Median Income
$51,103
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$292,600
4% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
33/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.4%
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.4%
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Elephant Head Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population572
Median Age60.9 yrs
Density79/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans23.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,103
Per Capita$32,477
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,844M
Commute36 min
Housing
B
Home Value$292,600
Ownership81.0%
Zillow$280,579
Housing Units230
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent33/100K
Property1,444/100K
Health
Obesity29.4%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking8.6%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain20.7 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation3,107 ft (947 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.4%
High School+89.0%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 59%
Commute36 min
Broadband71.7%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Elephant Head a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elephant Head receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Elephant Head has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elephant Head is $51,103, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elephant Head is $292,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elephant Head is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,444 per 100,000, 26% below the national average.
Education
19.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Elephant Head enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Elephant Head has a population of 572 with a density of 79 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age is 60.9 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.2% female and 45.8% male. The city is predominantly White (85.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.9% of residents, while 20.1% speak Spanish. 23.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.9yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elephant Head vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.9%
2% above US avg
Spanish
20.1%
50% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Elephant Head vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elephant Head is $51,103, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,477 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,147, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above 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 1,240 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 22.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elephant Head vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,103 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,477 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,147 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,861 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,240 |
| County GDP | $2,844M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 76 |
| Retail | 156 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,792 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.7% |
The median home value in Elephant Head is $292,600, 4% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,579. Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 230 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $4,792 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $292,600 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $280,579 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 81.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.0% |
| Housing Units | 230 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,792 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.64% |
In Elephant Head, 29.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 8.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 16.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.0% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,660. The dentist ratio is 1:4,433. 61.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elephant Head vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.4% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,660 |
| Dentists | 1:4,433 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,756 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Elephant Head has a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,444 per 100,000, 26% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elephant Head receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elephant Head vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 33.1/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,444.5/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elephant Head enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 328 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 20.7 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 3,107 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.3°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,107 ft (947 m) |
| Area | 7.4 sq mi (19.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.7668°N, 110.9913°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Santa Cruz County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tucson International (TUS) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.7"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Oct 16, 1999 |
10 km ESE of Imuris, Mexico |
M4.5 |
115 km |
| Sep 28, 2023 |
21 km E of Tanque Verde, Arizona |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
14 km ENE of Willow Canyon, Arizona |
M2.6 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
33 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 fatalities, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 28, 1994 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1964 |
EF2 |
48 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1991 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1975 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
39 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1971 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1969 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1961 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2023 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2022 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2017 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2017 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2015 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 2015 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIGHORN (126,131 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
BIGHORN |
126,131 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
ASPEN |
79,707 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
MURPHY COMPLEX |
64,407 |
36 km |
| 2017 |
SAWMILL |
47,357 |
29 km |
| 2002 |
RYAN |
36,922 |
51 km |
| 2002 |
BULLOCK |
31,774 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
CONTRERAS |
31,297 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
MONUMENT |
30,219 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
BURRO |
26,852 |
77 km |
| 1993 |
MARKHAM |
24,636 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
ELK HORN |
22,745 |
54 km |
| 2002 |
WALKER |
17,438 |
47 km |
| 2022 |
TONTO CANYON |
16,989 |
46 km |
| 2005 |
FLORIDA |
16,362 |
16 km |
| 2011 |
BULL |
16,339 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
PEAK |
16,078 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
LIZARD |
15,791 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
BROWN |
15,681 |
54 km |
| 1994 |
RINCON |
15,472 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
ENCINOS |
14,145 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
Elephant Head has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 49°F in December to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and May the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Elephant Head. 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 | $931 |
| Toddler | $670 |
| Preschool | $670 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Head
What is the population of Elephant Head?
Elephant Head has a population of 572 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 79 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.2% female and 45.8% male.
Is Elephant Head expensive to live in?
Elephant Head 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 $51,103, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $292,600 (4% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Elephant Head safe?
Elephant Head is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,444 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elephant Head receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elephant Head?
Elephant Head enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Elephant Head?
Elephant Head has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,147. There are 1,240 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 22.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elephant Head?
The median home value in Elephant Head is $292,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,579. The homeownership rate is 81.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,792.
How are the schools in Elephant Head?
Schools in Elephant Head have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.4% of adults in Elephant Head hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elephant Head?
The obesity rate in Elephant Head is 29.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.6% of adults are smokers. 16.4% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 61.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,660.
What is transportation like in Elephant Head?
The average commute in Elephant Head is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elephant Head?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elephant Head is 85.5% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 79.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.1% speak Spanish. 23.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.