Cost of Living in Fort Defiance, AZ
Population 3,614 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fort Defiance sits on the smaller end of the Arizona city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 10.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Fort Defiance lies roughly 135 miles west of the nearest major metro, Rio Rancho. Median home values run roughly 86% lower than Rio Rancho's $273,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Defiance
The median home value in Fort Defiance is $37,800 — 88% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $802/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,250/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arizona's top state income tax rate is 2.5% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. The climate averages highs of 66.5°F and lows of 31.9°F. Overall, Fort Defiance has a cost of living index of 32 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 68% less expensive.
Fort Defiance is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 49 | 58 | 65 | 74 | 85 | 88 | 85 | 79 | 68 | 56 | 46 |
| Low °F | 14 | 19 | 24 | 29 | 36 | 45 | 55 | 52 | 43 | 31 | 21 | 14 |
| Precip" | 1.04 | 0.87 | 0.66 | 0.46 | 0.57 | 0.28 | 1.78 | 1.85 | 1.34 | 0.92 | 0.75 | 0.83 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Defiance, AZ?
Fort Defiance has a cost index of 32 (100 = national average). It is 68% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Defiance, AZ?
The median gross rent in Fort Defiance is $802 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Defiance?
The median home value in Fort Defiance is $37,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Fort Defiance?
The median household income in Fort Defiance is $56,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Defiance, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Defiance is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Fort Defiance, AZ affordable?
Yes, Fort Defiance is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 32 — about 68% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fort Defiance?
Fort Defiance has average high temperatures of 66.5°F and average lows of 31.9°F. Annual precipitation is 11.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fort Defiance at a Glance
- Population
- 3,614
- Median Income
- $56,250
- Home Value
- $37,800
- Median Rent
- $802/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data