Mesa, AZ

Mesa AZ scores 59/100 on safety (below average). Crime is about 2% above the national average. Expect more property crime (car break-ins, package theft) than a quiet suburb.

Detail: overall crime index 102 (100 = avg); violent crime index 123; property crime index 80. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Mesa. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Mesa is about $1,620/month (on the high side). At $1,620/month for a typical unit, you need about $58,320+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $408,000.

Median household income is $82,752, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($82,752) clears the $58,320 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 86°F (highs near 93°F, lows near 78°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Who tends to thrive in Mesa: (1) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 93°F) (2) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and local pay near $82,752 helps carry housing costs) (3) Households earning $58,320+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,620/month (4) Movers with a locked job offer in Mesa who already priced rent and commute

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 59/100) (2) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 93°F) (3) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,620/month

Income sniff test: clear about $58,320 household income for $1,620/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Mesa scores 59/100 on safety with $1,620/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.