Median Income
$48,182
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
478/100K
26% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.3%
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.0%
13% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
42.5%
243% higher than US avg
How Why Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population87
Median Age60.7 yrs
Density10/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans87.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,182
Per Capita$19,517
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty42.5%
County GDP$66,712M
Housing
Ownership87.5%
Zillow$131,187
Housing Units49
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent478/100K
Property3,575/100K
Health
Obesity28.0%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking10.8%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain7.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation1,811 ft (552 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.3%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+13.2%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 57%
Broadband40.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries31
Is Why a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Why receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Why has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Why is $48,182, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 42.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 478 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,575 per 100,000, 82% above the national average.
Education
25.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Why has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 92°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 7.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Why has a population of 87 with a density of 10 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age is 60.7 years, 56% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (87.4%), with 12.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 87.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 73.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.7yrs
Median Age
56% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Why is $48,182, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,517 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,191, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 42.5% 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,182 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,517 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,191 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,667 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 42.5% |
| 243% 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
| Drive Alone | 38.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,187. Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 49 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $4,960 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 87.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.5% |
| Housing Units | 49 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,960 |
| 42% above US avg |
In Why, 28.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.3% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 14.8% report binge drinking. 18.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% 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: Why vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.0% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.5% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,149 |
| Dentists | 1:1,487 |
| Mental Health | 1:416 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.7% |
| Dental Visits | 51.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,750/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,903 |
Why has a violent crime rate of 478 per 100,000 residents, 26% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,575 per 100,000, 82% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 168 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Why receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Why vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 478.0/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,575.2/100K |
| 82% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 168 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Why has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 92°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 7.0 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 1,811 feet.
Temperature
56°F Jan (13°C)
92°F Jul (33°C)
| Annual Average | 73.5°F |
| 36% above US avg |
| January Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 92°F (33°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,811 ft (552 m) |
| Area | 9.0 sq mi (23.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 10/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.2590°N, 112.7306°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Pima County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marana Regional (AVW)
89 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
7.0"
82% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.54"
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
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 6, 2025.
| Jul 4, 1994 |
37 km N of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico |
M4.0 |
98 km |
| Aug 8, 2000 |
39 km S of Dateland, Arizona |
M3.5 |
73 km |
| Jan 17, 2001 |
69km ESE of Fortuna Foothills, AZ |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Mar 31, 1996 |
147km ESE of Fortuna Foothills, Arizona |
M3.0 |
38 km |
| Feb 20, 2010 |
122km ESE of Estacion Coahuila, B.C., MX |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Apr 15, 1993 |
154km SE of Estacion Coahuila, B.C., MX |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jan 11, 2000 |
92km ESE of Estacion Coahuila, B.C., MX |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Jul 6, 2025 |
44 km E of Golfo de Santa Clara, Mexico |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Aug 17, 1993 |
154km SE of Estacion Coahuila, B.C., MX |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jul 1, 1992 |
115km SE of Estacion Coahuila, B.C., MX |
M2.7 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 4, 1957 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1981 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1981 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1969 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1961 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2004 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1995 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1982 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1957 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Pinacate (90 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Pinacate |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,200 m (3,937 ft) |
Unknown |
90 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GOLDWATER (56,690 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
GOLDWATER |
56,690 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
GROWLER PEAK |
28,182 |
51 km |
| 2005 |
SAND TANK COMPLEX (SAND TANK) |
11,601 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
9,537 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
8,179 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
7,638 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
VEKOL |
7,349 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
THEBA |
6,351 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
CITRUS |
5,915 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
TRACKS |
5,641 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
CRATER |
3,136 |
50 km |
| 2005 |
GUACAMOLE |
2,401 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
2000 |
2,269 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
GILA |
2,171 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
TOP |
1,496 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
SAND TANK COMPLEX (HOME) |
1,470 |
50 km |
| 1984 |
COCKLEBUR |
1,373 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
SADDLE |
1,170 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
GOLDWATER |
1,162 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
CAMINO |
1,144 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
56°F (13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| February |
57°F (14°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
76°F (24°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| June |
85°F (30°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
92°F (33°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
88°F (31°C) |
1.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
84°F (29°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
Why has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 54°F in December to 92°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 8.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.5") and May the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Why. 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 Why
What is the population of Why?
Why has a population of 87 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 10 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Why expensive to live in?
Why 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 $48,182, 36% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Why safe?
The violent crime rate in Why is 478 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 3,575 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Why receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Why?
Why has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 56°F in January, while summers reach an average of 92°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 7.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Why?
The job market in Why is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,191. There are 23,608 business establishments in the area, including 1,935 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Why?
Schools in Why score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.3% of adults in Why hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 13.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Why?
The obesity rate in Why is 28.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 18.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 10.5% 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 are the demographics of Why?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Why is 87.4% White, 12.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 87.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 73.5% have health insurance coverage.
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