Everything You Should Know Before Moving to First Mesa, AZ
Considering a move to First Mesa, AZ? With a close-knit population of around 1,800 and affordable housing—median home prices near $95,000 and rents averaging $650—First Mesa offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with a strong Native American heritage. Residents enjoy 75% sunny days annually, short 16-minute commutes, and access to local healthcare. While cost of living is low, services and amenities are limited, and educational attainment is below state average. Explore the community’s unique culture, climate, and housing market below to help plan your next move.
Demographics - First Mesa, AZ
Demographics - First Mesa, AZ
First Mesa is a small rural community of about 1,800 residents, with a median age of 34.5 and a strong Native American presence making up over 95% of the population. The area is culturally rich, with more than half of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Population density is low at 110 people per square mile, offering a quiet, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
1,800
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.5
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
53.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.0%
Black:
0.1%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in First Mesa, AZ?
Living in First Mesa is highly affordable, with a median home value around $95,000 and average rents near $650 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and individuals. Utilities and everyday expenses like groceries and transportation also tend to be lower than in many Arizona cities.
Median House Value:
$95,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
61.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is First Mesa, AZ a safe place to live?
First Mesa experiences relatively low rates of violent and property crime compared to many urban areas, with a 1 in 313 chance of violent crime and 1 in 61 for property crime annually. The overall crime index suggests a generally safe rural environment. Residents typically enjoy a sense of security in daily life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in First Mesa, AZ year-round?
Residents experience a high percentage of sunny days—about 75% yearly—alongside mild winters with lows around 22°F and warm summers peaking at 92°F. Annual rainfall is modest at just under 10 inches, making the climate ideal for those who enjoy sunshine and dry conditions. Seasonal transitions bring comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
The community is close-knit, with typical household incomes around $34,500 and a median income of $27,000. Despite affordable living conditions, the area faces a high poverty rate and elevated unemployment, with many households speaking non-English languages and about three-quarters of adults having at least a high school diploma. Commutes are brief, averaging just over 16 minutes, and public transport use is minimal.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$34,500
Family Income:
$37,000
Per Capita Income:
$11,500
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
41.2%
Non English Speakers:
53.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
13.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
75.5%
Bachelors or More:
9.8%
Education
How are the schools in First Mesa, AZ?
Education in First Mesa is served by local public schools, including First Mesa Elementary and Polacca Head Start, both offering small class sizes for personalized learning. Higher education opportunities are available at the Northland Pioneer College – Hopi Center, located right in town. While a majority of adults have completed high school, college attainment rates lag behind state averages.
Public Schools
Name:
Polacca Head Start
Street:
PO Box 254, Polacca, AZ 86042
Phone:
(928) 737-2581
Students:
80
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
First Mesa Elementary School
Street:
PO Box 97, Polacca, AZ 86042
Phone:
(928) 737-2581
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Colleges
Name:
Northland Pioneer College – Hopi Center
City:
Polacca
State:
AZ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Healthcare in First Mesa is anchored by the Hopi Health Care Center, providing general and outpatient services including emergency care. While the number of physicians per capita is lower than average, approximately 81% of residents have health insurance coverage. Access to basic medical services is available locally, though specialized care may require travel to larger cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hopi Health Care Center
Address:
Highway 264 Milepost 388, Polacca, AZ 86042
Phone:
(928) 737-6000
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.0%
Health Care Index:
64.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in First Mesa, AZ?
The local housing market offers affordable options, with a median home price of $95,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $650. Most homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancies are relatively low, reflecting stable demand. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates contribute to a steady market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$95,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents manage vehicle and licensing needs through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, headquartered in Phoenix. Most DMV services can be accessed online or by phone, making routine transactions convenient despite the distance from major urban centers. Arizona's DMV provides comprehensive support for drivers throughout the state.
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.