Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nogales, AZ
Thinking of moving to Nogales, AZ? This friendly border city of 19,770 offers affordable living with median home prices around $153,000 and average rents of $870. Enjoy abundant sunshine—84% of days are sunny—and mild winters, plus a short 17-minute average commute. While the cost of living is notably low, crime rates are higher than national averages, and educational attainment is below the state norm. Nogales is a tight-knit, culturally rich community with easy access to local schools and healthcare, making it a unique spot to consider for your next home.
Demographics - Nogales, AZ
Demographics - Nogales, AZ
Nogales, AZ is home to about 19,770 residents, with a youthful median age of 33.2 and a high percentage of Hispanic/Latino heritage. The city is densely populated at 1,400 people per square mile and has a strong bilingual community, as 84% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
19,770
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
84.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.4%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
91.7% (primarily Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nogales, AZ?
Nogales offers a notably affordable lifestyle, with a cost of living index of 81.2 and median home values around $153,000. Housing, groceries, and utilities are all more budget-friendly than national averages, making the city attractive for cost-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$153,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$335
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
93.6
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Nogales, AZ a safe place to live?
While Nogales has a vibrant community, crime rates are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 275 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 45 chance for property crime. Residents should be aware of safety considerations, especially regarding property protection.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
364
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,235
Crime Index:
2,599
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 275
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Nogales, AZ year-round?
Nogales enjoys a warm, sunny climate with 84% of days clear and mild winters averaging lows of 34°F. Annual rainfall is modest at 17.9 inches, and the city experiences comfortable temperatures year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
82°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
96°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
84%
Neighbors
Local households in Nogales typically earn a median income of about $34,400, and the area has a higher poverty rate at 29.2%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a quick 17 minutes, reflecting the city's close-knit layout.
Median Income:
$34,400
Household Income:
$38,860
Family Income:
$45,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,300
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$22,300
Poverty Rate:
29.2%
Non English Speakers:
84.0%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
66.8%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in Nogales, AZ?
Nogales offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Nogales High School and Desert Shadows Middle School, as well as private and college extension campuses. Class sizes are moderate, and families have access to both K–12 and higher education opportunities close to home.
Public Schools
Name:
Nogales High School
Street:
1905 N Apache Blvd
Phone:
520-377-2021
Students:
1,790
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Desert Shadows Middle School
Street:
900 W Rio Rico Dr
Phone:
520-375-8400
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
670 N Taylor Dr
Phone:
520-287-2223
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Santa Cruz Center (Cochise College Extension)
City:
Nogales
State:
AZ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
250
Name:
University of Arizona – Santa Cruz County Cooperative Extension
City:
Nogales
State:
AZ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
N/A
Healthcare
Nogales is served by Holy Cross Hospital, providing general and emergency care to the community, and the city has a physician-to-population ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 residents. About 82% of locals have health insurance, offering accessible healthcare options for families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Holy Cross Hospital
Address:
1171 W Target Range Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621
Phone:
(520) 285-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.1%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nogales, AZ?
With median home prices at $153,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $870, the Nogales housing market is accessible and affordable. Homeownership is common, with 62.5% of residents owning their homes, and property values have appreciated by 7.3% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$153,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services in Nogales are provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located at 1843 N. State Drive. Residents can access licensing, registration, and title services both in person and online through the state website.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1843 N. State Drive, Nogales, AZ 85621
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.