Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rio Rico, AZ
Thinking of moving to Rio Rico, AZ? With a population around 20,500, Rio Rico offers affordable living—median home prices are $203,000 and average rents just over $1,000. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (151 per 100k), over 80% sunny days annually, and reasonable commutes of about 23 minutes. The community is predominantly Hispanic, with close-knit neighborhoods, strong homeownership, and access to public schools like Rio Rico High. If you’re seeking warm weather and small-town charm, Rio Rico is a great option to consider.
Demographics - Rio Rico, AZ
Demographics - Rio Rico, AZ
Rio Rico is a growing community of about 20,500 residents, notable for its youthful median age of 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, making up around 85%, and more than half of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the area's vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Population:
20,549
Density:
340 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.4
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
60.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
11.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
87.9% (includes 85% Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rio Rico, AZ?
Rio Rico offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $203,000 and average rent around $1,080. Utility and transportation costs are also affordable, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking budget-friendly living in southern Arizona.
Median House Value:
$203,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.50%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.0
Grocery:
92.6
Housing:
74.0
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
94.7
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Rio Rico, AZ a safe place to live?
The city enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate of 151 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime rates are moderate by national standards. Residents have a 1 in 662 chance of experiencing violent crime, providing a sense of safety for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
151
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,010
Crime Index:
1,161
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 662
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 99
Weather
What is the weather like in Rio Rico, AZ year-round?
Rio Rico boasts a pleasant climate with mild winters and hot summers, and enjoys about 82% sunny days annually. Average rainfall is moderate at nearly 18 inches per year, making outdoor activities enjoyable much of the year.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
79°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
97°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
82%
Neighbors
Households in Rio Rico have a median income of around $54,000, with a poverty rate of 17% and an unemployment rate of 6.2%. Most residents commute about 23 minutes to work, and the community is known for its strong family values and multicultural environment.
Median Income:
$31,200
Household Income:
$54,263
Family Income:
$58,700
Per Capita Income:
$20,100
Income Male:
$30,500
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
17.1%
Non English Speakers:
60.1%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
75.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Rio Rico, AZ?
Education in Rio Rico is served by public schools such as Rio Rico High School and Calabasas K-8 School, which offer modern facilities and student-focused learning environments. Higher education options include the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College, located just 10 miles away in Nogales.

Public Schools
Name:
Rio Rico High School
Street:
590 Camino Lito Galindo
Phone:
520-375-8700
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Calabasas K-8 School
Street:
131 Camino Maricopa
Phone:
520-375-8700
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2

Colleges
Name:
Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College
City:
Nogales
State:
AZ
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
350
Healthcare
Rio Rico residents have access to local healthcare facilities such as Holy Cross Hospital in nearby Nogales, and about 87% have health insurance coverage. With approximately 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, basic medical services are reasonably accessible in the region.

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:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rio Rico, AZ?
The housing market in Rio Rico is characterized by high homeownership, with over 80% of residents owning their homes, and a median home price of $203,000. The area has seen healthy appreciation rates, and rental options remain affordable for those not ready to buy.
Median Home Price:
$203,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Rio Rico residents access DMV services through the Arizona Department of Transportation office in Nogales, located at 1450 N Hohokam Dr. This office provides a full range of vehicle and licensing services, with information and online resources available via the state DMV website.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1450 N Hohokam Dr, 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.