Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Safford, AZ
Considering a move to Safford, AZ? This friendly city of 10,129 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $175,000 and average rents near $900. Enjoy over 80% sunny days each year, a quick 17-minute average commute, and convenient local amenities like Eastern Arizona College. Safford’s crime rates are moderate for the region, and the area features a welcoming small-town vibe, solid schools, and easy access to outdoor adventure.
Demographics - Safford, AZ
Demographics - Safford, AZ
Safford is a close-knit city with a population of just over 10,000 people, a median age of 34, and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with a notable Hispanic presence and nearly 14% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This diverse yet compact population contributes to a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
10,129
Density:
1,340 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
71.2%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
26.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Safford, AZ?
Safford offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $175,000 and average rents around $900, significantly below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 85.1, making the city attractive for those seeking budget-friendly housing, groceries, and utilities. State income tax rates remain modest, helping residents stretch their dollars further.
Median House Value:
$175,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.1
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
59.8
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
87.4
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
96.1
Crime
Is Safford, AZ a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Safford are moderate, with approximately 330 violent crimes and 2,130 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 303, which is typical for small cities in the region. Safford maintains a sense of safety while encouraging a close community watch.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
330
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,130
Crime Index:
2,460
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 303
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Safford, AZ year-round?
Safford enjoys a sunny climate, with 81% of days filled with sunshine and less than 10 inches of annual rainfall. Winters are mild, with highs around 62°F, while summers are warm but manageable, peaking near 99°F. The comfortable weather supports year-round outdoor activities and a relaxed desert lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
82°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
99°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
81%
Neighbors
Residents of Safford benefit from a median household income of $54,000 and a low average commute time of just under 17 minutes. The community values education, with over 84% holding at least a high school diploma, though about 17% of the population lives below the poverty line. The city’s small-town character and low unemployment rate foster a supportive environment.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$33,200
Poverty Rate:
17.3%
Non English Speakers:
13.7%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
16.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Safford, AZ?
Families in Safford have access to solid educational options, including public schools like Safford High and Dorothy Stinson Elementary, and private schools such as Discovery Plus Academy. Class sizes are manageable, and the area is also home to Eastern Arizona College just six miles away, serving around 6,000 students. The city places a strong emphasis on education for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Safford High School
Street:
1400 S 14th Ave
Phone:
928-348-7050
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Dorothy Stinson Elementary
Street:
1550 S 14th Ave
Phone:
928-348-7010
Students:
490
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Private Schools
Name:
Discovery Plus Academy
Street:
1313 W 14th St
Phone:
928-348-8422
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Eastern Arizona College
City:
Thatcher
State:
AZ
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Safford is served by Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, providing comprehensive general and emergency care to the area. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 87% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is solid for a city of its size. Residents benefit from reliable local medical services and a favorable healthcare index.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center
Address:
1600 S 20th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546
Phone:
(928) 348-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
69.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Safford, AZ?
The housing market in Safford is stable, with a median home price of $175,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 61%. Home values have appreciated over 5% in the past year, and rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $900. The area experiences low foreclosure and vacancy rates, indicating a healthy market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Safford residents access vehicle and driver services through the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located on West Main Street. Local DMV services are easily reachable by phone or online, streamlining registration, licensing, and related needs. This ensures hassle-free access to essential transportation documentation.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
310 W Main St, Safford, AZ 85546
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.