Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Flagstaff, AZ
Considering a move to Flagstaff, AZ? Home to nearly 77,000 people, Flagstaff offers a vibrant college-town atmosphere, a median home price around $540,000, and average rents of $1,650. With 78% sunny days, cool summers, and quick average commutes of just 17 minutes, the city is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. While crime rates are slightly above national averages, Flagstaff boasts strong educational opportunities, including Northern Arizona University, and a unique blend of high-desert and mountain living. Explore cost of living, schools, and more below to discover if Flagstaff is your perfect fit!
Demographics - Flagstaff, AZ
Demographics - Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff is a youthful, diverse city of about 77,000 residents, with a median age of 26.7 years and a notable Native American presence at over 14%. The population density is moderate, and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
76,831
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.7
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.9%
Black:
1.8%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
17.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Flagstaff, AZ?
Living in Flagstaff comes at a higher price, with a median home value of $540,000 and average rents around $1,650 per month. The overall cost of living index is 19% above the national average, primarily due to elevated housing costs, though utilities and healthcare remain relatively affordable.
Median House Value:
$540,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$685
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
119.1
Grocery:
103.2
Housing:
148.0
Utilities:
95.3
Transportation:
109.5
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
100.2
Crime
Is Flagstaff, AZ a safe place to live?
Flagstaff experiences a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, with about 392 violent crimes and 2,620 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 255 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it important to stay aware of neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
392
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,620
Crime Index:
3,012
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 255
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Flagstaff, AZ year-round?
Flagstaff offers four distinct seasons, with cool summers reaching 82°F and snowy winters dipping to 18°F at night. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with 78% sunny days and around 23 inches of annual rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Flagstaff's neighborhoods feature a median household income of $67,600 and a poverty rate of about 17%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a quick 17 minutes, contributing to a laid-back lifestyle.
Median Income:
$37,200
Household Income:
$67,600
Family Income:
$81,400
Per Capita Income:
$30,900
Income Male:
$42,800
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
16.9%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.7%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
42.3%
Education
How are the schools in Flagstaff, AZ?
Flagstaff is home to strong educational institutions, including Northern Arizona University and several well-regarded public and private schools. The city boasts a high educational attainment, with over 42% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Flagstaff High School
Street:
400 W Elm Ave
Phone:
928-773-8100
Students:
1,665
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1
Name:
Sinagua Middle School
Street:
3950 E Butler Ave
Phone:
928-527-5500
Students:
940
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.4
Private Schools
Name:
Northland Christian School
Street:
7000 N US Hwy 89
Phone:
928-526-0327
Students:
118
Colleges
Name:
Northern Arizona University
City:
Flagstaff
State:
AZ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
29,600
Name:
Coconino Community College
City:
Flagstaff
State:
AZ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Flagstaff provides quality healthcare with major hospitals like Flagstaff Medical Center and a physician availability of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of locals have health insurance, ensuring broad access to medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Flagstaff Medical Center
Address:
1200 N Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone:
(928) 779-3366
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Northern Arizona Healthcare
Address:
269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Phone:
(928) 639-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
70.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Flagstaff, AZ?
The housing market in Flagstaff is competitive, with a median home price of $540,000 and a rental vacancy rate of just 4.2%. Home values are rising at over 6% annually, and less than half of residents own their homes, reflecting strong demand and limited supply.
Median Home Price:
$540,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Flagstaff residents handle motor vehicle needs through the Arizona Department of Transportation office located on S. Milton Road. Services include licensing, registration, and title transfers, with additional resources available online at the state DMV website.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1801 S. Milton Rd #100, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone:
1-800-251-5866
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.