Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix AZ scores 45/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 66% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 166 (100 = avg); violent crime index 208; property crime index 123. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

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

Typical rent in Phoenix is about $1,582/month (moderate). At $1,582/month for a typical unit, you need about $56,952+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $420,700.

Median household income is $81,332, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($81,332) clears the $56,952 comfort line for that rent.

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

Average temperature is about 87°F (highs near 94°F, lows near 80°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 Phoenix: (1) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 94°F) (2) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and local pay near $81,332 helps carry housing costs) (3) Households earning $56,952+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,582/month (4) Movers with a locked job offer in Phoenix 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 45/100) (2) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 94°F) (3) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Phoenix does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $56,952 household income for $1,582/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Phoenix scores 45/100 on safety with $1,582/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.