Median Income
$42,778
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,200
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.4%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
24.4%
578% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
36.7%
196% higher than US avg
How Second Mesa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,206
Median Age26.6 yrs
Density30/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$42,778
Per Capita$9,780
Unemployment24.4%
Poverty36.7%
County GDP$4,065M
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,200
Ownership77.6%
Zillow$394,556
Housing Units360
Rent Burden22.9%
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking27.7%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI13 (Good)
Elevation6,020 ft (1,835 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.4%
High School+85.9%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score4.10
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Broadband38.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Second Mesa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Second Mesa receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Second Mesa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Second Mesa is $42,778, 43% below the national average of $75,149. At 24.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 36.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Second Mesa is $77,200, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Second 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 13.
Second Mesa has a population of 1,206 with a density of 30 people per square mile, spread across 40.1 square miles. The median age is 26.6 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (0%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 24.8% of residents, while 77.6% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,206
Total Population
2023 Census
26.6yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Second Mesa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
24.8%
68% below US avg
Spanish
77.6%
479% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Second Mesa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Second Mesa is $42,778, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $9,780 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 24.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.7% 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. 33.9% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Second Mesa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,778 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $9,780 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,299 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 24.4% |
| 578% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 36.7% |
| 196% 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 | 3.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 60.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 33.9% |
The median home value in Second Mesa is $77,200, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,556, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 360 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,898 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,200 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $394,556 |
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 | 77.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.4% |
| Housing Units | 360 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,898 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.75% |
In Second Mesa, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 39.3% have high blood pressure. 27.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.0% report binge drinking. 30.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Second Mesa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.9% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.3% |
| Asthma | 17.1% |
| COPD | 11.5% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 5.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.7% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.9% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 24.4% |
| Physical Distress | 20.7% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,590 |
| Dentists | 1:1,468 |
| Mental Health | 1:941 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 41.3% |
| Premature Death | 21,728/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 253 |
Second 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 13 / among the cleanest air in the country. 99% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 6,020 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,020 ft (1,835 m) |
| Area | 40.1 sq mi (103.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 30/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8514°N, 110.4980°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Navajo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Winslow-Lindbergh Regional (INW)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.38"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 13.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 99.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
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
57 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.4 on Mar 1, 2025.
| Apr 29, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Valle, Arizona |
M5.3 |
148 km |
| Mar 2, 2005 |
40 km SSW of Winslow West, Arizona |
M5.1 |
133 km |
| Jan 30, 2005 |
41 km NNE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| Jan 6, 1998 |
15 km WSW of Joseph City, Arizona |
M3.9 |
104 km |
| Jan 28, 2005 |
40 km NE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Mar 31, 1997 |
18 km SE of Valle, Arizona |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
37 km NE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Mar 1, 2025 |
6 km SE of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.4 |
66 km |
| May 10, 2023 |
33 km SW of Cameron, Arizona |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Oct 18, 1998 |
14 km SE of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.4 |
57 km |
| Jun 25, 1991 |
10 km W of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Mar 31, 1997 |
19 km SSE of Valle, Arizona |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Apr 7, 2021 |
4 km ESE of Flagstaff, Arizona |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
3 km SE of Navajo Mountain, Utah |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Jan 8, 2012 |
28 km SW of Winslow West, Arizona |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Jul 1, 2005 |
37 km NE of Washington Park, Arizona |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jul 4, 2007 |
9 km S of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.2 |
67 km |
| May 10, 2023 |
31 km SW of Cameron, Arizona |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| May 5, 2015 |
6 km W of Munds Park, Arizona |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
22 km N of Parks, Arizona |
M3.0 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 6, 2010 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2024 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2024 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2019 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 2015 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2013 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2010 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2006 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2005 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2005 |
EF0 |
11 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2005 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 2003 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2003 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1997 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: San Francisco Volcanic Field (121 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| San Francisco Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone |
3,850 m (12,631 ft) |
1075 |
121 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HAYWIRE (5,303 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HAYWIRE |
5,303 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE 2 |
1,738 |
100 km |
| 2002 |
ANTELOPE |
1,683 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
Second Mesa has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 30°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.4") and June the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Second 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 Second Mesa
What is the population of Second Mesa?
Second Mesa has a population of 1,206 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 30 people per square mile, spread across 40.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Second Mesa expensive to live in?
Second 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 $42,778, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,200 (73% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Second Mesa?
Second 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 13.
How is the job market in Second Mesa?
The job market in Second Mesa faces challenges, with unemployment at 24.4% / significantly above 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.
How much does housing cost in Second Mesa?
The median home value in Second Mesa is $77,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,556. The homeownership rate is 77.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,898.
How are the schools in Second Mesa?
Schools in Second Mesa have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.4% of adults in Second Mesa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Second Mesa?
The obesity rate in Second Mesa is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.7% of adults are smokers. 30.9% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 59.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,590.
What are the demographics of Second Mesa?
24.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 77.6% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 5.1% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.