Tucson, AZ

Tucson AZ scores 43/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 74% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 174 (100 = avg); violent crime index 170; property crime index 177. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

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

Typical rent in Tucson is about $1,145/month (affordable). At $1,145/month for a typical unit, you need about $41,220+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $266,200.

Median household income is $57,073, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($57,073) clears the $41,220 comfort line for that rent.

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

Average temperature is about 82°F (highs near 89°F, lows near 75°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 Tucson: (1) Renters who want $1,145/month housing without coastal prices (comfort income is about $41,220) (2) Households earning $41,220+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,145/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Tucson who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 43/100) (2) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Tucson does not clear every bar) (3) People who will not research ZIP-level crime maps before leasing

Income sniff test: clear about $41,220 household income for $1,145/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Tucson scores 43/100 on safety with $1,145/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.