Is Gilbert Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gilbert

Gilbert, Arizona, offers a dynamic blend of suburban comfort and growing urban amenities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a high quality of life. This southeastern Phoenix metropolitan area has experienced significant growth, transforming into a vibrant community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of sunshine. With a strong economic base and a commitment to community excellence, Gilbert continues to draw new residents seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.

The city boasts a diverse population and a thriving job market, supported by a range of industries and major employers. Gilbert’s strategic location within the Phoenix metropolitan area provides residents with access to a wide array of recreational activities, cultural attractions, and essential services. This combination of factors contributes to Gilbert’s reputation as a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

Is it Safe to Live in Gilbert?

Gilbert, Arizona, is widely recognized for its safety, consistently ranking among the safest cities in the United States. The overall crime rate in Gilbert is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. In typical years, the crime rate is around 18.50 per 1,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to a 48% lower crime rate than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Gilbert is approximately 1 in 91 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Further underscoring its safety, Gilbert has been ranked as the second safest city among the 100 largest in the nation by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (as reported by Gilbert Police News). Violent crimes in Gilbert are notably lower than the national average, with rates 63% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 506 per year (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Gilbert presents a competitive landscape with a median sale price that is higher than the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Gilbert was $585,000, marking a 1.4% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Gilbert typically sell within 45 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median home price in Gilbert is 33% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin).

For renters, the market also shows distinct trends. The average rent in Gilbert is approximately $2,450 per month, which is 22.5% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). However, other sources indicate a different average rent. For instance, the average rent for an apartment in Gilbert is $1,576 per month, which is 4.0% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent for a studio apartment averages $1,419 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,584 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Cost of Living and Income

Gilbert’s cost of living is higher than both the national and state averages, largely driven by housing expenses. The overall cost of living in Gilbert is approximately 13% higher than the national average (as reported by Livingcost). Housing costs are notably more expensive, being about 30% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by RentCafe). Utilities are also slightly pricier, running about 1% higher than the national average (as reported by RentCafe).

To live comfortably in Gilbert as a single adult with no dependents, an annual salary of around $85,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com). The average annual household income in Gilbert was $150,067 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income was $122,551 (as reported by Point2Homes), and the median renter household income was $78,730 in 2022 (as reported by Point2Homes).

Job Market and Major Employers

Gilbert boasts a robust job market with a growing employment rate. As of April 2026, the employment rate in Gilbert, AZ, is approximately 96.79% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The most common job sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in Gilbert contribute significantly to its economic vitality, with companies like Deloitte, Banner MD Anderson, Northrop Grumman, and GoDaddy being prominent (as reported by Gilbert, AZ Office of Economic Development).

The average annual salary in Gilbert is around $52,428, equating to about $25.21 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average annual salary of $83,067, or approximately $40 per hour (as reported by Zippia). Salaries in Gilbert typically range from $34,557 to $68,931 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Gilbert experiences a hot arid climate, characterized by sweltering summers and mild to warm winters. The average annual precipitation in Gilbert is around 9 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). During the summer, temperatures can reach highs of 106°F in July, while winter brings cooler temperatures with lows around 40°F in December (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity level remains comfortable throughout the summer, contributing to a pleasant environment for residents.

Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with December typically being the wettest month, receiving about 1.19 inches of rain (as reported by The Weather Channel). June, conversely, is one of the driest months, with minimal rainfall. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities (as reported by Gilbert, AZ).

Education and School Ratings

Gilbert is home to a highly-rated public school system, with many schools earning top rankings within Arizona and the nation. Gilbert Public Schools has an overall Niche grade of A, and is ranked as the #8 best school district in Arizona (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 50% of students are proficient in math and 57% in reading (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio in Gilbert Public Schools is 17 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Top-ranked public schools in Gilbert include Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12, Neely Traditional Academy, and Ashland Elementary School (as reported by U.S. News & World Report). Gilbert Classical Academy, for instance, is recognized as the second-highest-ranking public school district high school in Arizona (as reported by U.S. News & World Report). These strong educational institutions contribute to Gilbert’s appeal for families prioritizing academic excellence.

Demographics and Population

Gilbert is a large and growing municipality, with a population estimated at 289,260 as of 2024 (as reported by ESRI, 2024). The city’s population has seen substantial growth, doubling every five years from 1980 to 2000 (as reported by Gilbert, AZ Office of Economic Development). By 2030, Gilbert is expected to be fully built out, with an anticipated population exceeding 330,000 (as reported by Gilbert, AZ Office of Economic Development).

The demographic profile of Gilbert is characterized by a relatively young population, with a median age of 36.1 years (as reported by ESRI, 2024). Approximately 67% of the population is under the age of 45 (as reported by Gilbert, AZ Office of Economic Development). The racial makeup of Gilbert is predominantly White, with 70.3% of locals identifying as Caucasian (as reported by Point2Homes). Other significant racial groups include Hispanic or Latino (17.9%), and Asian (6.8%) (as reported by Point2Homes).