Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Defiance, AZ
Considering a move to Fort Defiance, AZ? This small community of about 3,800, situated on the Navajo Nation, offers affordable housing with a median home price of $105,000 and average rent around $685. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, abundant sunshine (72% of days), and a short, 21-minute average commute. While the area has higher poverty rates and lower median incomes, it features strong Native American heritage, access to local healthcare, and a close-knit, culturally rich environment.
Demographics - Fort Defiance, AZ
Demographics - Fort Defiance, AZ
Fort Defiance has a population of about 3,800, with the vast majority identifying as Native American and a median age just over 30. The community is close-knit, with a significant percentage of residents speaking languages other than English at home, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
Population:
3,800
Density:
390 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.8
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
45%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.0%
Black:
0.3%
Others:
0.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Defiance, AZ?
The cost of living in Fort Defiance is well below the national average, with a median home value of $105,000 and average rent at $685 per month. Housing and utilities are especially affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$685
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$995
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$300
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.50%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
90.0
Transportation:
78.0
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Fort Defiance, AZ a safe place to live?
Fort Defiance experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at about 1 in 247 and property crime at 1 in 73. While these figures are noteworthy, the community remains proactive in safety and neighborhood engagement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
405
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,370
Crime Index:
1,775
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 247
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 73
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Defiance, AZ year-round?
Residents of Fort Defiance enjoy abundant sunshine, with 72% of days being sunny each year. The climate features mild summers peaking at 85°F, cool winters with lows around 18°F, and about 12 inches of annual rainfall.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The local community is predominantly Native American, with a median household income of $38,000 and a poverty rate nearing 40%. Most residents own their homes, and the area boasts strong cultural ties and a friendly, communal atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$42,500
Per Capita Income:
$11,400
Income Male:
$22,500
Income Female:
$18,300
Poverty Rate:
39.2%
Non English Speakers:
45%
Rent:
$685
Unemployment Rate:
10.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.8%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Defiance, AZ?
Fort Defiance offers public education through local schools like Window Rock High School and Tséhootsooí Middle School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Diné College, just 35 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Window Rock High School
Street:
4 Warrior Dr
Phone:
928-729-7012
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Tséhootsooí Middle School
Street:
Hwy 12, Fort Defiance
Phone:
928-729-6811
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Colleges
Name:
Diné College (Tsaile Campus)
City:
Tsaile
State:
AZ
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Fort Defiance is anchored by the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital, offering general and emergency services. Most residents have health insurance, and there are about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people, providing essential care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fort Defiance Indian Hospital
Address:
P.O. Box 649, Fort Defiance, AZ 86504
Phone:
(928) 729-8000
Type:
Indian Health Service General Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.5%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Defiance, AZ?
The housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $105,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate above 70%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental vacancies remain relatively low, ensuring stable options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$685
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services for Fort Defiance residents are provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation, with the nearest office located in Window Rock. Online resources and statewide support make vehicle registration and licensing accessible.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
Statewide, nearest in Window Rock, AZ
Phone:
1-602-255-0072
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.