Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Black Mesa, AZ
Considering a move to Black Mesa, AZ? This small Navajo Nation community of around 400 residents offers wide open spaces, affordable living, and a strong Native American heritage. Homes are budget-friendly with a median price of just $98,000 and average rents near $620. While the cost of living is low, local incomes are modest and the area has higher poverty rates than average. Crime is moderate, with 250 violent and 1,800 property crimes per 100K. Commutes are short, schools are close-knit, and the sunny, high-desert climate offers over 75% sunny days each year. Explore Black Mesa for quiet living and rich cultural roots.
Demographics - Black Mesa, AZ
Demographics - Black Mesa, AZ
Black Mesa is a close-knit community of about 400 people, with a population density of just 10 residents per square mile and a median age of 32.5 years. The area is predominantly Native American, reflecting its location within the Navajo Nation, and about 65% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
400
Density:
10 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
65%
Ethnic Composition
White:
3.0%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Black Mesa, AZ?
Living in Black Mesa is notably affordable, with a median home value of $98,000 and average rent around $620 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, though monthly utility costs are slightly higher due to the region's climate.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$300
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
66.0
Utilities:
110.5
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Black Mesa, AZ a safe place to live?
Black Mesa experiences moderate crime levels, with violent crime at 250 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,800 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 400 chance of being affected by violent crime, which is lower than in many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
250
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,050
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 55
Weather
What is the weather like in Black Mesa, AZ year-round?
The weather in Black Mesa features a high-desert climate, offering 76% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 10.5 inches. Winters are cold with lows around 18°F, while summers are warm but not extreme, reaching highs of 86°F.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Local households in Black Mesa typically earn a median income of $26,000, with about 32% of residents living below the poverty line. The community is highly Native American and retains strong cultural ties, while most neighbors enjoy short commute times and a quiet rural setting.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$11,800
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
32.0%
Non English Speakers:
65.0%
Rent:
$620
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
24.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
75.2%
Bachelors or More:
8.5%
Education
How are the schools in Black Mesa, AZ?
Education in Black Mesa is served by local public schools such as Rough Rock Community School and Kayenta Unified School District, offering small class sizes and a strong sense of community. Higher education opportunities nearby include Diné College, located about 52 miles away and serving the region’s Native American population.
Public Schools
Name:
Rough Rock Community School
Street:
PO Box 970, Chinle, AZ 86503
Phone:
928-728-2501
Students:
415
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Kayenta Unified School District #27
Street:
P.O. Box 337, Kayenta, AZ 86033
Phone:
928-697-2002
Students:
1,980
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Colleges
Name:
Diné College - Tsaile Main Campus
City:
Tsaile
State:
AZ
Distance:
52 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to general and emergency healthcare at nearby hospitals such as Tuba City Regional Health Care and Kayenta Health Center. Approximately 83% of the population is covered by health insurance, though the area has a lower-than-average number of physicians per capita.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Tuba City Regional Health Care
Address:
167 N Main St, Tuba City, AZ 86045
Phone:
(928) 283-2501
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kayenta Health Center
Address:
US-163, Kayenta, AZ 86033
Phone:
(928) 697-4000
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.0%
Health Care Index:
61.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Black Mesa, AZ?
The housing market in Black Mesa is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $98,000 and a high owner occupancy rate of nearly 80%. Rental options are available and reasonably priced, while home appreciation remains steady at just over 3% annually.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$620
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Black Mesa residents are managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, with the main office located in Phoenix. Services and resources can be accessed online or via phone for convenience.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1801 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone:
602-255-0072
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.