Cost of Living in Graham County, Arizona
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Graham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Graham County ranks #1,825 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Graham County, Arizona
Graham renters enjoy strong affordability
At 15.9%, Graham County's rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the national standard, offering renters substantial relief relative to typical American housing costs. With median rent at $890 against a $67,326 household income, Graham ranks among Arizona's most affordable rental markets.
Arizona's most affordable rental option
Graham County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Arizona's 19.4% state average, making it the state's most renter-friendly county. At $890, its median rent undercuts the state average by 12%, offering real savings for households stretched thin by housing costs elsewhere.
Cheaper than Cochise, pricier than Apache
Graham's $890 median rent sits between Apache's ultra-affordable $647 and Cochise's $939, yet offers competitive homeownership at $202,700—just below Cochise's $207,400. This positions Graham as a rare sweet spot for both renters and buyers seeking Southeast Arizona value.
Renters pay just 16% of income
Graham renters spend $890 monthly—only 15.9% of the $67,326 median income—while homeowners pay $965, or 17.2% of income. Remarkably, renters here enjoy better affordability than homeowners, suggesting strong entry-level rental supply and potentially tight land availability for development.
Graham is Arizona's hidden rental gem
If you prioritize housing affordability while maintaining decent income levels, Graham County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio and $890 median rent outperform nearly every Arizona county. Weigh this against smaller job markets and compare against nearby Apache and Cochise to determine if savings justify lifestyle trade-offs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Graham County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Graham County is affordable. The median rent is $890/month against a median household income of $67,326, putting rent at 15.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $890/month rent versus $965/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $75/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,357/year. With a median household income of $67,326, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Graham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Navajo County where rent averages $832/month, Graham County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Graham County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,571
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.2%
of gross income
The median home in Graham County may be a stretch
Median home value is $202,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,618 vs. your max of $1,571.
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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