Median Income
$34,138
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
500/100K
32% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.8%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$432
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.5%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
49.7%
301% higher than US avg
How Sells Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,200
Median Age24.8 yrs
Density238/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 13%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
D
Median Income$34,138
Per Capita$13,348
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty49.7%
County GDP$66,712M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Rent$432
Ownership57.7%
Zillow$281,896
Housing Units738
Rent Burden16.0%
Crime
F
Violent500/100K
Property2,929/100K
Health
Obesity45.5%
Uninsured16.8%
Smoking34.8%
Depression29.8%
Heart Disease10.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain19.9 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,397 ft (731 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.8%
High School+74.2%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 57%
Commute16 min
Broadband78.7%
Libraries31
Is Sells a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sells receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Sells has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sells is $34,138, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 49.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $432 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 500 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,929 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
5.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sells enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.9 inches, including 8.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Sells has a population of 2,200 with a density of 238 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age is 24.8 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (84.5%), with 12.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.2% of residents, while 20.8% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.8yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.2%
1% above US avg
Spanish
20.8%
55% above US avg
The median household income in Sells is $34,138, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,348 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,191, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 49.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 23,608 business establishments, including 1,935 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,138 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,348 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,191 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,667 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 49.7% |
| 301% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 23,608 |
| County GDP | $66,712M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,935 |
| Healthcare | 2,903 |
| Retail | 2,575 |
| Manufacturing | 600 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,960 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,896. Monthly rent averages $432 (63% 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. 57.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 738 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,960 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $432 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.0% |
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 | 57.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.3% |
| Housing Units | 738 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,960 |
| 42% above US avg |
In Sells, 45.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 10.1% of residents, above the national average. 42.6% have high blood pressure. 34.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.8% report binge drinking. 38.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 28.4% experience frequent mental distress. 16.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,149. The dentist ratio is 1:1,487. 86.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sells vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.5% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.1% |
| Heart Disease | 10.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.6% |
| Asthma | 17.6% |
| COPD | 15.1% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 6.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.8% |
| 149% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.8% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 28.4% |
| Physical Distress | 25.8% |
| Short Sleep | 51.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| Uninsured | 16.8% |
| 95% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,149 |
| Dentists | 1:1,487 |
| Mental Health | 1:416 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 26.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,750/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,903 |
Sells has a violent crime rate of 500 per 100,000 residents, 32% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,929 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 168 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sells receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sells vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 500.0/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,929.2/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 168 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sells enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 70°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 19.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 2,397 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 55.7°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,397 ft (731 m) |
| Area | 9.5 sq mi (24.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 238/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.9209°N, 111.8709°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Pima County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marana Regional (AVW)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.9"
48% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.36"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0479 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 14.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.10 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.22 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 99.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very 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: M3.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Sep 28, 2023 |
21 km E of Tanque Verde, Arizona |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Mar 31, 1996 |
147km ESE of Fortuna Foothills, Arizona |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
14 km ENE of Willow Canyon, Arizona |
M2.6 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
28 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 fatalities, 61 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 28, 1994 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1964 |
EF2 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jul 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1991 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1981 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1975 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1972 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1969 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1967 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1961 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1961 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2023 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2022 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2017 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 2006 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Pinacate (155 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Pinacate |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,200 m (3,937 ft) |
Unknown |
155 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
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 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
CONTRERAS |
31,297 |
25 km |
| 2009 |
ELK HORN |
22,745 |
34 km |
| 2002 |
WALKER |
17,438 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
TONTO CANYON |
16,989 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
BULL |
16,339 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
BROWN |
15,681 |
34 km |
| 2020 |
ENCINOS |
14,145 |
37 km |
| 2023 |
BEEHIVE |
11,087 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
LA SIERRA |
11,035 |
96 km |
| 1986 |
SASABE |
10,734 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
ALAMO |
10,478 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
MULE RIDGE |
8,619 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
WHITE TANK |
8,479 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
8,047 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
ALAMBRE |
7,221 |
28 km |
| 2009 |
SAN JUAN |
6,710 |
23 km |
| 2006 |
CITY HALL |
6,639 |
43 km |
| 2000 |
GUS |
6,509 |
55 km |
| 1985 |
SAN IGNACI |
6,377 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
60°F (15°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Sells has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 42°F in January to 84°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 11.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.4") and May the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Sells. 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 | $1,082 |
| Toddler | $790 |
| Preschool | $790 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sells
What is the population of Sells?
Sells has a population of 2,200 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 238 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Sells expensive to live in?
Sells 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 $34,138, 55% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $432 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Sells safe?
The violent crime rate in Sells is 500 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,929 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sells receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sells?
Sells enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.9 inches, with 8.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Sells?
The unemployment rate in Sells is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,191. There are 23,608 business establishments in the area, including 1,935 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sells?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $432. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,960.
How are the schools in Sells?
Schools in Sells score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.8% of adults in Sells hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sells?
The obesity rate in Sells is 45.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.8% of adults are smokers. 38.8% are physically inactive. 29.8% of residents report depression. 16.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,149.
What is transportation like in Sells?
The average commute in Sells is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sells?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sells is 12.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 84.5% Hispanic or Latino. 79.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.8% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
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