Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prescott, AZ
Thinking of relocating to Prescott, AZ? With a population of around 46,000, Prescott offers stunning high-desert scenery, mild four-season weather (over 77% sunny days!), and a welcoming, active community. The median home price is about $470,000, with typical rents around $1,450. Residents enjoy short 18-minute commutes, low unemployment, and access to reputable schools and healthcare. Prescott’s vibrant downtown, outdoor lifestyle, and blend of small-town charm with modern amenities make it a top Arizona choice for families, retirees, and remote workers alike.
Demographics - Prescott, AZ
Demographics - Prescott, AZ
Prescott is home to about 45,800 residents, with a median age of 57.3 that reflects its popularity among retirees. The city is predominantly White (nearly 90%), with a modest proportion of non-English speakers, contributing to a tight-knit and welcoming community. Population density is moderate, offering a spacious, suburban feel.
Population:
45,827
Density:
1,038 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.3
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.9%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prescott, AZ?
Living in Prescott comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, driven mainly by housing costs, with median home values around $470,000 and average rents near $1,450. Utilities and groceries remain close to national norms, while Arizona’s state tax rates are relatively moderate. Residents should budget for higher housing but benefit from manageable overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$470,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,490
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.50%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.4
Grocery:
101.3
Housing:
132.8
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
102.9
Health Care:
99.8
Miscellaneous:
98.7
Crime
Is Prescott, AZ a safe place to live?
Prescott offers a sense of safety, with a violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,180 per 100,000. Most residents experience a low likelihood of violent crime, though property crime occurs more frequently, making standard precautions advisable. Overall, the city maintains a lower crime profile compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
256
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,436
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 391
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Prescott, AZ year-round?
Prescott boasts four mild seasons, with winter lows around 27°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. The area enjoys over 77% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, creating an ideal setting for year-round outdoor activities. Residents benefit from the region’s comfortable climate and scenic high-desert landscape.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
77%
Neighbors
Prescott’s community features a median household income of about $61,500 and a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most residents commute less than 20 minutes, and nearly 95% have at least a high school education, reflecting a well-educated population. The area maintains a friendly, neighborly atmosphere with a moderate cost of living and active lifestyle.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$61,500
Family Income:
$79,100
Per Capita Income:
$36,800
Income Male:
$43,200
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
10.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
18.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
36.4%
Education
How are the schools in Prescott, AZ?
Prescott offers diverse educational opportunities, including well-rated public and private schools and access to higher education through Yavapai College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Public schools serve a broad student population with favorable student-teacher ratios, while local colleges attract students statewide. Families and lifelong learners benefit from the city’s comprehensive educational resources.

Public Schools
Name:
Prescott High School
Street:
1050 Ruth St
Phone:
928-445-2322
Students:
1,475
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1
Name:
Lincoln Elementary School
Street:
201 Park Ave
Phone:
928-717-3249
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Street:
131 N. Summit Ave
Phone:
928-445-2621
Students:
185

Colleges
Name:
Yavapai College
City:
Prescott
State:
AZ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
City:
Prescott
State:
AZ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Prescott provides quality healthcare, anchored by major hospitals like Yavapai Regional Medical Center and a strong physician presence (2.5 per 1,000 residents). Over 91% of locals have health insurance, ensuring broad access to medical services. The city’s healthcare facilities offer comprehensive care and emergency services to support residents’ well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Yavapai Regional Medical Center – West Campus
Address:
1003 Willow Creek Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone:
(928) 445-2700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Yavapai Regional Medical Center – East Campus
Address:
7700 E Florentine Rd, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
Phone:
(928) 445-2700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prescott, AZ?
Prescott’s housing market features a median home price near $470,000, with around two-thirds of residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,450 and a moderate vacancy rate of 7.2%. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make it a stable market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$470,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, located conveniently in Prescott. Residents can manage licensing, registration, and vehicle needs at the Commerce Drive office or online. The process is streamlined for both new arrivals and long-term locals.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1105 Commerce Dr, Prescott, AZ 86305
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.