countyscore
40.7
County Score
Property Tax 91.3Income & Jobs 57.2Weather & Climate 53

County Report Card

About Yavapai County, Arizona

Yavapai slightly outperforms national livability average

Yavapai County's composite score of 40.7 edges just slightly above the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the lower-middle tier nationally. While not exceptional, the county performs better than most of its Arizona peers, suggesting relatively balanced livability conditions.

Top-performing county in Arizona's seven

Yavapai County scores 40.7, marginally above Arizona's state average of 40.1 and is the highest-scoring county among the seven examined. This makes it one of Arizona's more livable regions overall.

Lowest taxes and solid incomes statewide

Yavapai County boasts Arizona's lowest effective tax rate at 0.441% with a tax score of 91.3, the highest among the seven counties. Its income score of 57.2 reflects a median household income of $66,106, indicating solid earning potential for a rural-leaning county.

Housing costs rising and schools need improvement

The county's cost score of just 22.1 reveals a concerning trend: median home values have risen to $392,900—the highest among the seven counties—with $1,258/month rent. School ratings at 7.3 are weak, suggesting families should investigate districts closely.

Best for affluent retirees and remote workers

Yavapai County appeals to affluent retirees and remote workers seeking mountain scenery, low taxes, and strong safety/health scores without urban constraints. However, rising home prices signal gentrification; prospective buyers should expect escalating costs but will enjoy solid quality-of-life fundamentals.

Score breakdown

Tax91.3Cost22.1Safety45.1Health48.1Schools7.3Income57.2Risk6.3Water18.6Weather53
🏛91.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠22.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓7.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.6
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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Nearby counties

Coconino County
Arizona
35.2
Maricopa County
Arizona
32.6
Gila County
Arizona
34.3
Mohave County
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Navajo County
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La Paz County
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Pinal County
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Clark County
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Deep Dives

Yavapai County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Yavapai County

via CrimeByCounty

Yavapai County Leads Region in Public Safety

Yavapai County boasts a safety score of 98.1, outperforming the national total crime rate by over 1,000 points. Its total rate of 1,224.4 per 100K is nearly half the national average.

State Ranking and Safety Performance

Yavapai ranks as one of the safer regions in the state, comfortably beating the Arizona average safety score of 97.4. Its crime rate is roughly 450 points lower than the state average.

Yavapai County vs Neighboring Mohave

Yavapai is significantly safer than neighboring Mohave County, which reports nearly double the crime per 100K residents. It maintains a peaceful profile compared to all its regional neighbors.

Extremely Low Property Crime Rates

The county sees a property crime rate of only 914.5 per 100K, which is less than half the national average. Violent crime remains steady at 309.9, mirroring wider state trends.

Preserving Yavapai's High Safety Score

While Yavapai is exceptionally safe, nine reporting agencies still recommend basic home security measures. Maintaining a visible security presence helps preserve the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Yavapai County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options Across Yavapai

Yavapai County manages 105 public schools and 42 districts, providing education to 24,276 students. The infrastructure is evenly split between elementary and high schools, with 46 and 41 campuses respectively.

Tracking Academic Success and Investment

The county's graduation rate of 79.6% is nearly on par with the Arizona state average of 81%. Yavapai spends $5,459 per pupil, which closely tracks the state average but remains well below the $13,000 national standard.

Humboldt and Prescott District Excellence

Humboldt Unified is the largest traditional district with 5,606 students, followed by Prescott Unified with 3,948. Charter schools are a significant part of the community, making up 21% of all local public schools.

Rural Schools with an Intimate Feel

The average school size in Yavapai is a modest 286 students, reflecting the county's 46 rural campuses. While high schools like Bradshaw Mountain can serve up to 1,697 students, many schools offer a much smaller, close-knit environment.

Finding Your Place in Yavapai’s Districts

Whether you prefer the urban vibe of Prescott or the rural stretches of the county, school quality remains a top home-buying consideration. Yavapai offers a wide range of school sizes and types to fit every family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Yavapai County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate in the Highlands

Yavapai County maintains an average temperature of 60.4°F, which is just slightly warmer than the national median. It receives a healthy 15.4 inches of precipitation, making it more moisture-rich than the typical American desert county.

The Goldilocks Zone of Arizona

Yavapai sits below the Arizona state average of 63.5°F, offering a cooler alternative to the southern deserts. Its 15.4 inches of rain also surpasses the state average of 12.3 inches, supporting more diverse vegetation.

Milder Than Mohave, Cooler Than Pima

With an average of 60.4°F, Yavapai is significantly cooler than Mohave (65.9°F) and Pima (68.1°F). It offers a more temperate climate than its lower-elevation neighbors while maintaining a similar rainfall profile to Santa Cruz.

Four Distinct but Mild Seasons

The county sees 93 days of heat over 90°F, but the July average remains a manageable 80.3°F. Winter brings a dusting of 3.2 inches of snow and a chilly but pleasant January average of 43.4°F.

Versatile Gear for Changing Conditions

Residents should own a mix of light summer clothing and medium-weight winter coats to handle the 3.2 inches of snow. The 15.4 inches of rain makes rain barrels and garden planning popular and productive activities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yavapai County

via SoilByCounty

Mountains to Desert Basins

Yavapai County spans from desert to forest, yet its soil taxonomy and pH levels remain largely unmapped. Without data to compare against the 6.5 national median, gardeners should expect significant variation across the county's elevations. Identifying your soil's personality starts with a local sample.

Understanding Earth Texture

Data on the specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this diverse region. The texture determines whether your soil drains too fast or stays waterlogged for too long. Feeling the soil between your fingers can tell you a lot about its workability and needs.

Cultivating the High Desert

Official figures for organic matter and water capacity are not currently recorded for Yavapai County. Most native soils will fall short of the 2.0% national organic matter average without human intervention. Amending your soil with compost transforms these rugged lands into fertile garden beds.

Landscaping for Drainage

With no official drainage class or hydrologic group data, local observation is your best guide. Proper drainage management is essential in hilly terrain to prevent topsoil loss during heavy summer rains. Observe your land's natural water patterns to plan your landscaping effectively.

Versatile Gardening in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b covers much of Yavapai County, providing a versatile climate for a wide variety of plants. You can grow everything from rosemary and lavender to hardy vegetables and fruit trees. Embrace the high-desert lifestyle by starting your own productive garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yavapai County

via LawnByCounty

Yavapai's Favorable High-Desert Balance

Yavapai County scores a 17.6 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the state average of 13.7. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, it provides a middle ground for Arizona growers who want a lawn without the extreme heat of the southern valleys.

Managing the 93 Heat Days

With 93 extreme heat days, Yavapai stays below the state average of 113. The 15.4 inches of annual precipitation helps bridge the gap toward the ideal 30-inch mark, though supplemental irrigation is still necessary.

Developing Your Growing Base

Specific soil data is unavailable, but the 4,697 growing degree days suggest a vigorous growing season for the right species. To ensure success, focus on adding organic material to the soil to buffer against Yavapai's dry spells.

Smart Watering in Yavapai

The county experienced 43 weeks of drought last year, and 46% of the land is currently abnormally dry. This is better than many neighboring counties, but efficient watering remains key to maintaining turf health during the peaks of summer.

Seeding for Success in Yavapai

Warm-season grasses perform well here, as do some transition-zone blends. The spring planting window opens after April 7, giving you plenty of time to establish roots before the first fall frost on November 10.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yavapai County's county score?
Yavapai County, Arizona has a composite county score of 40.7 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 Yavapai County rank among counties in Arizona?
Yavapai County ranks #4 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 Yavapai County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Yavapai County is $1,734, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Yavapai County a tax score of 91.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yavapai County?
The median household income in Yavapai County, Arizona is $66,106 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yavapai County earns an income score of 57.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yavapai County, Arizona a good place to live?
Yavapai County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Yavapai 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 Yavapai 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.