Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Mcdowell, AZ
Considering a move to Fort McDowell, AZ? This small, close-knit community of around 1,200 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price of $350,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,250. Enjoy over 300 sunny days a year, short commutes (about 27 minutes), and access to nearby schools and major healthcare centers. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and the area boasts easy access to outdoor recreation and the unique culture of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Explore the details below to see if Fort McDowell is the right fit for your next move.
Demographics - Fort Mcdowell, AZ
Demographics - Fort Mcdowell, AZ
Fort McDowell is a small, diverse community with approximately 1,200 residents and a low population density of 45 people per square mile. The median age is 38.2, and about 35% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
1,200
Density:
45 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
24.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
73.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Mcdowell, AZ?
The cost of living in Fort McDowell is just above the national average, with a cost of living index of 103.5. Housing remains reasonably affordable, as the median home value is $350,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,250, making the area accessible for many families.
Median House Value:
$350,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.50%
Cost Of Living Index:
103.5
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
109.0
Utilities:
103.0
Transportation:
98.4
Health Care:
103.6
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Fort Mcdowell, AZ a safe place to live?
Fort McDowell experiences relatively low violent crime rates, with about 210 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is more common, but the overall crime levels are moderate compared to similar communities, offering residents a generally safe living environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,720
Crime Index:
1,930
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Mcdowell, AZ year-round?
Residents enjoy a sunny climate, with about 86% of days being clear and annual rainfall averaging just over 9 inches. Summers can be hot, with highs often reaching 106°F, while winters are mild with lows around 41°F, making outdoor activities possible year-round.

Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
83°F

Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
106°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
88°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
86%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Fort McDowell is $52,500, and about 19% of residents live below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average around 27 minutes, reflecting a working community with moderate income diversity.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$52,500
Family Income:
$55,700
Per Capita Income:
$21,000
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
19.0%
Non English Speakers:
35.0%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.3%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Mcdowell, AZ?
The area is served by well-rated public schools, including Fountain Hills High School and McDowell Mountain Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Scottsdale Community College is just 18 miles away and enrolls about 9,000 students.

Public Schools
Name:
Fountain Hills High School
Street:
16100 E. Palisades Blvd
Phone:
480-664-5500
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Name:
McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Street:
14825 N. Fayette Dr
Phone:
480-664-5200
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1

Colleges
Name:
Scottsdale Community College
City:
Scottsdale
State:
AZ
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
9,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong, with 88.5% of residents insured and about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people. The nearest major hospital is HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, providing comprehensive emergency and surgical services nearby.

Major Hospitals
Name:
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
Address:
9003 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone:
(480) 323-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Mcdowell, AZ?
The local housing market features a median home price of $350,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 65%, with rental vacancies at 7.2%. Home values have appreciated by 5.1% in the past year, indicating a stable and gradually growing market.
Median Home Price:
$350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Fort McDowell residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, located in nearby Phoenix. Convenient online and in-person services are available for all standard DMV needs.
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.