CountyScore

Yavapai County

Arizona · AZ

#7 in Arizona
64.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Yavapai County, Arizona

Yavapai well above national standards

Yavapai County's composite score of 72.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 44%, establishing it as a strong-performing county nationally. However, it slightly trails Arizona's state average of 73.9.

Just below Arizona's average

Yavapai's score of 72.1 falls modestly short of the state average, placing it in Arizona's middle tier. Among these seven counties, it ranks fifth, competitive but not at the top.

Lowest tax burden in the group

Yavapai's tax score of 89.9 is the strongest among all seven counties, with an effective tax rate of just 0.441%. Its income score of 26.5 reflects a median household income of $66,106, supporting middle-class stability.

Housing costs substantially higher

Yavapai's cost score of 70.2 reflects median home values of $392,900—the highest in this group—and median rent of $1,258. This higher housing cost may offset the county's tax advantages for budget-conscious homebuyers.

Best for tax-focused middle-class buyers

Yavapai County suits middle-class families and professionals who prioritize tax minimization and can afford higher housing costs in a scenic setting. It appeals to those seeking financial efficiency and a slower pace of life over maximum affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.9Cost70.2SafetyComing SoonHealth65.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk6.3WaterComing Soon
🏛89.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Yavapai County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Camden County
Georgia
64.9
Median income: $72,399
Thomas County
Georgia
64.9
Median income: $60,140
Wicomico County
Maryland
64.9
Median income: $72,861
Lenawee County
Michigan
64.9
Median income: $67,013
Monroe County
Michigan
64.9
Median income: $75,272

Deep Dives

Yavapai County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Yavapai County

via TaxByCounty

Yavapai has Arizona's lowest rate

Yavapai County's 0.441% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, nearly 30% below the national median of 0.620%. Despite this exceptionally low rate, the median annual tax of $1,734 reflects Yavapai's expensive median home value of $392,900—among Arizona's highest.

Yavapai offers lowest Arizona taxes

With a 0.441% effective rate, Yavapai County boasts Arizona's lowest property tax burden, 24% below the state average of 0.581%. The median property tax of $1,734 exceeds state medians, but that's entirely because Yavapai residents own some of the state's most expensive homes.

Yavapai substantially undercuts others

Yavapai's 0.441% rate is dramatically lower than Navajo County (0.605%) and Mohave County (0.485%), offering the best tax rates in northern Arizona. Even compared to Pinal County (0.517%) to the south, Yavapai residents enjoy noticeably lower effective tax rates.

What Yavapai homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $392,900, Yavapai residents pay approximately $1,734 in annual property taxes. With or without a mortgage, taxes remain remarkably similar—$1,736 and $1,730 respectively—indicating fairly stable assessments.

Even low rates deserve checking

Yavapai's already-low tax rate doesn't mean your individual property assessment is accurate. File an appeal with the Yavapai County assessor if you suspect overvaluation; even a small percentage reduction on a $392,900 home can save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yavapai County

via CostByCounty

Yavapai rents climb above national average

Yavapai County's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the seven counties and well above national norms, reflecting resort-area demand in Prescott and Flagstaff's orbit. The $1,258 monthly rent paired with a $66,106 median income squeezes household budgets more than comparable Arizona counties.

Prescott premium: above-average costs

Yavapai County's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Arizona's 19.4% state average, and its $1,258 median rent is second only to Pinal County. The premium reflects Yavapai's appeal as a cooler-climate alternative to Phoenix, attracting retirees and remote workers willing to pay more.

Yavapai commands premium for lifestyle

At $1,258 monthly rent, Yavapai is pricier than all counties except Pinal, despite lower incomes than Pinal households. The premium aligns with Yavapai's reputation as an elevated, amenity-rich region where demand outpaces supply.

High rents on modest incomes

Yavapai renters spend $1,258 monthly while homeowners pay $998, with the $66,106 median income meaning housing claims 22.8% and 18.1% respectively. The high rent-to-income ratio for renters reflects Yavapai's desirability as a retirement and recreation destination.

Yavapai for lifestyle investment

Yavapai County's higher costs reflect its appeal as a cooler, scenic alternative to Phoenix—ideal if outdoor recreation, retirement living, or remote work flexibility justifies the premium. Weigh the $392,900 median home value against Yavapai's quality-of-life offerings before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yavapai County

via IncomeByCounty

Yavapai income approaches national average

Yavapai County's median household income of $66,106 falls 12% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it slightly below the U.S. benchmark. The county's economy benefits from Prescott's tourism and retiree population.

Yavapai exceeds Arizona's typical income

At $66,106, Yavapai County trails Arizona's state average of $62,663 by just $3,443 annually. The county performs solidly within Arizona's economic landscape, buoyed by regional amenities and retirement migration.

Yavapai ranks fourth among Arizona peers

Yavapai's $66,106 income ranks fourth in our comparison group, behind Pinal ($77,588) and Pima ($67,929) but ahead of Yuma ($60,417). The county supports middle-class earnings through tourism and professional services.

High home values strain housing affordability

Despite a reasonable rent-to-income ratio of 22.8%, Yavapai's median home value of $392,900 is the highest in our group—a significant challenge for households earning $66,106. The county's desirability has driven property costs that now exceed incomes' purchasing power.

Yavapai residents must plan for housing costs

With a median income of $66,106 and median home values of $392,900, Yavapai households should prioritize aggressive savings and down-payment assistance programs. Consider alternative housing strategies like co-investments or phased relocation as property costs continue climbing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Yavapai County

via HealthByCounty

Yavapai County approaches national health standards

At 76.4 years, Yavapai County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 78.7 years by just 2.3 years. With only 16.6% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 18%—Yavapai demonstrates solid population-level health outcomes.

Among Arizona's healthiest counties

Yavapai County's 76.4-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 74.0 years, and its 16.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best in Arizona. The county's strong health profile reflects both its aging population demographics and accessible primary care infrastructure.

Coconino County offers similar health outcomes

Yavapai and neighboring Coconino County show comparable life expectancy and health reporting rates, both ranking above the state average. Yavapai's 55 primary care providers per 100,000 provide reasonable access compared to rural Arizona counties, though specialists remain concentrated in Phoenix.

Uninsured rates exceed state despite strong providers

Yavapai County has 16.1% of residents uninsured, above the state average of 14.0%, even though the county maintains 55 primary care providers per 100,000. Mental health support is robust at 222 providers per 100,000, yet uninsured residents often cannot afford to access these services.

Strengthen your coverage in Yavapai

One in six Yavapai County residents lack health insurance, missing out on preventive care even with good provider availability. Check healthcare.gov or visit a local Federally Qualified Health Center to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, or sliding-scale care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yavapai County

via RiskByCounty

Yavapai's risk elevated nationwide

Yavapai County scores 93.73 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively moderate category while exceeding national averages. The score reflects substantial wildfire exposure combined with notable flood and earthquake hazards.

Fourth-riskiest county in Arizona

Yavapai ranks fourth among Arizona's 15 counties with a 93.73 score, trailing only Pima (99.11), Pinal (93.83), and Mohave (94.75). The county's score exceeds the state average of 84.45 by 9.3 points.

Peers with Pinal and Mohave

Yavapai's 93.73 ranks close to Pinal (93.83) and below Mohave (94.75), while exceeding Santa Cruz (88.33) and Navajo (88.07). The county sits firmly in Arizona's higher-risk tier.

Wildfire and earthquake drive risk

Wildfire risk peaks at 99.59, among Arizona's highest, while earthquake risk at 85.31 adds substantial exposure. Flood risk reaches 96.06, and tornado risk at 32.70 creates additional multi-hazard complexity in the county.

Wildfire and quake coverage essential

Yavapai residents face significant wildfire (99.59) and earthquake (85.31) exposure requiring specialized coverage beyond standard policies. Secure separate wildfire and earthquake policies immediately, and ensure your homeowners coverage addresses flood and tornado risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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