What to know when moving to Goodyear, AZ
Goodyear at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 32.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 23.9% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $99,345, offering solid earning potential.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 6.1%, the area still has a relatively low percentage of renters compared to owners.
- Commute:
- Only 0.1% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,822.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Goodyear is characterized by its relatively affluent population, with a median household income of $99,345. About 23.9% of residents are renters, which suggests a community that leans toward home ownership. The education level is notably high, with over 32% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. Additionally, the area enjoys an active lifestyle with several parks and recreational options nearby.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a bustling public transit system, as only 0.1% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,822, which reflects the overall housing market dynamics.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $396,100, indicating significant investment in property.
- With a poverty rate of 6.1%, the community has a stable economic environment.
- The area has a renter percentage of 23.9%, showing a preference for home ownership.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Arizona's crime rates indicate a mixed landscape. The state annual violent crime rate is 377.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 16% higher than the national average. However, property crime has decreased by about 29.2% from 2022 to 2025, with a current rate of 1,523.1 per 100,000, slightly below the national rate.
- Violent crime: 377.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 16.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,523.1 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 29.2% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 35.9% since 2022, now at 4.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arizona).
Schools & Higher Ed
Goodyear has access to a total of 9 postsecondary institutions nearby, all based in Maricopa County.
- Commercial Divers International
- Aveda Institute Tucson-Avondale
- Empire Beauty School-Avondale
- Estrella Mountain Community College
- Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
- Western Maricopa Education Center
- Xtylo Beauty College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
No climate data is available, but Goodyear has several outdoor activities to enjoy.
- Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park - 4.5 stars (12,249 reviews)
- Friendship Park - 4.6 stars (5,140 reviews)
- Goodyear Ballpark - 4.6 stars (2,473 reviews)
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park - 4.6 stars (1,742 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Maricopa County presents a robust job market with a total labor force of 2,564,144. The unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, reflecting a healthy employment environment.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (December 2025)
- Employed: 2,475,183
- Labor force: 2,564,144
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.