Is Drexel Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Drexel Heights
Drexel Heights, an unincorporated community in Pima County, Arizona, offers a blend of suburban and rural characteristics. It is situated just south of Tucson, providing residents with proximity to urban amenities while maintaining a more laid-back atmosphere. The community is known for its diverse population and a housing market that is generally more affordable than the national average.
This area presents a unique living experience, with a mix of single-family homes and mobile homes, and a strong sense of community. Many of the residences were established between 1940 and 1999, contributing to the established feel of the neighborhoods. Drexel Heights is an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a comfortable lifestyle with a manageable cost of living.
Is it Safe to Live in Drexel Heights?
Drexel Heights experiences a property crime rate of 16.78 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate in Drexel Heights is 3.810 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). The overall crime grade for Drexel Heights is a C-, indicating that the rate of crime is slightly higher than the average U.S. city (according to CrimeGrade.org).
While the overall crime rate is a consideration, specific neighborhoods within Drexel Heights offer varying levels of safety. Residents generally consider the south part of the city to be the safest for violent crime, while the northwest part is considered safest for property crime (according to CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident in Drexel Heights is approximately $239 per year, which is less than the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Real Estate Market
The median home value in Drexel Heights is approximately $271,107, which is less expensive than most Arizona neighborhoods and a significant portion of U.S. neighborhoods (according to NeighborhoodScout). The median listing price for homes in Drexel Heights was $300,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). The housing market in Drexel Heights is considered somewhat competitive, with homes selling in an average of 56 days (according to Redfin).
For renters, the average rental price in Drexel Heights is around $1,804 per month, which is lower than many Arizona neighborhoods (according to NeighborhoodScout). The median rent for all property types in Drexel Heights was $1,645 as of April 2026, which is lower than the national average (according to Zumper). Most residents in Drexel Heights own their homes, with 85% being homeowners (according to Niche).
Job Market and Economy
The average annual salary in Drexel Heights is approximately $53,106, equating to about $25.53 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Drexel Heights range between $37,920 and $70,150 annually, depending on occupation and experience (according to ZipRecruiter). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Drexel Heights saw a decline of -5.33%, with the most common employment sectors being Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Public Administration (according to Data USA).
The most common job groups for residents of Drexel Heights include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Management Occupations (according to Data USA). The unemployment rate in Arizona was 4.6% in February 2026 (according to USAFacts). While specific unemployment data for Drexel Heights is not readily available, the median household income suggests a relatively stable economic environment.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Drexel Heights experiences a climate characterized by sweltering summers and cold, dry winters, with mostly clear skies year-round (according to WorldWeatherOnline). The temperature typically ranges from 41°F to 102°F, rarely dropping below 32°F or exceeding 108°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline). The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often above 94°F, and July being the hottest month with highs around 100°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline).
The cool season extends from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 72°F, and December being the coldest month with lows around 42°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline). Drexel Heights experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with the wettest period occurring from July to September, and August receiving the most rain with an average of 2.1 inches (according to WorldWeatherOnline). May is typically the driest month, with an average of only 0.1 inches of rainfall (according to WorldWeatherOnline).
Education and Schools
Public schools in Drexel Heights are generally considered above average (according to Niche). Several public schools serve the area, including Warren Elementary School, Harriet Johnson Primary School, and Satori Charter School (according to Niche). University High School, serving grades 8-12, has a rating of 4.05 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews (according to Niche).
The Tucson Unified School District and Sunnyside Unified School District serve the Drexel Heights area, with both receiving positive ratings (according to Niche). Niche’s rankings for school districts are based on state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality, among other factors (according to Niche).
Demographics and Diversity
Drexel Heights has a population of approximately 27,675 residents, making it a significant community within Pima County (according to Data USA). The demographic makeup of Drexel Heights is notably diverse, with a large Hispanic population comprising about 73.7% of residents (according to Data USA). Other significant racial and ethnic groups include White residents at 18.9% and American Indian at 2.9% (according to Data USA).
The median age in Drexel Heights is 37.3 years (according to Data USA). The community has a slightly higher proportion of females, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 94.9 to 100 (according to Data USA). A considerable portion of the population, 15.4%, was born outside of the country (according to Data USA).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Drexel Heights is approximately 1% higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 101 (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs in Drexel Heights are notably lower than the national average, being 10% lower (according to AreaVibes). The median home price in Drexel Heights is around $175,105, which is considerably lower than the Arizona average of $274,828 (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
While housing is affordable, other expenses are in line with or slightly above the national average. The median household income in Drexel Heights is approximately $73,508 (according to Data USA), which is higher than the national average. This income level helps to offset the slightly higher cost of living, making Drexel Heights a financially manageable place to reside for many.