If you’ve ever visited Arizona, you’re probably aware of its natural beauty. The state boasts stunning desert landscapes and offers fantastic outdoor activities in its mountainous regions. However, like any other state, Arizona has its less appealing areas. In this post, we’ll use data and science to identify the least desirable cities to live in within Arizona.
Before we get into the list, it’s important to acknowledge that every place has its merits. For instance, Oro Valley is considered the best place to live in Arizona. However, when we focus solely on data, which doesn’t account for factors like scenic beauty or friendly residents, some Arizona cities come out as less favorable places to call home.
After analyzing 51 of the most populous cities in the state, each with over 5,200 residents, we’ve compiled a list of the seven worst cities to live in Arizona in 2023:
1. Eloy
- Population: 15,171
- Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
- Median Home Value: $137,600
- Unemployment Rate: 9.1%
Eloy, located along I-10 south of Chandler, is currently facing significant economic challenges, along with a high crime rate. In fact, Eloy ranks as the 20th most dangerous place to live in Arizona. Residents in Eloy have a 1 in 37.4 chance of experiencing property crime, resulting in numerous stolen belongings.
When it comes to housing prices, Eloy offers some of the lowest average home values in the state, standing at only $137,600. However, residents earn less than their counterparts in other cities, making mortgage payments potentially burdensome.
2. Winslow
- Population: 8,961
- Rank Last Year: 11 (Up 9)
- Median Home Value: $106,400
- Unemployment Rate: 10.6%
Winslow might be familiar to classic rock enthusiasts due to the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” However, the town faces economic challenges, making it the second-worst place to live in Arizona. With a median income of $41,926, 25.4% of the town’s 8,961 residents live below the poverty line, and 12.2% receive food stamps. These financial difficulties contribute to other problems such as low-performing schools and a crime rate exceeding the national average by more than 140%.
3. Snowflake
- Population: 6,086
- Rank Last Year: 7 (Up 4)
- Median Home Value: $186,800
- Unemployment Rate: 10.3%
Despite its name, Snowflake rarely sees snow due to its mild climate. Unfortunately, it also grapples with high poverty rates, with 22.9% of its 6,086 residents living below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is 10.3%, and the median income hovers around $63,458. Snowflake’s rural location, positioned between the Fort Apache and Hopi Reservations, contributes to these challenges.
4. Guadalupe
- Population: 5,334
- Rank Last Year: 3 (Down 1)
- Median Home Value: $172,600
- Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
Guadalupe, situated just outside Phoenix and near South Mountain Park and Reserve, offers outdoor activities but faces economic difficulties. Approximately 34.6% of its 5,334 residents live below the poverty line, with a median income of $45,114 and a 5.4% unemployment rate. Limited tax revenue also impacts the quality of schools, which score only 4/10 on Great Schools.
5. Coolidge
- Population: 13,347
- Rank Last Year: 8 (Up 3)
- Median Home Value: $127,700
- Unemployment Rate: 14.2%
Coolidge, located half an hour south of Chandler, ranks as the fifth-worst city on our list. It exhibits significant differences in the quality of life compared to nearby areas. Coolidge has the 22nd highest crime rate in Arizona, with residents facing a 1 in 38.4 chance of being robbed annually. While homes are relatively affordable at $127,700, the uninsured rate is below average.
6. San Luis
- Population: 35,289
- Rank Last Year: 4 (Down 3)
- Median Home Value: $146,800
- Unemployment Rate: 9.9%
San Luis presents one of the highest unemployment rates in our analysis, standing at 9.9% for a city of 35,289 people. The public school system here is underfunded, with students receiving significantly less spending per year than the national average. The city also faces above-average crime rates, likely due to its proximity to the Mexican border.
7. Nogales
- Population: 19,829
- Rank Last Year: 6 (Down 2)
- Median Home Value: $139,300
- Unemployment Rate: 13.2%
Nogales, while slightly better off, still grapples with financial challenges. Median household incomes in Nogales are just above $31,997, which is below the U.S. poverty line for a family of four. The unemployment rate here is 13.2%. Homes in Nogales are affordable, and public schools face underfunding similar to those in San Luis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arizona showcases a significant disparity in income and quality of life across its cities, with a clear divide between the wealthy, the middle class, and those facing financial hardships.