Median Income
$53,173
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,100
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
783/100K
106% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.9%
69% higher than US avg
How First Mesa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,381
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density88/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans14.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,173
Per Capita$14,166
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty20.9%
County GDP$4,065M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,100
Rent$731
Ownership73.1%
Zillow$394,556
Housing Units575
Rent Burden16.5%
Crime
F
Violent783/100K
Property4,878/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking27.1%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation5,655 ft (1,724 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score4.10
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute23 min
Broadband64.6%
EV Stations9
Libraries15
Is First Mesa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, First Mesa receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. First Mesa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in First Mesa is $53,173, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 20.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in First Mesa is $57,100, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 783 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,878 per 100,000, 149% above the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
First Mesa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
First Mesa has a population of 1,381 with a density of 88 people per square mile, spread across 15.8 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (99.3%), with 3.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 44.2% of residents, while 55.8% speak Spanish. 14.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 80.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
First Mesa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
44.2%
44% below US avg
Spanish
55.8%
316% above US avg
Social Characteristics
First Mesa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in First Mesa is $53,173, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,166 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,970 business establishments, including 248 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: First Mesa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,173 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,166 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,299 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.9% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,970 |
| County GDP | $4,065M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 248 |
| Healthcare | 253 |
| Retail | 278 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,898 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 53.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.2% |
The median home value in First Mesa is $57,100, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,556, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% 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. 73.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 575 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $2,898 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 16.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,100 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $394,556 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.5% |
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 | 73.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.9% |
| Housing Units | 575 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,898 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.08% |
In First Mesa, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 39.1% have high blood pressure. 27.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.5% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,590. The dentist ratio is 1:1,468. 59.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: First Mesa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.1% |
| Asthma | 16.5% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.1% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 23.7% |
| Physical Distress | 20.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,590 |
| Dentists | 1:1,468 |
| Mental Health | 1:941 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 38.5% |
| Premature Death | 21,728/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 253 |
First Mesa has a violent crime rate of 783 per 100,000 residents, 106% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,878 per 100,000, 149% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 37 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, First Mesa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: First Mesa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 782.8/100K |
| 106% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,877.6/100K |
| 149% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
First Mesa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 5,655 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,655 ft (1,724 m) |
| Area | 15.8 sq mi (40.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 88/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8317°N, 110.3689°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Navajo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Winslow-Lindbergh Regional (INW) 59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.34"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
43 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M3.4 on Mar 1, 2025.
| Mar 2, 2005 |
40 km SSW of Winslow West, Arizona |
M5.1 |
136 km |
| Jan 30, 2005 |
41 km NNE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M4.0 |
135 km |
| Jan 6, 1998 |
15 km WSW of Joseph City, Arizona |
M3.9 |
103 km |
| Jan 28, 2005 |
40 km NE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
37 km NE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Mar 1, 2025 |
6 km SE of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Oct 18, 1998 |
14 km SE of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| May 10, 2023 |
33 km SW of Cameron, Arizona |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Jun 25, 1991 |
10 km W of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Apr 7, 2021 |
4 km ESE of Flagstaff, Arizona |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
3 km SE of Navajo Mountain, Utah |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Jul 4, 2007 |
9 km S of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.2 |
79 km |
| Jul 1, 2005 |
37 km NE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jan 8, 2012 |
28 km SW of Winslow West, Arizona |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| May 10, 2023 |
31 km SW of Cameron, Arizona |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| May 20, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
41 km NE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Feb 11, 1999 |
30 km SSW of Cameron, Arizona |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Sep 13, 1996 |
10 km NW of Kayenta, Arizona |
M2.9 |
107 km |
| Sep 22, 1992 |
15 km NW of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M2.8 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
25 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 6, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2024 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2022 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2019 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 2015 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2013 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2010 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2006 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2005 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2005 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 2003 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 2003 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2003 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1997 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: San Francisco Volcanic Field (130 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| San Francisco Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone |
3,850 m (12,631 ft) |
1075 |
130 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOOD SPRINGS 2 (13,208 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
WOOD SPRINGS 2 |
13,208 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
OAK RIDGE 3 |
2,959 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE 2 |
1,738 |
88 km |
| 2001 |
9400 FMZ |
1,312 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
First Mesa has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 31°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 8.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.3") and June the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in First Mesa. 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 | $974 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About First Mesa
What is the population of First Mesa?
First Mesa has a population of 1,381 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 88 people per square mile, spread across 15.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.3% female and 42.7% male.
Is First Mesa expensive to live in?
First Mesa 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 $53,173, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,100 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is First Mesa safe?
Public safety is a concern in First Mesa, with a violent crime rate of 783 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,878 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, First Mesa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in First Mesa?
First Mesa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in First Mesa?
The job market in First Mesa is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 1,970 business establishments in the area, including 248 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 19.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in First Mesa?
The median home value in First Mesa is $57,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,556. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,898.
How are the schools in First Mesa?
Schools in First Mesa have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.4% of adults in First Mesa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is First Mesa?
The obesity rate in First Mesa is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.1% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,590.
What is transportation like in First Mesa?
The average commute in First Mesa is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 53.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of First Mesa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of First Mesa is 0.7% White, 99.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Asian. 44.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 55.8% speak Spanish. 14.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 80.4% have health insurance coverage.