Violent Crime
248/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$375
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
100.0%
706% higher than US avg
How Poston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population168
Median Age27.1 yrs
Density122/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans88.0%
Economy
Per Capita$11,397
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$849M
Housing
Rent$375
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$347,942
Housing Units71
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent248/100K
Property3,301/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured18.3%
Smoking25.3%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (22°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain5.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation331 ft (101 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.80
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Poston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Poston receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Poston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $375 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Poston is below the national average at 248 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,301 per 100,000, 68% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Poston has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 93°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 5.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Poston has a population of 168 with a density of 122 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 27.1 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 88.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 78.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.1yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $11,397 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 402 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $11,397 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,052 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| 706% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 402 |
| County GDP | $849M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 87 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,768 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 52.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,942. Monthly rent averages $375 (68% 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. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 71 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $3,768. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $375 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
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 | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 71 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,768 |
| 8% above US avg |
In Poston, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 25.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 34.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 18.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,735. The dentist ratio is 1:1,651. 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Poston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 14.9% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 5.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.3% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.0% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 20.6% |
| Short Sleep | 45.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.2% |
| Uninsured | 18.3% |
| 113% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,735 |
| Dentists | 1:1,651 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,114 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Dental Visits | 38.9% |
| Premature Death | 23,645/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Poston has a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,301 per 100,000, 68% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Poston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Poston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 247.6/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,301.2/100K |
| 68% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Poston has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 93°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 5.7 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 331 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
93°F Jul (34°C)
| Annual Average | 71.3°F |
| 32% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 93°F (34°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 331 ft (101 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 122/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.9921°N, 114.4045°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | La Paz County County |
| Nearest Airport | Laughlin/Bullhead International (IFP)
81 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
5.7"
85% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
0.67"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0500 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 2.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
816 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 5, 2025.
| Jun 5, 2021 |
11km W of Calipatria, CA |
M5.3 |
148 km |
| Aug 27, 2012 |
5km NNE of Brawley, CA |
M4.9 |
150 km |
| Mar 24, 2009 |
4km S of Bombay Beach, CA |
M4.8 |
144 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
13km W of Niland, California |
M4.7 |
144 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
6km N of Brawley, CA |
M4.6 |
150 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
11km SE of Bombay Beach, CA |
M4.5 |
139 km |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
12 km WNW of Calipatria, CA |
M4.3 |
147 km |
| Sep 27, 2016 |
6km SSE of Bombay Beach, CA |
M4.3 |
144 km |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
8km WSW of Niland, CA |
M4.3 |
141 km |
| Sep 26, 2016 |
6km SSE of Bombay Beach, CA |
M4.3 |
144 km |
| Jun 12, 2021 |
12km WSW of Niland, CA |
M4.3 |
145 km |
| Jun 5, 2021 |
10km WNW of Calipatria, CA |
M4.3 |
147 km |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
9 km SW of Niland, CA |
M4.3 |
142 km |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
7km WSW of Niland, CA |
M4.3 |
140 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
6km N of Brawley, CA |
M4.3 |
149 km |
| Jun 12, 2021 |
11 km W of Niland, California |
M4.1 |
142 km |
| Sep 27, 2016 |
6km SSE of Bombay Beach, CA |
M4.1 |
142 km |
| Aug 2, 2023 |
8 km SW of Niland, CA |
M4.1 |
141 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
5km SE of Bombay Beach, CA |
M4.1 |
142 km |
| May 21, 2015 |
13km WNW of Calipatria, CA |
M4.1 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1983 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1972 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 2018 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2015 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1997 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1972 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Salton Buttes (143 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Salton Buttes |
Lava dome(s) |
-40 m (-131 ft) |
210 |
143 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HARCUVAR (16,305 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
HARCUVAR |
16,305 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
WILLOW |
6,084 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
LOST LAKE |
5,455 |
7 km |
| 2006 |
CIBOLA |
4,703 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
THREE SLASHES |
4,581 |
84 km |
| 1995 |
ICEHOUSE |
4,570 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
BOSQUE |
3,381 |
36 km |
| 1998 |
SOUTH DIKE |
3,148 |
90 km |
| 1995 |
LOST LAKE |
2,846 |
6 km |
| 1999 |
ARRASTRA |
2,556 |
69 km |
| 1992 |
WALTERS |
2,170 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
BLACK MESA |
1,657 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
TOPOCK |
1,422 |
84 km |
| 1986 |
COLORADO 2 |
1,403 |
8 km |
| 1987 |
THREE MILE |
1,392 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
PLANET RANCH |
1,250 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
58°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
63°F (17°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
70°F (21°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| May |
78°F (25°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| June |
86°F (30°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| July |
93°F (34°C) |
0.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
91°F (33°C) |
0.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
85°F (29°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Poston has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 52°F in January to 93°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 4.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (0.7") and June the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Poston. 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 | $812 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $671 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Poston
What is the population of Poston?
Poston has a population of 168 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 122 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is Poston expensive to live in?
Poston has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). Renters pay a median of $375 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Poston safe?
Poston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,301 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Poston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Poston?
Poston has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 93°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 5.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Poston?
The job market in Poston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 402 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Poston?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $375. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 0.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,768.
How are the schools in Poston?
Schools in Poston have an average test score of 3.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Poston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Poston?
The obesity rate in Poston is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.3% of adults are smokers. 34.0% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 18.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,735.
What are the demographics of Poston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Poston is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 88.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.1% of residents have a disability. 78.2% have health insurance coverage.
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