What to know when moving to Marana, AZ
Marana at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 84% of residents own their homes and the median household income is $84,188.
- The Major Draw:
- Median rent stands at $991, making it a more affordable option compared to many areas.
- The Reality Check:
- With a 0% public transit usage rate, it is a car-dependent locale.
- Top Tip:
- Plan for 10.4 inches of rain annually, particularly in the fall.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Marana is a growing community with a population of about 22,796 and a median gross rent of $991. With 30.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, the area has a moderate education level. The rental market reflects a strong owner-occupied trend, with only 16.2% of the population renting. The local economic landscape is characterized by a median household income of $84,188, but residents should be prepared for a car-dependent lifestyle since public transit is virtually nonexistent.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a vibrant public transit system, as only 0% of residents commute via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $991, which is relatively low for the area.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $298,200, indicating a robust housing market.
- Education level is decent, with 30.1% of residents having a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, reflecting some economic challenges in the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Arizona, the property crime rate is 1,523 per 100,000 residents, slightly below the national average of 1,547. Violent crime is at 377 per 100,000, which is above the national average of 325. Fortunately, Arizona has seen a significant decrease in crime rates, with property crime down by 29.2% since 2022 and violent crime down by 16.2% in the same timeframe.
- Violent crime: 377 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325, a trend down by 16.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,523 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,547, down 29.2% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides are down 35.9% since 2022, with a current rate of 4.6 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arizona).
Weather & Getting Outside
Marana experiences an annual average precipitation of 10.4 inches, with 56 rainy days throughout the year. The fall season sees the most rain, totaling 4.7 inches over 19 rainy days. With no snow days recorded, this is a great area for those who enjoy dry weather.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain - 4.6 stars (1,579 reviews)
- Gladden Farms Community Park - 4.7 stars (468 reviews)
- Crossroads at Silverbell District Park - 4.6 stars (1,441 reviews)
- Wild Burro Trailhead - 4.7 stars (130 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Pima County has an unemployment rate of 4.1% as of December 2025. The labor force comprises approximately 502,936 individuals, with 482,176 people employed in various sectors.
- Unemployment rate: 4.1% (December 2025)
- Employed: 482,176 individuals
- Labor force: 502,936 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.