Median Income
$121,385
62% higher than US avg
Home Value
$367,500
30% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
33/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
45.3%
34% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,854
59% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.6%
11% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Vail Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,722
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density693/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans16.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$121,385
Per Capita$44,706
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$2,844M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$367,500
Rent$1,854
Ownership91.1%
Zillow$405,328
Housing Units5,451
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent33/100K
Property1,444/100K
Health
Obesity28.6%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking8.8%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation3,342 ft (1,019 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+45.3%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+15.8%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 59%
Commute28 min
Broadband97.1%
EV Stations183
Libraries5
Is Vail a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vail receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Vail offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vail is $121,385, which is significantly higher than the national average / 62% above $75,149. This places Vail among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vail is $367,500, 30% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,854 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Vail is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,444 per 100,000, 26% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 45.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Vail enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Vail has a population of 15,722 with a density of 693 people per square mile, spread across 22.7 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (69.9%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 5.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.9% of residents, while 14.1% speak Spanish. 16.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.9%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.1%
5% above US avg
The median household income in Vail is $121,385, which is 62% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,706 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,147, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 28 minutes. 19.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $121,385 |
| 62% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,706 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,147 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,861 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below 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 | 1.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 19.5% |
The median home value in Vail is $367,500, 30% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $405,328, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,854 (59% above 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. 91.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,451 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2007. The average annual property tax is $4,792 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $367,500 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $405,328 |
| Median List Price | $391,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $391,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $207 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.6% |
| Price Drops | 36.9% |
| Inventory | 111 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,854 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,987 |
| Rent Burden | 23.7% |
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 | 91.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.9% |
| Housing Units | 5,451 |
| Median Year Built | 2007 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,792 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.30% |
In Vail, 28.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 8.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 15.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. 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 — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
5.4
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
10.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
124.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Vail vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.6% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.7% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,660 |
| Dentists | 1:4,433 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,756 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Vail has a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,444 per 100,000, 26% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vail receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vail vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 33.1/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,444.5/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 58 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vail enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. The area gets 323 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 3,342 feet.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
87°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 70.1°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,342 ft (1,019 m) |
| Area | 22.7 sq mi (58.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 693/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.0217°N, 110.6937°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Santa Cruz County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tucson International (TUS) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
141 km |
| Sep 28, 2023 |
21 km E of Tanque Verde, Arizona |
M3.1 |
28 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
14 km ENE of Willow Canyon, Arizona |
M2.6 |
48 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
43 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 fatalities, 60 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 28, 1994 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1964 |
EF2 |
37 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1991 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1975 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
34 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1971 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1971 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1969 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1961 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2023 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2022 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIGHORN (126,131 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
BIGHORN |
126,131 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
ASPEN |
79,707 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
MURPHY COMPLEX |
64,407 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
SAWMILL |
47,357 |
22 km |
| 2002 |
RYAN |
36,922 |
53 km |
| 2024 |
FREEMAN |
32,950 |
87 km |
| 2002 |
BULLOCK |
31,774 |
45 km |
| 2022 |
CONTRERAS |
31,297 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
MONUMENT |
30,219 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
BURRO |
26,852 |
40 km |
| 1993 |
MARKHAM |
24,636 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
ELK HORN |
22,745 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
GRAPEVINE |
17,542 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
WALKER |
17,438 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
TONTO CANYON |
16,989 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
FLORIDA |
16,362 |
36 km |
| 2011 |
BULL |
16,339 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
PEAK |
16,078 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
LIZARD |
15,791 |
65 km |
| 2016 |
BROWN |
15,681 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
58°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
87°F (30°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
Vail has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 51°F in December to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.9") and May the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Vail. 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 Vail
What is the population of Vail?
Vail has a population of 15,722 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 693 people per square mile, spread across 22.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Vail expensive to live in?
Vail 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 $121,385, 62% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $367,500 (30% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,854 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vail safe?
Vail is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,444 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vail receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vail?
Vail enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 87°F in July. The area receives 323 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 Vail?
The job market in Vail is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 28 minutes, and 19.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vail?
The median home value in Vail is $367,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $405,328. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,854. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,792.
How are the schools in Vail?
Schools in Vail have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 45.3% of adults in Vail hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 15.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vail?
The obesity rate in Vail is 28.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.8% of adults are smokers. 15.7% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 61.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,660.
What is transportation like in Vail?
The average commute in Vail is 28 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vail?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vail is 69.9% White, 5.7% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 85.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.1% speak Spanish. 16.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.