countyscore
37.5
County Score
Property Tax 84.1Income & Jobs 81Health 49.6

County Report Card

About Pinal County, Arizona

Pinal below national average but improving outlook

Pinal County's composite score of 37.5 trails the national median of 50.0 by 25%, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. However, the county's strong income and tax profiles suggest emerging growth potential in Arizona's fast-developing Phoenix-adjacent corridor.

Middle-ranking county within Arizona

Pinal County scores 37.5, just slightly below Arizona's state average of 40.1, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 15 counties. Its mixed profile—excellent income and taxes, poor affordability—reflects the county's position as Arizona's fastest-growing region.

Highest incomes and exceptional tax rates

Pinal County leads the seven-county group with a median household income of $77,588 and an income score of 81.0. The county also boasts an excellent tax score of 84.1 based on its low 0.517% effective tax rate, making it attractive for wealth-building.

Housing affordability severely strained

Despite strong incomes, Pinal's cost score of just 13.8 reflects steep housing costs, with a median home value of $312,100 and rent at $1,417/month. School ratings are also weak at 4.3, indicating families will need to research specific districts carefully.

Perfect for high-earning families seeking growth

Pinal County suits affluent families and professionals relocating from California or coastal metros who want suburban growth, low taxes, and strong income potential. However, prospective residents should arrive with substantial down payment savings and be comfortable with newer development and active growth infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax84.1Cost13.8Safety41.5Health49.6Schools4.3Income81Risk6.2Water30.4Weather16.8
🏛84.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓4.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤16.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱5.2
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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Burnet County
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Danville city
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Arkansas County
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Cowley County
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Nearby counties

Maricopa County
Arizona
32.6
Gila County
Arizona
34.3
Pima County
Arizona
26.9
Graham County
Arizona
47.6
Santa Cruz County
Arizona
39.9
Greenlee County
Arizona
70.1
Cochise County
Arizona
39.9
Yavapai County
Arizona
40.7

Deep Dives

Pinal County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pinal County

via TaxByCounty

Pinal's rate slightly below national average

Pinal County's 0.517% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.620%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. Though the median annual tax of $1,615 exceeds the national median of $2,690, that's primarily because Pinal homes are more expensive—averaging $312,100—than the national median of $281,900.

Pinal ranks below Arizona average

At 0.517% effective rate, Pinal County falls slightly below Arizona's state average of 0.581%, placing it in the lower-tax tier. The median property tax of $1,615 exceeds the state median of $1,349, reflecting Pinal's higher median home value rather than a higher tax burden.

Pinal undercuts Pima significantly

Pinal County's 0.517% rate is substantially lower than Pima County's 0.783%—a difference of about $800 annually on a $300,000 home. Compared to Yavapai County (0.441%), Pinal taxes slightly higher, though Pinal homes are valued lower.

What Pinal homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $312,100, Pinal residents pay approximately $1,615 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes increase to $1,717; without one, they drop to $1,384.

Verify your property assessment

Many Pinal County homeowners accept their initial assessments without question—a missed opportunity for savings. Contact the Pinal County assessor to request a review if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its fair market value; appeals are free and confidential.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pinal County

via CostByCounty

Pinal's higher incomes offset housing costs

Pinal County's $77,588 median household income exceeds the national average of $74,755, helping offset a 21.9% rent-to-income ratio that's above national norms. At $1,417 monthly rent, Pinal renters pay the highest among the seven counties, yet earn enough to manage the burden.

Pinal rents climb above state average

Pinal County's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Arizona's 19.4% state average, and its $1,417 median rent is the state's highest in this comparison. Despite the premium, Pinal's above-average incomes provide some relief compared to less wealthy counties.

Pinal commands premium rents statewide

At $1,417 monthly, Pinal County's median rent tops every other county analyzed—$170 more than Yavapai and $585 more than Navajo. The premium reflects Pinal's position as a growing Phoenix-adjacent hub attracting both residents and investment.

Highest rents, strongest incomes

Pinal renters spend $1,417 monthly while homeowners pay $1,172, both the highest in this county comparison. The $77,588 median income—the strongest among the seven—makes these costs manageable, claiming 21.9% and 18.1% of earnings respectively.

Pinal for Phoenix-area growth seekers

Pinal County's premium rents reflect its explosive growth as a Phoenix satellite, offering newer housing stock and proximity to Arizona's largest metro. If you're relocating with above-average income and want suburban growth momentum, Pinal's $312,100 median home value may justify the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pinal County

via IncomeByCounty

Pinal leads Arizona with strong income

Pinal County's median household income of $77,588 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 3.8%, placing it among strong performers nationwide. The county benefits from growing Phoenix-area commuting patterns and recent economic development.

Pinal tops all other Arizona counties

At $77,588, Pinal County outearns Arizona's state average of $62,663 by $14,925 annually. The county stands as the income leader in our Arizona comparison group and across the state.

Pinal significantly outpaces all peers

Pinal's $77,588 median income exceeds every comparison county, with the second-place Pima at $67,929 trailing by nearly $10,000. The county's proximity to Phoenix and growing tech sector drive above-average earnings.

Housing affordable despite rapid growth

Pinal's rent-to-income ratio of 21.9% remains healthy, though the median home value of $312,100 represents the state's fastest-appreciating market. Strong household incomes of $77,588 support homeownership, but rapid appreciation is beginning to stress affordability.

Pinal's strong earners can build legacy wealth

With $77,588 median household income, Pinal residents are positioned to maximize retirement contributions, invest in property, and build diversified portfolios. The county's growth trajectory suggests capitalizing early on real estate and career advancement opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pinal County

via CrimeByCounty

Pinal County Ranks High for Safety

Pinal County is a safety standout with a score of 97.9 and a crime rate far below the national average. Its 1,322.5 incidents per 100K compare favorably to the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Pinal County Leads State Averages

Pinal outperforms the Arizona average safety score of 97.4. Its violent crime rate of 247.4 is also significantly lower than the state average of 292.1.

Safety Comparison with Urban Neighbors

Pinal is a safer alternative to neighboring Pima County, which has more than double Pinal's total crime rate. Residents benefit from significantly lower property crime than their southern neighbors.

A Breakdown of Pinal County Crimes

Property crime is low at 1,075.1 per 100K, and violent crime is even lower at 247.4. These numbers indicate a stable environment for families and homeowners.

Maintaining Security in Pinal County

Ten different reporting agencies collaborate to keep Pinal County safe and responsive. Installing smart home technology can further reduce the risk of property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pinal County

via HealthByCounty

Pinal County leads Arizona in life expectancy

At 78.1 years, Pinal County residents live nearly as long as the U.S. average of 78.7 years, placing the county among Arizona's healthiest. With 19.6% reporting poor or fair health, Pinal matches the national average, suggesting strong underlying population health.

Highest life expectancy in Arizona

Pinal County's 78.1-year life expectancy ranks first among Arizona's 15 counties, exceeding the state average of 74.0 years by 4.1 years. This demographic advantage reflects both population composition and access to healthcare resources.

Pinal outpaces Pima and Santa Cruz

Pinal residents live longer than those in neighboring Pima County (76.5 years) and rival Santa Cruz County's 79.9-year average. However, Pinal's primary care provider density at just 18 per 100,000 is the lowest in the state, creating an access paradox.

Strong insurance coverage masks access gaps

Pinal County's 13.2% uninsured rate is below the state average, yet the county has only 18 primary care providers per 100,000—a critical shortage. With 90 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers psychiatric support, but patients often travel for routine medical care.

Get covered and find care in Pinal

Most Pinal County residents have health insurance, but nearly 1 in 7 still lack coverage, and provider shortages mean longer wait times for appointments. Check healthcare.gov to confirm your coverage and ask your provider about telehealth options to overcome distance barriers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pinal County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rapid Growth Across Pinal’s 139 Schools

Pinal County serves 62,525 students through a mix of 139 public schools across 44 districts. The landscape includes 62 elementary schools and a growing number of K-12 'other' configurations to meet local demand.

Graduation Success and Funding Realities

The county maintains a 78% graduation rate, approaching the Arizona state average but remaining behind the national 87% benchmark. Expenditure per pupil is among the lowest in the state at $4,792, trailing the state average by over $800.

Florence and Maricopa District Leadership

Florence Unified and Maricopa Unified are the heavy hitters, serving roughly 9,000 students each. Nearly 24% of the county's schools are charters, including the massive American Leadership Academy Ironwood K12 with 2,230 students.

A Mix of Rural Roots and Large Suburbs

Pinal County schools are larger than average at 517 students per campus. While 50 schools remain in rural locales, the suburban sectors feature large high schools like Maricopa High, which serves over 2,100 students.

Locating Your Family in Pinal County

As Pinal County grows, choosing a home near high-performing districts in Florence or Maricopa is a priority for many families. Researching school scores and enrollment trends helps buyers find the right fit in this expanding market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pinal County

via RiskByCounty

Pinal ranks among U.S. highest-risk

Pinal County scores 93.83 on composite risk, landing in the relatively moderate category but well above national baselines. The score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and flood threats.

Second-riskiest in Arizona

Pinal ranks second among Arizona's 15 counties with a score of 93.83, trailing only Pima (99.11) and exceeding the state average of 84.45 by 9.4 points. The county faces elevated overall disaster risk across most hazard categories.

Riskier than central Arizona peers

Pinal's 93.83 exceeds Pima's neighboring Santa Cruz County (88.33) and surpasses Yavapai (93.73), though it ranks just below Pima. The county carries some of Arizona's most significant multi-hazard exposure.

Wildfire and flood dominate Pinal

Wildfire risk reaches 98.00 and flood risk 96.37—both among Arizona's highest—while tornado risk climbs to a notable 37.05. Earthquake risk at 79.83 and hurricane risk at 18.82 add additional layers of exposure.

Separate policies for flood and fire

Standard homeowners insurance excludes both wildfire and flood damage; Pinal residents should secure separate policies for both hazards. Given the county's 93.83 risk score and elevated tornado exposure, verify tornado coverage in your home policy as well.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pinal County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Heat in the Arizona Lowlands

Pinal County is one of the warmest places in the nation, with an annual average temperature of 70.1°F. This is more than 15 degrees higher than the national median, accompanied by a dry 11.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Well Above the Arizona Norm

Pinal County’s 70.1°F average temperature makes it significantly hotter than the state average of 63.5°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in Arizona, driven by intense low-elevation sun.

Bridging the Gap Between Yuma and Pima

Pinal is warmer than Pima County (68.1°F) but offers a slight reprieve compared to Yuma's 74.1°F. Its 11.1 inches of rain is fairly standard for the central Arizona corridor but triple what Yuma receives.

Dominated by Five Months of Heat

The county endures 157 days of temperatures over 90°F, creating a very long summer season. July averages 89.5°F, while winters are virtually snow-free with a January average of 52.0°F.

Extreme Heat Protection is Mandatory

With 157 extreme heat days, high-performance HVAC and home insulation are the most critical investments for residents. Outdoor activities should be limited to the early morning during the July peak to avoid the 89.5°F daily average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pinal County

via SoilByCounty

A Desert Bridge

Pinal County acts as a bridge between desert basins, though its specific soil taxonomy and pH levels are not yet recorded. Without a benchmark against the 6.5 national median, local growers must rely on individual soil tests. Understanding these foundational traits is the first step toward agricultural success.

Foundations of the Valley

Data regarding the ratio of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this central Arizona region. These physical traits determine how easily roots can penetrate the earth and how well the soil holds nutrients. Discovering your specific texture will help you master the art of desert irrigation.

Investing in Soil Health

The county's organic matter and water capacity levels lack official data in current state records. Most regional soils will need a boost to approach the 2.0% national organic matter average. Investing in soil health now ensures your plants can survive the intense Arizona sun.

The Mystery of Movement

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unmapped, leaving site-specific observation as the best tool for landowners. Efficient drainage is crucial for preventing the caliche layers common to this region from drowning plant roots. Monitoring your land after irrigation reveals the true story of its hydrology.

Sun-Loving Crops in Zone 9a

Pinal County shares Hardiness Zone 9a, making it an ideal location for heat-loving crops like cotton and citrus. With the right irrigation, this sun-drenched landscape becomes incredibly productive. Start your garden journey by choosing varieties that relish the long, warm days.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pinal County

via LawnByCounty

Pinal County's Intense Growing Environment

Pinal County scores a 5.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the toughest spots in the nation for turf. This Zone 9a region requires expert-level maintenance to overcome environmental stressors that are ten times more severe than the national average.

The State Leader in Extreme Heat

With 157 extreme heat days per year, Pinal far exceeds the state average of 113. Combined with a staggering 7,535 growing degree days, grass here grows rapidly and requires constant hydration to survive the 11.1-inch annual rainfall deficit.

Building a Foundation in Arid Ground

Specific soil metrics are not currently available, but the high heat and low rain suggest a need for moisture-holding amendments. Before planting, consider a professional soil test to determine if your pH deviates from the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Surviving 53 Weeks of Drought

Approximately 84% of Pinal County is abnormally dry, and the region has faced drought conditions for an entire year. Prioritize watering deeply to reach the root zone, which helps the lawn withstand the 157 days of triple-digit potential.

Starting Early in the Sun

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda are best suited for this extreme heat. With a very early final frost date of February 11, the window for establishing your lawn opens much sooner than in northern Arizona.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pinal County's county score?
Pinal County, Arizona has a composite county score of 37.5 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 Pinal County rank among counties in Arizona?
Pinal County ranks #8 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 Pinal County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Pinal County is $1,615, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Pinal County a tax score of 84.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pinal County?
The median household income in Pinal County, Arizona is $77,588 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pinal County earns an income score of 81/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pinal County, Arizona a good place to live?
Pinal County scores 37.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Pinal 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 Pinal 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.