countyscore
26.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 61.6Property Tax 54.6Water Quality 53.4

County Report Card

About Pima County, Arizona

Pima scores well below national livability median

Pima County's composite score of 26.9 ranks it in the lowest 25% nationally, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0. This reflects a complex profile: strong income and health metrics offset by severe housing affordability and safety challenges.

Lowest-ranked county in Arizona

With a score of 26.9, Pima County ranks last among Arizona's 15 counties, falling 34% below the state average of 40.1. Despite being Arizona's second-largest county, its livability score reflects concentrated economic and safety pressures in the Tucson metro area.

Higher incomes and solid healthcare access

Pima County boasts the highest median household income of $67,929 among the seven counties and an income score of 61.6. Its health score of 49.4 is also strong, indicating better access to medical services and health outcomes than rural Arizona counterparts.

Severe affordability and safety concerns

Housing costs are prohibitive, with a median home value of $286,900 and rent at $1,154/month, yielding a cost score of just 19.9. Safety is equally alarming with a score of 8.5, indicating significant public safety challenges that deserve serious consideration.

Best for higher-income professionals and students

Pima County suits affluent professionals and families who can absorb high housing costs and have built-in safety awareness, plus college-bound students (it's home to University of Arizona). The county's urban amenities and economic opportunities work for those with substantial income, but affordability remains a barrier for middle-income households.

2040608010054.619.98.549.41.761.60.953.423.1Tax54.6Cost19.9Safety8.5Health49.4Schools1.7Income61.6Risk0.9Water53.4Weather23.126.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Pima County DNA

Foverall

How Pima County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pima County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (1.7/100), though Income (61.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.6
Cost
19.9-28.1
Safety
8.5-46.5
Health
49.4
Schools
1.7-52.3
Income
61.6+10.600000000000001
Risk
0.9-46.1
Water
53.4
Weather
23.1-32.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$286,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,154/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$286,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,929/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.7

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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Nearby counties

Santa Cruz County
Arizona
39.9
Pinal County
Arizona
37.5
Maricopa County
Arizona
32.6
Cochise County
Arizona
39.9
Graham County
Arizona
47.6
Gila County
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34.3
Greenlee County
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70.1
Yuma County
Arizona
34.8

Deep Dives

Pima County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pima County

via TaxByCounty

Pima has Arizona's highest tax rate

At 0.783%, Pima County's effective tax rate ranks among the highest in the nation, exceeding the national median of 0.620% by 26%. The median annual property tax of $2,248 approaches the national median of $2,690, even though Pima homes average $286,900—nearly identical to the national median home value.

Pima County tops Arizona on taxes

Pima County carries Arizona's highest effective property tax rate at 0.783%—35% above the state average of 0.581%. The median tax bill of $2,248 far exceeds the state median of $1,349, making Pima the most expensive county in Arizona for property taxation.

Pima taxes heavily compared to neighbors

Pima's 0.783% rate substantially outpaces Santa Cruz County (0.642%) to the south and Pinal County (0.517%) to the east. A homeowner with a $300,000 home pays roughly $400-700 more annually in Pima than in neighboring counties.

What Pima homeowners pay annually

On a median home valued at $286,900, Pima residents pay approximately $2,248 in annual property taxes—the highest among Arizona's major counties. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $2,293; without one, they drop to $2,162.

Appeal may save you hundreds

Given Pima's high tax rate, even a modest reduction in assessed value can yield substantial annual savings. Many property owners never appeal; filing a formal challenge with the assessor costs nothing and is worth pursuing if you believe your assessment exceeds market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pima County

via CostByCounty

Tucson-area housing remains accessible

Pima County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national median, though its $67,929 household income approaches the national average of $74,755. Renters here pay $1,154 monthly—higher than many Arizona counties—but earn enough to stay within reasonable affordability thresholds.

Pima ranks mid-affordability in Arizona

Pima County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Arizona's 19.4% state average, placing it in the moderate-affordability tier. The $1,154 median rent outpaces the state average of $1,016, reflecting Pima's larger urban market around Tucson.

More expensive than Santa Cruz, cheaper than Yavapai

Pima's $1,154 monthly rent falls between Santa Cruz County's $781 and Yavapai County's $1,258, reflecting its position as Arizona's second-largest metro. Despite higher rents, Pima's $67,929 median income supports the housing costs better than rural neighbors.

Homeownership costs rival renting

In Pima County, renters pay $1,154 monthly while homeowners face $1,122 in monthly costs—almost identical burdens reflecting an expensive housing market. The $67,929 median income means housing claims over 20% of earnings regardless of tenure.

Pima offers urban amenities and balance

Pima County delivers Arizona's second-largest job market with moderate housing costs relative to income, making it ideal for professionals seeking urban services without extreme affordability strain. Compare Pima's $286,900 median home value and $67,929 median income to your current city's cost structure.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pima County

via IncomeByCounty

Pima exceeds national income benchmark

Pima County's median household income of $67,929 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 9%, positioning it firmly in the upper-middle tier nationally. As Arizona's second-largest county, Pima's economy benefits from Tucson's diverse employment base.

Pima leads most Arizona counties

At $67,929, Pima County exceeds Arizona's state average of $62,663 by $5,266 annually. The county ranks among Arizona's stronger performers, driven by the University of Arizona, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.

Pima trails only Pinal among peers

Pima's $67,929 income ranks second in our Arizona group, behind Pinal County ($77,588) but ahead of Yavapai ($66,106). The county's urban core supports stronger household earnings than rural counterparts.

Housing remains achievable at 20.4% ratio

Pima's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% reflects strong affordability, with median home values of $286,900 attainable for households earning $67,929. The county offers one of the state's better balances between income and housing costs.

Pima households can accelerate wealth-building

Pima residents earning $67,929 are well-positioned to invest beyond basic savings, building retirement accounts and exploring real estate investment. Leveraging the county's strong job market and educational institutions can unlock income growth through credentials and career advancement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pima County

via CrimeByCounty

Understanding Higher Crime Trends in Pima County

Pima County reports 2,921.7 crimes per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 95.4 reflects these higher incident rates.

Pima County's Safety Within Arizona

Pima is one of the more active regions in Arizona, surpassing the state average crime rate of 1,677.3. The safety score of 95.4 trails the state average of 97.4.

Pima vs Neighboring Pinal County

Compared to neighbor Pinal County's 1,322.5 crimes per 100K, Pima sees more than double the reported activity. It is the busiest region among its immediate Arizona neighbors.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime

Property crime is the primary concern here, reaching 2,562.3 per 100K compared to a violent crime rate of 359.4. This high property crime rate drives the overall safety score downward.

Vigilance and Home Security in Pima

With property crime being the most frequent issue, home security systems provide essential peace of mind. Nine local agencies work to manage these reports and encourage community vigilance.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pima County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban Education Infrastructure

Pima County operates a robust system of 371 public schools serving over 142,000 students. This expansive network is managed by 74 different districts, making it one of the largest educational hubs in the Southwest.

Performance Challenges in a Large System

Pima's graduation rate of 71.8% trails both the state average of 81% and the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending stands at $5,007, trailing the state average and falling well short of the $13,000 national median.

Tucson Unified and the Charter Surge

Tucson Unified District dominates the landscape with 41,511 students enrolled in 90 different schools. Charter schools are highly prevalent here, making up 23.5% of all schools and providing diverse options for local families.

Bustling City Schools and Suburban Hubs

Most students attend one of the 215 schools located in city centers, where campuses like Tucson Magnet High serve over 3,100 students. The average school size is 440, though the county maintains a mix of large suburban high schools and smaller urban charters.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Schools

With 74 districts to choose from, Pima County offers vastly different educational experiences from Vail to Tucson. Smart homebuyers prioritize school district boundaries as a key factor in their real estate search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pima County

via RiskByCounty

Pima leads Arizona's risk profile

Pima County scores 99.11 on composite risk, the highest in Arizona and well above any national baseline. This score reflects exposure across virtually all hazard types, making Pima the state's most comprehensive disaster-risk county.

Arizona's highest-risk county overall

Pima's 99.11 score ranks it first among Arizona's 15 counties and exceeds the state average of 84.45 by 14.7 points. The county faces elevated exposure to nearly every major disaster type tracked.

Significantly higher than state peers

Pima's 99.11 far exceeds neighboring Santa Cruz County (88.33) and surpasses all other Arizona counties including Pinal (93.83) and Mohave (94.75). Pima stands alone as the state's most at-risk county.

Wildfire, flood, and earthquake threats

Wildfire risk peaks at 99.65, flood risk at 99.52, and earthquake risk at 91.73—all among the state's highest. Pima also faces rare Arizona exposure: hurricane risk at 18.69 and tornado risk at 37.50 add multi-hazard complexity.

Comprehensive insurance is essential

Pima residents face multi-hazard exposure requiring layered protection: separate wildfire and flood policies, plus earthquake coverage, are critical. Review all exclusions in your homeowners policy and consider a comprehensive risk assessment given the county's 99.11 composite score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Pima County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Performance in Pima

Pima County earns a C grade with a violation rate of only 12.0 per 100,000 residents. This rate is dramatically lower than the Arizona state average of 140.2. While 128 health violations occurred over five years, the county remains a regional leader in drinking water safety.

Metals Challenge Pima County Watersheds

Approximately 13.3% of the 45 assessed water bodies in Pima County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. The 2022 cycle identifies copper, pH levels, and cadmium as the primary stressors for these systems. This impairment rate sits slightly above the Arizona state average of 10.0%.

Extensive Monitoring and PFAS Tracking

Pima County hosts a massive monitoring network of 632 sites with 105,488 records over five years. The data shows an active focus on tracking PFAS and organic pesticides. This intensive sampling provides early warnings for emerging contaminants in the local aquifer.

Santa Cruz River Nears Normal Flow

The Santa Cruz River at Trico Road currently shows a discharge of 35 cubic feet per second. This represents 82% of its long-term mean of 42 cfs. While slightly below average, the river maintains a more consistent flow compared to neighboring desert basins.

Staying Proactive on Emerging Contaminants

Because monitoring frequently detects PFAS, residents should stay informed about utility-led treatment efforts. If your home is near impaired watersheds, be aware that copper and cadmium can affect local ecosystem health. Regular testing of private wells remains recommended to ensure safety from these heavy metals.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pima County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Heat in the Sonoran Desert

Pima County’s annual average temperature of 68.1°F far exceeds the national median, reflecting its position in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Despite the heat, it receives 13.4 inches of rain, which is relatively high for an arid American region.

Consistently Above the State Average

At 68.1°F, Pima County is significantly warmer than the Arizona average of 63.5°F. It remains one of the state's warmer urban hubs, driven by high summer peaks and mild winters.

Moderated by Elevation Compared to Pinal

Pima County is slightly cooler than neighboring Pinal County, which averages 70.1°F annually. However, it receives more rainfall than Yuma County, which sees only a third of Pima's 13.4-inch precipitation total.

Searing Summers and Gentle Winters

Extreme heat defines the local weather, with 139 days per year hitting at least 90°F. July averages a high of 85.4°F, while winters remain exceptionally mild with less than an inch of snow annually.

Manage Intense Sun and Monsoon Rains

Robust air conditioning and sun protection are vital for the 139 days of extreme heat. Residents should also prepare for flash flooding during the summer monsoon season, which contributes significantly to the 13.4 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pima County

via SoilByCounty

The Heart of the Sonoran Desert

Pima County represents the heart of the Sonoran Desert, though official soil taxonomy remains partially unmapped. Without a confirmed pH average, residents should anticipate alkaline conditions that contrast with the 6.5 national median. Knowing your soil's specific identity allows for smarter plant selection and treatment.

Decoding Desert Ground

While specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available, the local texture defines the desert experience. These components dictate whether your ground is a hard-packed caliche or a fast-draining wash. Site-specific analysis is required to determine the best approach for soil workability.

Unlocking Growing Potential

Current data does not specify organic matter or water capacity for Pima County's vast acreage. Desert soils typically require significant additions to match the 2.0% national average for organic matter. Building up this fertility is key to unlocking the growing potential of the Tucson basin.

Water Management in the Basin

Official records for drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently incomplete for this area. Proper drainage management is vital to prevent salt accumulation in your garden's root zone. Observing how water moves across your property during summer monsoons provides the best practical guide.

Abundant Growth in Zone 9a

Pima County falls within Hardiness Zone 9a, offering a nearly year-round growing season for desert-adapted species. Pomegranates and prickly pear thrive in this heat, as do winter crops like kale and carrots. Dig in and embrace the unique rhythms of Sonoran Desert gardening.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pima County

via LawnByCounty

Tucson Area Lawn Care Hurdles

Pima County carries a lawn difficulty score of 5.3, matching the state's most challenging regions. In USDA Zone 9a, growers must fight extreme conditions to maintain traditional turf compared to the national average score of 50.0.

Extreme Heat Defines the Season

Lawns must survive 139 days of temperatures over 90°F, placing immense stress on cool-season grasses. The 13.4 inches of annual rain falls short of the 30 inches needed for healthy lawns, requiring sophisticated irrigation schedules.

Amending the Desert Floor

While comprehensive soil texture data is unavailable, Pima's desert soils typically lack the organic matter found in more temperate zones. Adding a layer of high-quality compost before seeding can help your lawn survive the 139 days of extreme heat.

Severe Drought Requires Water Wisdom

With over 11% of the county in severe drought and 99% abnormally dry, water conservation is mandatory. Use smart controllers to adjust for Pima's 53 weeks of persistent drought conditions and prevent unnecessary runoff.

Planting for a Long Growing Season

Bermuda and Midiron are popular choices for this region's massive 6,865 growing degree days. The long growing season begins early, as the last spring frost typically occurs by February 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pima County's county score?
Pima County, Arizona has a composite county score of 26.9 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 Pima County rank among counties in Arizona?
Pima County ranks #15 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 Pima County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Pima County is $2,248, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Pima County a tax score of 54.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pima County?
The median household income in Pima County, Arizona is $67,929 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pima County earns an income score of 61.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pima County, Arizona a good place to live?
Pima County scores 26.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Pima 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 Pima County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.