Median Income
$68,854
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,500
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
128/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$870
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cactus Forest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population509
Median Age68.5 yrs
Density186/mi²
Male / Female35% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans27.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,854
Per Capita$35,371
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$16,272M
Commute53 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,500
Rent$870
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$333,016
Housing Units368
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent128/100K
Property598/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking12.7%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp72°F (22°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain10.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation1,823 ft (556 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score4.57
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute53 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries19
Is Cactus Forest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cactus Forest receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Cactus Forest offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cactus Forest is $68,854, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 53 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cactus Forest is $141,500, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cactus Forest is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 598 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Cactus Forest has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 72°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 91°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Cactus Forest has a population of 509 with a density of 186 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 68.5 years, 76% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.6% female and 35.4% male. The city is predominantly White (74.3%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 27.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
68.5yrs
Median Age
76% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cactus Forest vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cactus Forest vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cactus Forest is $68,854, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,371. The average weekly wage is $1,118, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,085 business establishments, including 424 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 53 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 22.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cactus Forest vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,854 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,371 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,118 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,681 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,085 |
| County GDP | $16,272M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 424 |
| Healthcare | 620 |
| Retail | 539 |
| Manufacturing | 136 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,956 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 53.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 35.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.5% |
The median home value in Cactus Forest is $141,500, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $333,016, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $870 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 368 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $2,956 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,500 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $333,016 |
| Median List Price | $474,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $474,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $174 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $870 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 368 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,956 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Cactus Forest, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,619. The dentist ratio is 1:2,919. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cactus Forest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,619 |
| Dentists | 1:2,919 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,116 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,285/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 620 |
Cactus Forest has a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 598 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 79 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 546 federally declared disasters. Overall, Cactus Forest receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cactus Forest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 127.7/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 598.4/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 79 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 546 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cactus Forest has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 72°F (22°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 91°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 10.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 1,823 feet.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
91°F Jul (33°C)
| Annual Average | 72.2°F |
| 34% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 91°F (33°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,823 ft (556 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 186/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.9578°N, 111.3169°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Pinal County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marana Regional (AVW)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.0"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0517 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Jun 25, 2010 |
8 km SW of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M3.1 |
73 km |
| Sep 28, 2023 |
21 km E of Tanque Verde, Arizona |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Sep 9, 2014 |
6 km SE of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.9 |
77 km |
| Aug 30, 2014 |
8 km W of Rock House, Arizona |
M2.9 |
81 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
3 km NNW of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.8 |
84 km |
| Jun 6, 2020 |
5 km NW of New River, Arizona |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Feb 25, 2022 |
1 km S of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.6 |
79 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
14 km ENE of Willow Canyon, Arizona |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Feb 15, 2022 |
6 km S of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.5 |
75 km |
| Feb 12, 2022 |
2 km ESE of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.5 |
80 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
85 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 fatalities, 126 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 28, 1994 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 1993 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1972 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1968 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1964 |
EF2 |
89 km |
2 |
| Jul 14, 1996 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 1995 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jan 18, 1993 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1992 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1991 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1988 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1986 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1985 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1984 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1983 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1981 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BUSH (212,542 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
BUSH |
212,542 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
TELEGRAPH |
187,248 |
49 km |
| 2019 |
WOODBURY |
130,242 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
BIGHORN |
126,131 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
ASPEN |
79,707 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
MESCAL |
79,346 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
EDGE COMPLEX |
69,291 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
GRIFFIN |
61,455 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
LONE |
60,574 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
FREEMAN |
32,950 |
39 km |
| 2002 |
BULLOCK |
31,774 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
BURRO |
26,852 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
SAND STONE |
26,470 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
SAWTOOTH |
23,174 |
48 km |
| 1995 |
RIO |
22,666 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
SALT |
21,885 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
ROCKHOUSE |
18,435 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
THREE FIRE COMPLEX (THREE) |
15,849 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
SIPHON |
15,019 |
58 km |
| 2014 |
OAK |
13,664 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| June |
84°F (29°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| July |
91°F (33°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
88°F (31°C) |
1.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
84°F (29°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
60°F (15°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
Cactus Forest has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 52°F in December to 91°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.9") and June the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Cactus Forest. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$252 ($151–$403) |
| Specialist Visit |
$352 ($201–$554) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$201 ($101–$352) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,215 ($806–$5,035) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$201) |
| Dental Filling |
$252 ($151–$403) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($50–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$604 ($403–$1,007) |
| Battery Replacement |
$201 ($101–$352) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($60–$151) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($50–$141) |
| HVAC Repair |
$403 ($151–$806) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,049 ($4,028–$12,084) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,007 ($403–$2,014) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,063 ($5,539–$15,105) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,511 ($504–$3,525) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,105 ($5,035–$30,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,035 ($2,014–$10,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,511 ($806–$3,021) |
| Will Preparation |
$504 ($201–$1,007) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,518 ($1,007–$5,035) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$151 ($76–$252) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($50–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.13 ($3.02–$5.54) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.52 ($2.52–$5.04) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.83 ($2.52–$5.54) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.53 ($3.02–$6.55) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.54 ($4.03–$7.55) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.60–$1.81) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$141 ($81–$252) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$151) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($50–$151) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$201 ($76–$504) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,014 ($1,208–$3,525) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.06–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$252) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,208 ($604–$2,518) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,007 ($504–$2,014) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$403 ($201–$705) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,007 ($403–$2,518) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,588 ($5,035–$30,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($50–$201) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$201 ($101–$403) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $904 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $701 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $747 |
| Preschool | $747 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cactus Forest
What is the population of Cactus Forest?
Cactus Forest has a population of 509 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 186 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 68.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.6% female and 35.4% male.
Is Cactus Forest expensive to live in?
Cactus Forest has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,854, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,500 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cactus Forest safe?
Cactus Forest is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 598 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cactus Forest receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cactus Forest?
Cactus Forest has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 72°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 91°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Cactus Forest?
The job market in Cactus Forest is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,118. There are 5,085 business establishments in the area, including 424 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 53 minutes, and 22.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cactus Forest?
The median home value in Cactus Forest is $141,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $333,016. For renters, the median monthly rent is $870. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,956.
How are the schools in Cactus Forest?
Schools in Cactus Forest have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.5% of adults in Cactus Forest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cactus Forest?
The obesity rate in Cactus Forest is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 11.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,619.
What is transportation like in Cactus Forest?
The average commute in Cactus Forest is 53 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 35.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cactus Forest?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cactus Forest is 74.3% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 27.5% of the population are military veterans. 30.8% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
