Median Income
$63,692
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$212,600
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.4%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,049
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
34% higher than US avg
How Rio Rico Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population21,798
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density346/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 40%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$63,692
Per Capita$26,349
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty16.6%
County GDP$2,844M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$212,600
Rent$1,049
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$269,717
Housing Units7,010
Rent Burden34.1%
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking11.1%
Depression16.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain16.1 in/yr
Elevation3,506 ft (1,069 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.4%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 59%
Commute27 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Rio Rico a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rio Rico receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Rio Rico offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rio Rico is $63,692, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 16.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rio Rico is $212,600, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,049 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Rio Rico enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rio Rico has a population of 21,798 with a density of 346 people per square mile, spread across 62.4 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (86.6%), with 40% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 20.4% of residents, while 80% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21,798
Total Population
2023 Census
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
20.4%
74% below US avg
Spanish
80.0%
497% above US avg
The median household income in Rio Rico is $63,692, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,349 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,147, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 27 minutes. 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,692 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,349 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,147 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,861 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% |
| 34% above 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 | 2.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Rio Rico is $212,600, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,717, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $255,000 with homes selling in an average of 91 days. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,049 (10% 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. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 7,010 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $4,792 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $212,600 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $269,717 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $255,000 |
| Median List Price | $287,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $255,000 |
| Median List Price | $287,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $171 |
| Homes Sold | 17 |
| Days on Market | 91 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
| Inventory | 169 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,049 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.1% |
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 | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 7,010 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,792 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.25% |
In Rio Rico, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 11.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.2% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
4.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
120.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Rio Rico vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.1% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 16.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,660 |
| Dentists | 1:4,433 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,756 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 49.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Rio Rico enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. 59% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 3,506 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.4°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,506 ft (1,069 m) |
| Area | 62.4 sq mi (161.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 346/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.4982°N, 110.9878°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Santa Cruz County County |
| Nearest Airport | Nogales International (OLS)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.1"
58% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 59.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 9 |
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 |
86 km |
| Sep 28, 2023 |
21 km E of Tanque Verde, Arizona |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
14 km ENE of Willow Canyon, Arizona |
M2.6 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 fatalities, 53 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 28, 1994 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1964 |
EF2 |
78 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1975 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
69 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1971 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1969 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1961 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2023 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2022 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2017 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2015 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 2015 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2012 |
EF0 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MURPHY COMPLEX (64,407 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
MURPHY COMPLEX |
64,407 |
13 km |
| 2017 |
SAWMILL |
47,357 |
46 km |
| 2002 |
RYAN |
36,922 |
47 km |
| 2022 |
CONTRERAS |
31,297 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
MONUMENT |
30,219 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
ELK HORN |
22,745 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
WALKER |
17,438 |
19 km |
| 2022 |
TONTO CANYON |
16,989 |
20 km |
| 2005 |
FLORIDA |
16,362 |
29 km |
| 2011 |
BULL |
16,339 |
20 km |
| 1988 |
PEAK |
16,078 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
BROWN |
15,681 |
62 km |
| 1994 |
RINCON |
15,472 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
ENCINOS |
14,145 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
SAN RAFAEL |
12,203 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
CAMPINI |
11,893 |
64 km |
| 2023 |
BEEHIVE |
11,087 |
15 km |
| 2013 |
SOLDIER BASIN |
11,052 |
22 km |
| 2016 |
LA SIERRA |
11,035 |
21 km |
| 1986 |
SASABE |
10,734 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
Rio Rico has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 46°F in December to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and May the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Rio Rico. 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 Rio Rico
What is the population of Rio Rico?
Rio Rico has a population of 21,798 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 346 people per square mile, spread across 62.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Rio Rico expensive to live in?
Rio Rico 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 $63,692, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $212,600 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,049 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Rio Rico?
Rio Rico enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 16.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rio Rico?
The unemployment rate in Rio Rico is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 27 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rio Rico?
The median home value in Rio Rico is $212,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,717. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $255,000, with homes typically selling within 91 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,049. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,792.
How are the schools in Rio Rico?
Schools in Rio Rico have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 24.4% of adults in Rio Rico hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rio Rico?
The obesity rate in Rio Rico is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.1% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 16.2% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,660.
What is transportation like in Rio Rico?
The average commute in Rio Rico is 27 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rio Rico?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rio Rico is 40% White, 86.6% Hispanic or Latino. 20.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 80% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 89.1% have health insurance coverage.