Cost of Living in Picture Rocks, AZ

Population 9,665 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023

75
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Picture Rocks a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $181,000.

Geographically, Picture Rocks is about 25 miles northwest of Tucson, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Tucson's $242,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 59
Rent 99

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

About the Cost of Living in Picture Rocks

The median home value in Picture Rocks is $181,200 — 41% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,301/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,745/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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%. Overall, Picture Rocks has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$181,200
41% below avg
Median Rent
$1,301/mo
1% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.6x
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 89.5%
Renter-occupied 10.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,301
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,915/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
38.9 min
44% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
86.0%
Carpooled
4.9%
Public transit
1.7%
Work from home
5.9%

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
$59,745
20% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,004
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
14% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.2%
Labor Force Participation
43.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.9%
Graduate degree 3.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 52.4
Male median age 52.5
Female median age 52.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 54 — Moderate
33.7%
Good air days/yr
147
Max AQI recorded
123
PM2.5 days
179
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Picture Rocks, AZ?

Picture Rocks has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.

What is average rent in Picture Rocks, AZ?

The median gross rent in Picture Rocks is $1,301 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Picture Rocks?

The median home value in Picture Rocks is $181,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Picture Rocks?

The median household income in Picture Rocks is $59,745 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Picture Rocks, AZ?

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

Is Picture Rocks, AZ affordable?

Yes, Picture Rocks is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.

Picture Rocks at a Glance

Population
9,665
Median Income
$59,745
Home Value
$181,200
Median Rent
$1,301/mo
Unemployment
5.5%
Sales Tax
8.4%
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🗺️ County data for Arizona

Explore county-level cost of living data

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