Cost of Living in Gila County, Arizona
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Gila County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Gila County ranks #2,906 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Gila County, Arizona
Gila renters pay slightly above average
At 20.3%, Gila County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard by roughly one percentage point, placing it in the moderately affordable range for American renters. With median rent at $1,001 and household income at $59,089, Gila sits comfortably above rural Arizona markets but below urban Phoenix.
Slightly less affordable than Arizona average
Gila County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio edges above Arizona's 19.4% state average, signaling moderately tight housing affordability for renters. The $1,001 median rent sits just below Coconino's $1,406 but above Apache's $647, positioning Gila as Central Arizona's middle-tier rental market.
More expensive than Apache, cheaper than Coconino
Gila's $1,001 rent surpasses Apache ($647) and undercuts Coconino ($1,406), while its $247,000 median home value sits between Cochise ($207,400) and Coconino ($413,200). This places Gila as a moderate-cost option for families balancing affordability with regional access.
Renters pay 20%, owners pay 15% of income
Gila County renters spend $1,001 monthly—20.3% of the $59,089 median income—while homeowners pay $756, or just 15.3% of income. This 5-percentage point spread reflects Gila's moderate affordability, where ownership becomes increasingly attractive as incomes rise.
Gila offers balanced Central Arizona living
For families seeking mountain scenery and small-town character without Flagstaff's altitude premium, Gila County's $1,001 rent and $247,000 home values hit a middle ground. Compare Gila's costs against neighboring Cochise and Coconino to evaluate which trade-offs align with your priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Gila County
Affordability Verdict
Gila County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,001/month representing approximately 20.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Gila County pay $1,001/month on average, compared to $756/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 24%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,400/year. With a median household income of $59,089, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Gila County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Gila County sits 7% more expensive than Cochise County ($939/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Gila County
Rent Burden
20.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,379
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
The median home in Gila County may be a stretch
Median home value is $247,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,972 vs. your max of $1,379.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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