Best counties to raise a family in Arizona
Best counties to raise a family in Arizona
Known in other parts of the world as shires, provinces, or territories, the United States’ counties (also known in certain states as boroughs or parishes) date back to the 1600s, when settlers first came to find freedom from British rule. Today, those counties remain, with the 50 states divided into several, each with its own unique makeup.
For people looking to find a home to raise a family in, choosing a county is an important decision. Most families place affordable homes, safe neighborhoods, a quality school system, and family-friendly activities at the top of their wishlists.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in Arizona using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, healthcare, recreation and weather. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
The list features counties that boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season. Keep reading to explore the best counties to raise a family. Maybe you’ll find one that suits your brood.
#5. Graham County
- Median home value: $138,700 (70% own)
- Median rent: $769 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $51,353
- Top public schools: Discovery Plus Academy (A-), Ruth Powell Elementary School (B+), Thatcher High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Safford Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Thatcher (A-), Safford (B), Pima (B-)
- Pictured: 3177 W 1st St, Thatcher ($439,000, 3 bedrooms)
#4. Cochise County
- Median home value: $146,800 (69% own)
- Median rent: $783 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $49,260
- Top public schools: General Myer Elementary School (A-), Cochise Elementary School (A-), Pomerene Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Community School (B+), Loretto Catholic School (unavailable), First Baptist Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Sierra Vista (A-), Benson (B), Bisbee (B-)
- Pictured: 3116 Camino Las Palmeras, Sierra Vista ($650,000, 3 bedrooms)
#3. Pima County
- Median home value: $184,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $907 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $53,379
- Top public schools: BASIS Oro Valley (A+), BASIS Tucson North (A+), University High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Gregory School (A+), Salpointe Catholic High School (A), Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Peter Howell (A+), Catalina Foothills (A+), Old Fort Lowell (A+)
- Pictured: 221 N Norris Ave, Tucson ($565,000, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Greenlee County
- Median home value: $83,800 (49% own)
- Median rent: $466 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $63,473
- Top public schools: Metcalf Elementary School (B+), Fairbanks Middle School (B+), Morenci High School (B)
- Top places to live: Clifton (B+), Duncan (C+), Morenci (unavailable)
- Pictured: 629 Turner Ave, Clifton ($110,000, 3 bedrooms)
#1. Maricopa County
- Median home value: $260,200 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,127 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $64,468
- Top public schools: BASIS Scottsdale (A+), BASIS Peoria (A+), BASIS Chandler (A+)
- Top private schools: Phoenix Country Day School (A+), Brophy College Preparatory High School (A+), Rancho Solano Preparatory School (A+)
- Top places to live: Ahwatukee Foothills (A+), Chandler (A+), Scottsdale (A+)
- Pictured: 9443 S 44th St, Phoenix ($309,000, 3 bedrooms)
