Cost of Living in Yavapai County, Arizona
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Yavapai County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Yavapai County ranks #2,485 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Yavapai County, Arizona
Yavapai rents climb above national average
Yavapai County's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the seven counties and well above national norms, reflecting resort-area demand in Prescott and Flagstaff's orbit. The $1,258 monthly rent paired with a $66,106 median income squeezes household budgets more than comparable Arizona counties.
Prescott premium: above-average costs
Yavapai County's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Arizona's 19.4% state average, and its $1,258 median rent is second only to Pinal County. The premium reflects Yavapai's appeal as a cooler-climate alternative to Phoenix, attracting retirees and remote workers willing to pay more.
Yavapai commands premium for lifestyle
At $1,258 monthly rent, Yavapai is pricier than all counties except Pinal, despite lower incomes than Pinal households. The premium aligns with Yavapai's reputation as an elevated, amenity-rich region where demand outpaces supply.
High rents on modest incomes
Yavapai renters spend $1,258 monthly while homeowners pay $998, with the $66,106 median income meaning housing claims 22.8% and 18.1% respectively. The high rent-to-income ratio for renters reflects Yavapai's desirability as a retirement and recreation destination.
Yavapai for lifestyle investment
Yavapai County's higher costs reflect its appeal as a cooler, scenic alternative to Phoenix—ideal if outdoor recreation, retirement living, or remote work flexibility justifies the premium. Weigh the $392,900 median home value against Yavapai's quality-of-life offerings before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Yavapai County
Affordability Verdict
Yavapai County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,258/month — about 22.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Yavapai County is $1,258/month, while owner costs run $998/month. Owning saves approximately $260/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,771/year. With a median household income of $66,106, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Yavapai County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arizona, Yavapai County is more affordable than Pima County by roughly 9% ($1,258/mo vs $1,154/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Yavapai County
Rent Burden
22.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,542
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.1%
of gross income
The median home in Yavapai County may be a stretch
Median home value is $392,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,137 vs. your max of $1,542.
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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