What to know when moving to Buckeye, AZ
TL;DR: Buckeye at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 19.6% of residents are renters and the median household income is $91,444.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,635, which is relatively affordable for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.2% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for median home values around $342,400.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Buckeye features a population of 73,912 and has a median household income of $91,444, showcasing a community that is relatively well-off. With only 19.6% of residents renting, homeownership is prevalent here, and the area's education level shows that 17.3% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. However, with just 0.2% using public transit, a vehicle is nearly essential for navigating daily life in this area.
Probably not your spot if: you rely heavily on public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,635, while the median owner-occupied home value is $342,400.
- The community has a 7.5% poverty rate, reflecting a generally stable economic environment.
- With a mere 0.2% commuting via public transit, residents should plan for car travel.
- Homeownership dominates with 80.4% of residents owning their homes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Arizona suggests a mixed but improving safety landscape. The state has a violent crime rate of 377.3 per 100,000 people, which is 16% higher than the national average. However, property crime has declined significantly, dropping by nearly 29.2% since 2022.
- Violent crime rate: 377.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime rate: 1,523.1 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 35.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arizona).
Schools & Higher Ed
Buckeye has access to educational resources with one postsecondary institution nearby.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Named institution: Western Maricopa Education Center - Southwest Campus
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data isn't available, Buckeye offers several parks and outdoor amenities for residents to enjoy.
- Skyline Regional Park - 4.8 stars (1,618 reviews)
- Sundance Park - 4.7 stars (1,539 reviews)
- Buckeye Town Park - 4.4 stars (484 reviews)
- Earl Edgar Recreational Park - 4.5 stars (382 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Maricopa County, the job market is quite robust, with a labor force of 2,564,144 and an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (December 2025)
- Employed: 2,475,183
- Labor force: 2,564,144
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.