Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New River, AZ
Considering a move to New River, AZ? This scenic desert community of 17,290 offers spacious living with high homeownership rates and median home values around $550,000. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (85% sunny days), low crime rates, and proximity to nature. Commute times average 34 minutes, and local schools provide solid options for families. With a cost of living just above the national average and easy access to Phoenix healthcare, New River is ideal for those seeking a quiet, family-friendly lifestyle in the Sonoran foothills.
Demographics - New River, AZ
Demographics - New River, AZ
New River is home to about 17,290 residents with a low population density, offering a spacious rural atmosphere. The community is predominantly White (over 91%), has a median age of 47.2, and maintains a balanced gender ratio. A small portion of the population speaks languages other than English, contributing to the area's overall friendly and welcoming vibe.
Population:
17,290
Density:
155 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in New River, AZ?
New River's cost of living is slightly above the national average, driven primarily by higher housing prices, with median home values around $550,000 and typical rents near $1,900. Utility costs and groceries are close to average, while state income tax rates remain moderate. Residents benefit from affordable healthcare and transportation expenses, making it a balanced choice for families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$550,000
Gross Rent:
$1,900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.50%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
101.2
Housing:
133.6
Utilities:
108.5
Transportation:
103.8
Health Care:
97.4
Miscellaneous:
98.7
Crime
Is New River, AZ a safe place to live?
New River enjoys a notably low crime rate, with violent incidents at just 108 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 1,250 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of experiencing violent crime, estimated at 1 in 925, fostering a safe and secure environment. This makes the city an appealing option for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
108
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,358
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 925
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in New River, AZ year-round?
With 85% of days being sunny and only 12.5 inches of annual rainfall, New River boasts a classic Arizona desert climate. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 39°F to 65°F, while summers can be hot, peaking at 105°F. Residents enjoy comfortable spring and fall seasons, ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
83°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
105°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
The community features strong household incomes, with a median of $102,400 and a low poverty rate of 5.2%. Nearly all residents have completed high school, and about one-third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated population. Most neighbors commute by car, averaging 34 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$102,400
Family Income:
$113,000
Per Capita Income:
$43,600
Income Male:
$59,000
Income Female:
$45,000
Poverty Rate:
5.2%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$1,900
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.4%
Bachelors or More:
34.7%
Education
How are the schools in New River, AZ?
Families in New River benefit from a selection of public and private schools, including New River Elementary and Boulder Creek High School, both offering strong academic programs. Higher education is easily accessible, with community colleges and Arizona State University campuses within a short drive. The area’s educational resources support students of all ages and contribute to the community’s family-friendly appeal.

Public Schools
Name:
New River Elementary School
Street:
48827 N Black Canyon Hwy
Phone:
623-376-3500
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Boulder Creek High School
Street:
40404 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy
Phone:
623-445-8600
Students:
2,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.8

Private Schools
Name:
Ridgeline Academy
Street:
33625 N North Valley Pkwy
Phone:
623-223-1335
Students:
1,200

Colleges
Name:
Paradise Valley Community College - Black Mountain Campus
City:
Cave Creek
State:
AZ
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Arizona State University - West Campus
City:
Glendale
State:
AZ
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
5,100
Healthcare
Residents of New River have convenient access to major hospitals like HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center and Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible and comprehensive. The area’s healthcare index suggests quality care is available nearby.

Major Hospitals
Name:
HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center
Address:
33300 N. 32nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85085
Phone:
(623) 683-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital
Address:
5227 E Carefree Hwy, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Phone:
(602) 902-1800
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
79.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in New River, AZ?
New River's housing market is dominated by owner-occupied homes, with 87.5% of residents owning their property and a median home price of $550,000. The market shows steady growth, with a 4.2% annual appreciation rate and low foreclosure rates. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom home at around $1,900.
Median Home Price:
$550,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents manage vehicle registration and licensing through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division in nearby Phoenix. The DMV offers comprehensive services both online and at its office located at 221 E. Olympic Dr. For more information, residents can visit the official website or contact the office by phone.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
221 E. Olympic Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85042
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.