Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tonto Basin, AZ
Considering a move to Tonto Basin, AZ? This small community of 1,424 offers an affordable cost of living with median home prices around $214,000 and rents near $900. Residents enjoy a sunny climate, low-density rural living, and short 25-minute commutes. While crime rates are slightly above the national average, the area boasts a strong sense of community, high homeownership, and access to local schools and nearby healthcare. Explore the relaxed pace, beautiful surroundings, and friendly atmosphere that make Tonto Basin a unique Arizona destination.
Demographics - Tonto Basin, AZ
Demographics - Tonto Basin, AZ
Tonto Basin is a small, close-knit community with a population of 1,424 and a low density of 92 people per square mile. The median age is 64.5, reflecting a predominantly older population, and over 94% of residents identify as White, with a modest number of non-English speakers. This demographic profile creates a tranquil, rural atmosphere ideal for retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
1,424
Density:
92 per sq mi
Median Age:
64.5
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tonto Basin, AZ?
The cost of living in Tonto Basin is notably affordable, with a median home value of $214,000 and average rents around $900 per month. Utility and grocery costs remain reasonable, and the overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive place for those seeking value and a comfortable lifestyle. Property taxes and insurance rates are also manageable, appealing to both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$214,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,118
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$418
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.50%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
81.6
Utilities:
102.3
Transportation:
96.7
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Tonto Basin, AZ a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Tonto Basin are slightly higher than the national average, with a property crime rate of 1,680 incidents per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 60 chance of experiencing property crime, but the area maintains a strong sense of safety and community vigilance. Prospective residents should remain informed but will find a generally peaceful rural environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
190
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,680
Crime Index:
1,870
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 525
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Tonto Basin, AZ year-round?
Tonto Basin enjoys a sunny, mild climate with 74% of days filled with sunshine and an average annual rainfall of 18 inches. Winters are cool, with lows around 33°F, while summers can reach highs near 99°F, offering a classic Arizona weather experience. The favorable weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
79°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
99°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Local households in Tonto Basin typically have a median income of $38,200, with about 16% living below the poverty line. The community has a high rate of homeownership and a strong tradition of neighborliness, while public transportation usage is minimal, and most residents commute about 25 minutes to work. Educational attainment is solid, with over 85% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$38,200
Family Income:
$46,600
Per Capita Income:
$24,500
Income Male:
$33,400
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
16.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
24.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.3%
Bachelors or More:
12.7%
Education
How are the schools in Tonto Basin, AZ?
Tonto Basin is served by Punkin Center School, a small public school with a low student-teacher ratio, fostering personalized attention for its 80 students. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Eastern Arizona College’s Payson campus, located just 20 miles away. This combination supports families with children and adults pursuing further education.

Public Schools
Name:
Punkin Center School
Street:
450 S Old Hwy 188
Phone:
928-479-2277
Students:
80
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
Eastern Arizona College – Payson Campus
City:
Payson
State:
AZ
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality care at nearby facilities like Banner Payson Medical Center, offering emergency and surgical services just 20 miles away. The area has about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of the population has health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are readily available, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Banner Payson Medical Center
Address:
807 S Ponderosa St, Payson, AZ 85541
Phone:
(928) 474-3222
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tonto Basin, AZ?
Tonto Basin's housing market is stable and affordable, featuring a median home price of $214,000 and high homeownership at nearly 85%. Rental opportunities are available with average rents at $900, and vacancy rates remain moderate. The area sees slow but steady home appreciation, making it a practical choice for long-term residents and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$214,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Tonto Basin residents are provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division in nearby Payson. The office offers licensing, registration, and other vital services, and can be reached by phone or via their comprehensive website. This convenient access supports easy vehicle management for locals.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
110 W. 1st Street, Payson, AZ 85541
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.