Is Goodyear Safe, Pros and cons of living in Goodyear

Goodyear, Arizona, a rapidly growing city in the Phoenix metropolitan area, offers a blend of suburban comfort and modern amenities. Its strategic location in the Sonoran Desert provides a unique climate, characterized by distinct seasons and abundant sunshine. The city is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, abundant recreational opportunities, and a developing economy that attracts new residents and businesses alike.

As Goodyear continues to expand, understanding its various facets, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for anyone considering a move. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what life is like in Goodyear, offering insights into its community, economy, and overall livability.

Is it Safe to Live in Goodyear?

Goodyear, Arizona, maintains an overall crime grade of A-minus, indicating a crime rate lower than the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and City-Data.com). The city’s crime rate is 15.82 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Goodyear is 1 in 555, with property crime at 1 in 69 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The cost of crime per resident in Goodyear is approximately $186 annually, which is lower than the Arizona state average (as reported by YourValley.net). Local law enforcement attributes this safety success to a mission focused on community-oriented policing (as reported by YourValley.net). While the southwest portion of the city is considered the safest, crime rates can vary by neighborhood (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, YourValley.net).

The Cost of Living in Goodyear

Housing Expenses

Housing costs in Goodyear are a significant factor, with expenses being approximately 42% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median home price in Goodyear is around $458,100, which is about 35% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by BestPlaces, Livingcost.org). The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Goodyear can range from $1,600 to $2,130 per month, depending on the source and specific neighborhood (as reported by BestPlaces, IndexYard).

Utilities and Groceries

Utility prices in Goodyear are about 6% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Due to the hot desert climate, cooling costs can contribute significantly to monthly expenses, with electricity often ranging from $150 to $250 per month (as reported by Livingcost.org). Grocery prices are also slightly higher than the national average, by about 3% (as reported by Payscale).

Overall Affordability

Goodyear’s overall cost of living is approximately 13–20% above the national average, placing it among the more expensive Phoenix suburbs (as reported by Livingcost.org). For a single adult, estimated monthly expenses, including rent, are around $2,481 (as reported by Livingcost.org). For a family of four, basic living expenses can range from $4,350 to $6,400 per month (as reported by Collin Family Movers).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Goodyear’s economy is bolstered by major employers across various sectors. In healthcare, Abrazo West Campus and Cancer Treatment Centers of America (City of Hope) are significant employers (as reported by ClearlySold). The aerospace and defense industry is represented by Lockheed Martin and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) (as reported by ClearlySold).

Logistics and retail are also key sectors, with Amazon operating multiple fulfillment centers, making it one of the largest employers in the city (as reported by ClearlySold). Other notable companies include Ball Corporation in manufacturing and various retail giants like Walmart, Target, and FedEx (as reported by ClearlySold, Indeed.com).

Employment and Wages

The average annual salary in Goodyear is approximately $48,344, with an hourly rate of about $23.24 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary for jobs in Goodyear, around $66,481 per year or $32 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Goodyear was $103,319 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, Livingcost.org).

The unemployment rate in Goodyear was 4.70% as of the most recent data, which is higher than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts). In Arizona, the unemployment rate was 4.6% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Sunshine

Goodyear experiences a hot desert climate with mild winters and very hot summers. Average temperatures range from a low of 40°F in December to a high of 107°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city boasts over 300 sunny days per year, with abundant sunshine totaling over 3,700 hours annually (as reported by Wikipedia, myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall and Seasons

Rainfall in Goodyear is very low, averaging around 8 to 10 inches annually (as reported by Wikipedia, myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically August, receiving about 30 mm of precipitation, while June is the driest (as reported by The Weather Channel, Wikipedia). Summers are extremely hot, with daily highs consistently at or above 100°F from June through August, while winter days are pleasant, with highs ranging from 60 to 75°F (as reported by Wikipedia).

Education in Goodyear

School Ratings

Public schools in Goodyear have an average ranking of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of Arizona public schools (as reported by Niche, SchoolDigger.com). Schools in Goodyear show strong performance in math and reading proficiency compared to the state average (as reported by Niche). Top-ranked public schools include Wildflower Accelerated Academy, Estrella Mountain Elementary School, and West-mec – Estrella Foothills High School (as reported by Niche).

Student Demographics and Performance

Minority enrollment in Goodyear’s public schools is 72% of the student body, which is higher than the Arizona public school average (as reported by Niche). The student population is predominantly Hispanic. While some schools achieve high rankings, there are also systemic challenges, such as a consistent dropout rate across high schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics of Goodyear

Population and Age Distribution

Goodyear is home to approximately 107,645 residents, with projections indicating a population of over 128,000 by 2026 (as reported by Livingcost.org, Wikipedia). The median age in Goodyear is around 42.1 years (as reported by Data USA, Livingcost.org). The population is distributed with about 18.4% under 15, 10.2% between 15-24, 25.5% between 25-44, 25.9% between 45-64, and 20% aged 65 and older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of Goodyear includes approximately 57.3% White, 12.0% other races, 7.8% African American, and 3.4% Asian residents (as reported by Point2Homes, Livingcost.org). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 31.7% of the population (as reported by Data USA, Livingcost.org).

Household Income and Citizenship

The median household income in Goodyear was $103,319 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, Livingcost.org). A significant majority, 96.4%, of Goodyear residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate in Goodyear is approximately 5.25% (as reported by Data Commons).