Cost of Living in Golden Valley, AZ

Population 7,999 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023

65
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The median resident in Golden Valley is 62 years old, well past the national midpoint, giving the city the retail and service mix of a retirement-dominant market. Household-income figures here read differently than in working-age cities: retirement and investment income weigh heavily in the totals. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 70 miles southeast of Henderson, Golden Valley is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 67% lower than Henderson's $465,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 50
Rent 88

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Golden Valley

The median home value in Golden Valley is $153,000 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,156/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,940/year is 41% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, below 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 77.3°F and lows of 47.9°F. Overall, Golden Valley has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$153,000
50% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$240,994
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,156/mo
12% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.0x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$985
1 BR
$1,055
2 BR
$1,373
3 BR
$1,877
4 BR
$2,092
Owner-occupied 91.4%
Renter-occupied 8.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,156
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,770/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.3 min
5% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
55.5%
Carpooled
30.2%
Walked
2.9%
Work from home
8.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 2.5%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 5.6%
Avg local rate 2.8%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$43,940
41% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,890
Unemployment Rate
1.4%
71% below avg
Poverty Rate
22.5%
Labor Force Participation
32.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 2.2%
Graduate degree 2.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 61.5
Male median age 63.2
Female median age 60.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.3°F
Avg Low
47.9°F
Annual Precip
8"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576167758595999791796656
Low °F 313338435362706960483730
Precip" 0.981.040.590.460.080.110.860.880.960.740.620.68

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 15 — Good
97.5%
Good air days/yr
99
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Golden Valley, AZ?

Golden Valley has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.

What is average rent in Golden Valley, AZ?

The median gross rent in Golden Valley is $1,156 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Golden Valley?

The median home value in Golden Valley is $153,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Golden Valley?

The median household income in Golden Valley is $43,940 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Golden Valley, AZ?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Golden Valley is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.

Is Golden Valley, AZ affordable?

Yes, Golden Valley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Golden Valley?

Golden Valley has average high temperatures of 77.3°F and average lows of 47.9°F. Annual precipitation is 8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Golden Valley at a Glance

Population
7,999
Median Income
$43,940
Home Value
$153,000
Median Rent
$1,156/mo
Unemployment
1.4%
Avg High Temp
77.3°F
Sales Tax
8.4%
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🗺️ County data for Arizona

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