Firstly why Yuma, Arizona?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Yuma
• State: Arizona
• Population: 100,409 people
• Yuma’s quick summary would be Known for its historic Yuma Territorial Prison and as a major hub for winter crop production.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 6,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 2,000 annually
• Net Migration: 4000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 700
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a warm climate and agricultural job opportunities attracting workers in farming

Perk #1: Yuma Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 64%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $50,500
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Yuma is $55,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4500 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Yuma’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,857
• Property Tax %: 1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Yuma
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Yuma, Foothills, San-Luis, Wellton, and probably could include Somerton
• Avg. Age of Homes in Yuma: 23 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Yuma’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Yuma are  Agriculture, Healthcare, and Retail
• Yuma Job Scene: limited job market primarily in agriculture and services
• The General Tech Scene: small tech presence primarily supporting the agricultural sector , ,
• Yuma Resident’s pay $500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Yuma: 8.4%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 40 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Yuma

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $80 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-8 connects Yuma to California and Arizona’s interior
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing near the main commercial district
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Yuma: 58,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Yuma: azdot.gov/motor-vehicles
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Yuma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Yuma’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Extreme Heat
• General Weather in Yuma is best described as experiences extremely hot summers with temperatures exceeding 110°F and mild winters with cool nights
• Winter Weather in Yuma i’d describe as warm with sunny skies
• Spring Weather in Yuma can be described as hot and dry
• Summer’s in Yuma are mostly extremely hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Yuma is usually very hot and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 118 days in summer
• Days in a row in Yuma below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 3 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with little industrial pollution
• Yuma Winter Air generally good air quality except during dust storm season

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Yuma Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Yuma 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Yumas’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Yuma County Library District

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Yuma Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Yuma only Doctors is about 50
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Yuma only Police Officers is about 320
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Yuma’s Monthly utility bill average is $95
• Yuma’s Monthly Gym Membership: $33
• Yuma’s Water Quality Score: 60

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Yuma

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small city with a focus on agriculture and warm weather year-round
• You might enjoy local music festivals and events
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Yuma  has a more relaxed nightlife with local bars and occasional live music events appealing to a smaller crowd

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Yuma

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local diners and a variety of fast food restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Yuma
• The Popular Sports Team is Yuma High Criminals
• Top Level Political Climate in Yuma can be described as conservative rural area with agricultural and border issues
• Yuma’s Longer standing religious establishment is Calvary Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Yuma Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Yuma has 15 Parks?
• West Wetlands Park is Yuma’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Yuma Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Water sports, hiking, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Yuma Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Yuma can be described as slow suburban pace with strong agricultural roots
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Yuma going on nature hikes playing sports in parks visiting historical sites
• The Cities people commute to from Yuma are El-Centro 62 miles away San-Louis-Rio-Colorado 72 miles away Phoenix 177 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Yuma or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic slowing near the main commercial district. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Yuma’s Extreme Heat risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Yuma is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Yuma are El-Centro 62 miles away San-Louis-Rio-Colorado 72 miles away Phoenix 177 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Yuma has 0 days in a row below freezing and 118 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Yuma people have an average (positive or negative) $4500 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in Yuma. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative rural area with agricultural and border issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Yuma.

Retiree & Senior Life in Yuma

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for local property tax exemptions keeping housing affordable
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Atrium at Yuma
• Yuma Senior Center provides meal programs social activities and health screenings

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Yuma, Arizona?

If Yuma, Arizona ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Yuma, Arizona, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!