Average Rent in Santa Cruz County, AZ↑ Rents rising 9.0% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in AZ
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 48,209
Market Overview
Santa Cruz County, AZ has rental prices ranging from $764/month to $1,570/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $849/month — 39% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $53,614/year, spending $849/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Santa Cruz County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,114/month, Santa Cruz County ranks #14 most expensive of the 15 cities tracked in Arizona — pricier than 76% of all US cities in our data.
The Santa Cruz County Rental Market
The Santa Cruz County, AZ area has a population of about 48,209 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Santa Cruz County, AZ have risen by $92/month (9.0%) over the past year, from $1,022 to $1,114. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz County, AZ without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,960. The local median household income of $53,614 exceeds that threshold by $19,654, making Santa Cruz County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Santa Cruz County, AZ has an unemployment rate of 8.7%, 4.8 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Santa Cruz County, AZ Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in AZlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $1,530 | $1,679 | $1,950 | $2,624 | — |
| Tucson | $941 | $1,052 | $1,373 | $1,924 | — |
| Prescott Valley | $1,101 | $1,293 | $1,606 | $2,216 | — |
| Prescott | $733 | $894 | $1,103 | $1,537 | — |
| Lake Havasu City | $1,051 | $1,051 | $1,357 | $1,883 | — |
| Yuma | $1,043 | $1,050 | $1,377 | $1,877 | — |
Rent or Buy in Santa Cruz County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Santa Cruz County data
Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.
Living in Santa Cruz County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Santa Cruz CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in AZSee how Santa Cruz County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Santa Cruz CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋AZ Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections