the specific balance of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this region. The diverse elevation suggests a variety of textures from sandy plains to heavier mountain soils. Knowing your local texture helps you manage water use and soil workability effectively.

Feeding the High Country

Organic matter and available water capacity figures are not currently recorded in the central database. Most high-desert soils benefit from supplemental nutrients to reach the productivity of the 2.0% national organic matter average. Adding organic amendments helps retain every drop of precious monsoon rain.

Managing Water in a Dry Land

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unmapped for much of the county's terrain. Understanding how your land handles runoff is essential for both structural stability and garden health. Observational testing after a storm can reveal how quickly your soil absorbs or sheds water.

Four Seasons in Zone 7a

Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, Navajo County supports a wide range of hardy vegetables and fruit trees. Apples and cold-hardy greens perform well in this climate's distinct seasons. With a little soil preparation, your high-country garden can become a productive retreat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Navajo County

via LawnByCounty

A More Manageable High-Country Lawn

Navajo County’s lawn difficulty score of 33.1 makes it one of the easier places in Arizona to grow grass, though it still trails the national average of 50.0. This Zone 7a region offers a much cooler environment than the low-desert counties to the south.

Cooler Summers and Moderate Moisture

The county sees only 38 extreme heat days per year, which is far lower than the state average of 113. With 14.3 inches of annual rain, you still face a moisture deficit, but the 3,047 growing degree days indicate a much slower, more manageable growth pace.

Navigating High-Altitude Soil Needs

Localized soil data is limited for Navajo County, so testing your specific plot is essential for success. Most regional soils benefit from added compost to improve the structure and help retain the limited 14.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

Navajo County has experienced drought for 53 consecutive weeks, and 81% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Mulching around lawn edges and maintaining a taller mow height can help the soil surface stay cool and retain precious moisture.

Timing Your Navajo County Planting

Hardy grasses like Buffalo grass or fine fescue thrive in this Zone 7a climate. Aim to seed or sod after the final spring frost on May 7, but well before the first fall frost arrives on October 15.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navajo County's county score?
Navajo County, Arizona has a composite county score of 39.9 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 Navajo County rank among counties in Arizona?
Navajo County ranks #6 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 Navajo County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Navajo County is $1,126, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Navajo County a tax score of 73.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Navajo County?
The median household income in Navajo County, Arizona is $52,752 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Navajo County earns an income score of 20.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Navajo County, Arizona a good place to live?
Navajo County scores 39.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Navajo 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 Navajo 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.