countyscore
34.8
County Score
Property Tax 68Income & Jobs 40.6Cost of Living 38.8

County Report Card

About Yuma County, Arizona

Yuma trails national median but shows balance

Yuma County's composite score of 34.7 falls 31% below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower third nationally. However, the county's moderate scores across multiple dimensions suggest fewer extreme vulnerabilities than some rural Arizona peers.

Below-average county within Arizona

Yuma County scores 34.7, approximately 13% below Arizona's state average of 40.1, ranking it in the lower half of the state's 15 counties. The score reflects economic and service limitations typical of Arizona's agricultural and border regions.

Moderate costs and reasonable tax burden

Yuma County offers moderate housing affordability with a median rent of $983/month and home value of $195,700, yielding a cost score of 38.8. Its tax score of 68.0 reflects a 0.655% effective tax rate, supporting relatively affordable living overall.

Health services and water quality need strengthening

The county's health score of 34.0 indicates moderate healthcare access constraints, and its water score of 15.2 is the lowest among the seven counties—a significant concern for an agricultural region. Safety, though not alarming, scores 27.1, suggesting residents should verify neighborhood conditions.

Suitable for budget-minded agricultural workers

Yuma County best suits agricultural workers, rural entrepreneurs, and budget-conscious families comfortable with limited healthcare and service infrastructure. The county's moderate costs and proximity to California make it practical for those working in farming, trade, or remote roles willing to accept isolation in exchange for affordability.

204060801006838.827.13421.640.67.415.28.5Tax68Cost38.8Safety27.1Health34Schools21.6Income40.6Risk7.4Water15.2Weather8.534.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Yuma County DNA

Foverall

How Yuma County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Yuma County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (8.5/100), though Property Tax (68/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68+16
Cost
38.8-9.200000000000003
Safety
27.1-27.9
Health
34-16
Schools
21.6-32.4
Income
40.6-10.399999999999999
Risk
7.4-39.6
Water
15.2-42.8
Weather
8.5-47.5
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Yuma County

Whether buying or refinancing in Yuma County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$195,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$983/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$195,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,417/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.1

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
Compare Yuma County with Mitchell County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Mitchell County
Georgia
Median income: $51,908
34.8
Grenada County
Mississippi
Median income: $47,998
34.8
Anson County
North Carolina
Median income: $44,245
34.8
Jefferson County
Alabama
Median income: $64,589
34.7
Des Moines County
Iowa
Median income: $60,662
34.7
Reno County
Kansas
Median income: $60,498
34.7
Riley County
Kansas
Median income: $59,560
34.7
Harnett County
North Carolina
Median income: $69,012
34.7

Nearby counties

Imperial County
California
33.7
La Paz County
Arizona
37.2
Riverside County
California
37.2
Maricopa County
Arizona
32.6
San Bernardino County
California
33.7
San Diego County
California
42.3
Pima County
Arizona
26.9
Yavapai County
Arizona
40.7

Deep Dives

Yuma County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yuma County

via TaxByCounty

Yuma slightly above national tax median

Yuma County's 0.655% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.620% by about 5%, placing it slightly above the midpoint nationally. The median annual property tax of $1,281 remains less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting Yuma's lower median home value of $195,700.

Yuma exceeds Arizona average rate

At 0.655%, Yuma County's effective tax rate runs 13% above Arizona's state average of 0.581%, ranking it in the upper tier of state counties. The median tax bill of $1,281 falls below the state median of $1,349, despite the higher rate, due to lower home values.

Yuma taxes highest among western peers

Yuma County's 0.655% rate significantly exceeds Yavapai County's 0.441% and slightly outpaces Mohave County's 0.485%. Among Arizona's western counties, Yuma carries one of the higher tax burdens relative to state and national averages.

What Yuma homeowners pay annually

On a median home valued at $195,700, Yuma residents pay approximately $1,281 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes increase to $1,469; without one, they drop to $979.

Appeal if overassessed

Yuma County homeowners should verify their property assessments, particularly those with mortgages who may see inflated tax bills. Contacting the county assessor to request a review costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax burden if your home was overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yuma County

via CostByCounty

Yuma achieves near-national balance

Yuma County's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio closely mirrors national affordability norms, making it accessible for renters across income levels. The $983 monthly rent and $60,417 median income represent a stable, balanced housing market relative to the broader United States.

Yuma sits right at state average

Yuma County's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio practically matches Arizona's 19.4% state average, indicating solid affordability relative to state peers. The $983 median rent is only $33 above Arizona's state average of $1,016, delivering mainstream housing economics.

Yuma balances between extremes

At $983 monthly, Yuma's rent falls between Santa Cruz's $781 bargain and Pinal's $1,417 premium, reflecting its position as a moderate-sized agricultural and border hub. The balanced rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% outperforms half the counties analyzed.

Modest costs for modest incomes

Yuma renters pay $983 monthly while homeowners spend $851, with the $60,417 median income yielding rent-to-income and owner-cost-to-income ratios of 19.5% and 16.9% respectively. Both tenure types achieve reasonable housing burden levels.

Yuma offers reliable middle ground

Yuma County delivers balanced affordability without extreme trade-offs—neither the bargain of Santa Cruz nor the premium of Yavapai. If you want stable housing costs aligned with typical Arizona wages, compare Yuma's $195,700 median home value to communities where you currently consider settling.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yuma County

via IncomeByCounty

Yuma income trails national average moderately

Yuma County's median household income of $60,417 falls 19% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The agricultural and military-dependent economy reflects the county's rural-frontier character.

Yuma lags slightly behind state average

At $60,417, Yuma County trails Arizona's state average of $62,663 by $2,246 annually. The county performs near Arizona's middle tier, supported by farming, Port of Yuma activity, and military presence.

Yuma ranks fifth among Arizona counties

Yuma's $60,417 income ranks fifth in our comparison group, exceeding only Navajo ($52,752) and Santa Cruz ($53,614). The county outperforms rural peers but trails more urbanized Arizona regions.

Rent burden balanced despite lower income

Yuma's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% is healthy, and the median home value of $195,700 is the state's most affordable. The county offers strong housing affordability for households earning $60,417.

Yuma households can leverage housing affordability

Yuma residents earning $60,417 can capitalize on the county's exceptionally affordable housing market by building home equity quickly. Direct savings toward down payments and explore first-time homebuyer programs to lock in wealth-building through real estate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yuma County

via CrimeByCounty

Balancing Safety and Crime Trends in Yuma

Yuma County's safety score of 97.2 reflects a total crime rate of 1,772.2 per 100K. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Yuma's Safety Profile Within Arizona

Yuma sits very close to the state average safety score of 97.4. However, its violent crime rate of 373.3 is notably higher than the Arizona average of 292.1.

Comparative Crime Rates Near the Border

Yuma's total crime rate is slightly higher than Santa Cruz County's 1,743.4 per 100K. It also reports more than double the violent crime rate of its neighbor to the east.

Violent vs Property Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is slightly above the national average at 373.3 per 100K. However, property crime is much lower than the national average, sitting at 1,398.9.

Security Awareness for Yuma Residents

Six agencies provide law enforcement services across the county's diverse landscape. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and use home security measures to address property concerns.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Yuma County

via SchoolsByCounty

Yuma's Robust and Growing School System

Yuma County supports 38,696 students across 83 public schools and 14 districts. The system is heavily focused on early education, featuring 43 elementary schools and 10 middle schools.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Yuma County achieves a standout 88.7% graduation rate, surpassing both the Arizona state average of 81% and the national 87% benchmark. These strong results come despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of only $4,266.

The Power of Yuma’s Consolidated Districts

Yuma Elementary District serves 9,117 students, while the Yuma Union High School District manages several massive high school campuses. Charter schools account for 12% of the county's education landscape.

Large Campuses in an Urban Setting

Schools in Yuma are significantly larger than the state average, with 545 students per campus on average. San Luis, Cibola, and Kofa High Schools each serve over 2,500 students, creating a bustling, high-energy environment.

Move Near Yuma’s Successful High Schools

High graduation rates make Yuma County an excellent choice for families looking to settle in Arizona. When searching for a home, consider the proximity to the county’s major high school hubs to ensure your children access these top-performing programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yuma County

via RiskByCounty

Yuma's risk moderately elevated

Yuma County scores 92.56 on composite risk, landing in the relatively moderate category but above national baselines. The score reflects substantial earthquake exposure paired with meaningful flood and hurricane threats unusual for Arizona.

Mid-to-upper range in Arizona

Yuma ranks seventh among Arizona's 15 counties with a 92.56 score, exceeding the state average of 84.45 by 8.1 points. The county faces meaningful disaster risk, though lower than Arizona's top-tier counties.

Distinctive risk profile in southwest

Yuma's 92.56 exceeds Santa Cruz (88.33) and Navajo (88.07) but falls below the higher-risk counties of Pinal, Mohave, and Yavapai. The county's unique earthquake (98.44) and hurricane (22.74) exposure sets it apart from state peers.

Earthquake and flood are paramount

Yuma faces exceptional earthquake risk at 98.44—the highest in Arizona—combined with flood risk at 90.97. The county also experiences the state's highest hurricane risk at 22.74, a rare Arizona hazard requiring attention.

Earthquake and flood insurance urgent

Yuma's 98.44 earthquake score demands immediate earthquake coverage; standard policies exclude this hazard entirely. Add flood insurance and verify your homeowners policy covers hurricane and wind damage, given Yuma's unique southwestern exposure profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Yuma County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Compliance Issues in Yuma

Yuma County carries an F grade with 410 health violations, the highest count among these Arizona counties. The violation rate of 194.8 per 100,000 residents is far higher than the state average of 140.2. This data signals a critical need for water infrastructure improvements and stricter safety oversight.

Bacteria Impacts the Lower Colorado

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 7.7% of assessed water bodies in Yuma County are impaired. E. coli is the primary cause of impairment across the 26 water bodies surveyed by regulators. While this rate is better than the state average, bacterial contamination remains a local concern.

Rigorous Testing for Agricultural Runoff

Monitoring teams track 207 sites and have recorded 44,014 measurements over the past five years. Testing primarily focuses on organics, pesticides, and physical water characteristics common in agricultural regions. This data helps scientists understand the impact of intensive farming on local water quality.

Limited Live Data for Colorado River

There is currently no live streamflow data available for the Colorado River at the NIB gauge above Morelos Dam. Although this specific USGS gauge is not reporting, the county continues to rely on drinking water compliance signals to manage risks. Residents should look to historical compliance data as the primary safety indicator.

Aggressive Filtration Recommended for Yuma

Due to the exceptionally high violation rate, residents should use advanced water filtration systems that meet NSF/ANSI standards for health. E. coli presence in the watershed suggests that all non-potable water should be treated before any potential contact. Regular testing is vital for the many small water systems serving the county's agricultural communities.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yuma County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Sunniest, Hottest Spots

Yuma County’s annual average temperature of 74.1°F is roughly 20 degrees higher than the national median. It is one of the driest places in the country, receiving a mere 4.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Arizona's Hot Weather Leader

Yuma far exceeds the Arizona state average of 63.5°F, making it one of the warmest counties in the entire state. Its lack of rain is also extreme, falling well below the state average of 12.3 inches.

A League of Its Own for Heat

Yuma is significantly hotter than neighboring Mohave County (65.9°F) and Pinal County (70.1°F). It receives less than half the rainfall of Mohave, cementing its status as the most arid region in the area.

Half the Year in Extreme Heat

The county endures a staggering 180 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, with July averaging 93.2°F. Snow is non-existent, and even winter stays warm with a January average of 56.7°F.

Maximum Sun and Heat Defense Required

With 180 days of extreme heat, professional-grade cooling and high-reflectivity roofing are essential for any home. Residents must prioritize water conservation and extreme UV protection to manage the 74.1°F annual heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yuma County

via SoilByCounty

The Winter Salad Bowl

Yuma County is an agricultural powerhouse, even though its official soil taxonomy and pH data are currently limited. Without a specific average, local growers should test to see how their fields compare to the 6.5 national median. The desert silt here has a reputation for productivity when managed correctly.

River Valley Resilience

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded in the current dataset for this county. In this river-valley region, the texture often allows for high drainage and easy workability. Determining your own soil's mix is the secret to managing Yuma's unique irrigation needs.

Desert Productivity Secrets

National benchmarks like the 2.0% organic matter average are the goal, though Yuma's specific figures are currently unmapped. The county's reputation for winter vegetables proves that with water and care, the growing potential is massive. Adding organic material helps retain moisture in one of the world's sunniest places.

The Pulse of the Colorado River

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently documented for Yuma County. In an area reliant on the Colorado River, understanding hydrology is the difference between a thriving crop and a salt-damaged field. Careful monitoring of water movement is essential for long-term land health.

Year-Round Growing in Zone 10a

Yuma County enjoys Hardiness Zone 10a, the warmest in the state, allowing for a nearly endless growing season. This is the 'Winter Salad Bowl' of the nation, where leafy greens and citrus flourish. Take advantage of the heat and sunshine by starting your year-round garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yuma County

via LawnByCounty

The Ultimate Test for Turf

Yuma County's lawn difficulty score of 6.4 highlights the extreme challenge of growing grass in USDA Zone 10a. This score is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0, reflecting one of the most arid environments in the country.

Half the Year in Extreme Heat

Yuma endures a staggering 180 extreme heat days per year and receives only 4.1 inches of rain. With 8,838 growing degree days, the environment forces constant growth and extreme evaporation rates.

Soil Prep in the Sunniest Place

Though specific soil statistics are not provided, Yuma's sandy desert floor typically needs massive amounts of organic matter to retain water. Without these amendments, the 4.1 inches of annual rain will vanish almost instantly from the root zone.

Navigating Persistent Aridity

While only 16% of the county is currently abnormally dry, Yuma faced 43 weeks of drought over the past year. In this climate, choosing drought-tolerant cultivars and using mulch is not just a tip—it is a requirement for survival.

A Nearly Year-Round Growing Season

Bermuda grass is the standard here because it can handle the intense 180 days of heat. With a final spring frost as early as January 11, you can start your lawn projects earlier than almost anywhere else in the United States.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yuma County's county score?
Yuma County, Arizona has a composite county score of 34.8 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 Yuma County rank among counties in Arizona?
Yuma County ranks #11 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 Yuma County, Arizona?
The median annual property tax in Yuma County is $1,281, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Yuma County a tax score of 68/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yuma County?
The median household income in Yuma County, Arizona is $60,417 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yuma County earns an income score of 40.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yuma County, Arizona a good place to live?
Yuma County scores 34.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Arizona. The best way to evaluate Yuma 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 Yuma 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.