Is Safford Safe, Pros and cons of living in Safford
Safford, Arizona, located in Graham County, is a city that offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty. Known for its agricultural roots and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities, Safford presents a distinct lifestyle for its residents. The city’s setting in the Upper Gila River Valley, with the Pinaleño Mountains nearby, influences its climate and offers scenic vistas.
The community of Safford is anchored by its role as the county seat and a commercial center for southeastern Arizona. With a population that has seen steady growth, Safford maintains a community feel while providing essential services and amenities. The city’s economy has historically been driven by agriculture, but has diversified over time to include other significant sectors.
Is it Safe to Live in Safford?
Safford’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with overall crime rates noted as being higher than the national average in some reports. One analysis indicates that Safford has a crime rate of 28 per one thousand residents, which is considered high compared to communities of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout). This means your chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime is about one in 36 within the city.
Further data suggests that violent crimes in Safford are higher than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of 1 in 488 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also contributes to the overall rate, with a chance of becoming a victim of 1 in 38. While one source suggests Safford has a crime safety grade of B and an overall crime rate 38% below the national average, other reports indicate higher rates. This highlights the importance of researching specific neighborhoods within Safford for a more detailed understanding of safety (according to DoorProfit, FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, and local law enforcement agencies).
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Safford is generally considered to be more affordable than both the national average and the average for Arizona. One report indicates that Safford is 7% less expensive than the national average and 9% less expensive than the average city in Arizona (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to housing, with median home values reported to be around $179,253 (according to Livability.com).
Rental costs in Safford are also notably lower than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Safford is approximately $787 per month, which is 52% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). This makes Safford an attractive option for those seeking to reduce their housing expenses, with a median monthly rent of $646 also reported (according to Livability.com).
Median Home Prices and Rent
The median home value in Safford is approximately $179,253 (according to Livability.com). Other reports place the median home value slightly higher, around $178,400 (according to Kurby AI) and a median listing price of $350K in the 85546 zip code (according to realtor.com®). The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $787 per month (according to Apartments.com).
For those considering renting, a studio apartment averages about $609 per month, a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,041, and a three-bedroom rental could be $1,070 or more (according to Apartments.com). These figures suggest that housing, whether owned or rented, is a significant factor contributing to Safford’s overall affordability.
Overall Cost of Living Index
Safford’s cost of living index is generally reported as being lower than the national average. One source states the index is 95, meaning it is 5% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This index considers various expenses, including food, transportation, healthcare, rent, utilities, and taxes.
The affordability of Safford is further supported by the fact that daily expenses such as food, housing, transportation, and healthcare are in line with or below national averages. This makes the city a financially accessible option for many individuals and families looking to relocate (according to AreaVibes and ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
Safford’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with major employers contributing to its stability. Key sectors include healthcare, mining, retail trade, and education. The presence of institutions like Mount Graham Regional Medical Center and Eastern Arizona College provides significant employment opportunities within the community.
Mining plays a crucial role in the local economy, with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. being a substantial employer in the Safford area and nearby Morenci. Additionally, the corrections industry, with state and federal prison facilities, is another notable employment sector. Agriculture also remains a historical and ongoing contributor to the region’s economic landscape (according to the Official Website of Safford, AZ and Lensa).
Major Employers
Several large organizations form the backbone of Safford’s employment landscape. Mount Graham Regional Medical Center is a primary employer, providing essential healthcare services and jobs. Eastern Arizona College, located in nearby Thatcher, also contributes significantly to the local job market through its educational and administrative roles.
Other key employers include Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., a major player in the mining industry, and DRG Technologies, a global label manufacturer. The corrections industry, with multiple state and federal prison facilities, also offers substantial employment. Furthermore, county and municipal governments, along with school districts, round out the list of major employers in the Safford area (according to the Official Website of Safford, AZ and Lensa).
Unemployment and Average Salary
The unemployment rate in Safford has shown fluctuations, with recent data indicating it is around 4.6% (according to YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average for the area, suggesting a relatively stable job market. State-level unemployment for Arizona was also reported at 4.6% in February 2026 (according to USAFacts).
Average salary figures in Safford vary by source, with some reporting an average annual salary of around $41,000 (according to Zippia) or $49,346 (according to ZipRecruiter). Other estimates place the average salary higher, around $63,328 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income is reported to be between $65,647 and $83,676, depending on the source (according to Data USA and AreaVibes).
Climate and Weather
Safford, Arizona, experiences a warm desert climate characterized by mild winters and very hot summers. The city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with an average of approximately 3,676 sunshine hours annually, making it one of the sunniest places in Arizona (according to myPerfectWeather).
The average annual temperature in Safford ranges from a low of about 30°F in the winter months to a high of 101°F during the summer. Rainfall is scarce, with an average annual precipitation of around 9 to 10 inches. August tends to be the wettest month, while May is typically the driest (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather).
Average Temperatures
Summers in Safford are sweltering, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 92°F from late May to mid-September. July is the hottest month, often reaching an average high of 99°F and a low of 73°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are mild and clear, with average daily high temperatures below 68°F from late November to mid-February.
The coldest month is typically December, with average highs around 61°F and lows near 36°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The comfortable weather, characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity, is most prevalent in mid-February to April and again from mid-October to November.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Safford receives very little annual precipitation, with averages around 9 to 10 inches per year (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). The majority of this rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon season, with August typically being the wettest month, receiving an average of 1.8 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather).
The rest of the year is quite dry, with May often being the driest month, averaging only 0.2 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall is minimal, usually just about 1 inch, primarily occurring in December and January.
Education and Demographics
Safford’s population is diverse, with a significant portion identifying as White and a notable Hispanic or Latino population. The median age in Safford is around 31 to 35 years old, indicating a mix of younger and older residents (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).
The city is served by the Safford Unified School District, which includes several public schools. These schools have varying performance metrics, with some elementary schools showing stronger results than the district average in certain subjects. Safford High School has demonstrated recent improvement, though its overall performance is considered average compared to other Arizona high schools (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
School Ratings and Performance
Public schools in Safford have an average math proficiency score of 32% and a reading proficiency score of 39%, which are slightly below the Arizona public school averages (according to Niche). The Safford Unified School District has an overall Niche grade of B, ranking it among the better districts in the state for factors like diversity and being a place to teach.
Top-ranked schools in Safford include Dorothy Stinson School and Lafe Nelson School, with Safford High School also being a notable institution. While some schools show areas for improvement, the district serves a substantial number of students, with 99% of K-12 students in Safford attending public schools (according to Niche).
Population and Demographics
As of recent census data, Safford has a population of over 10,000 residents. The population density is around 1,093.02 inhabitants per square mile (according to Wikipedia). The racial composition includes a majority of White residents, with significant Hispanic or Latino representation, and smaller percentages of other racial groups (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).
The demographic breakdown shows that approximately 27.7% of residents are under 18, and 16.7% are 65 or older (according to Wikipedia). For every 100 females, there are about 93.6 males, indicating a slightly higher female population (according to Wikipedia). The majority of residents live in urban areas, with a small percentage in rural settings.