Oro Valley 81 Exceptional
Oro Valley Livability #2 ranked city in Arizona#1,339 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Oro Valley

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

What's it like Living in Oro Valley?

Oro Valley is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Arizona. The city has a population of 46,840 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 88% of Oro Valley residents are White, 3% Asian and 2% Black. In Oro Valley, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 54, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Oro Valley your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 27 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Oro Valley, Arizona. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Oro Valley and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Arizona and national averages.

The livability score in Oro Valley is 81/100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. This is a fantastic score, as Oro Valley ranks well in multiple categories! Oro Valley has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Oro Valley has received high marks for crime (A+), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Oro Valley does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 51 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Oro Valley boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

The Oro Valley unemployment rate of 2.5% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Oro Valley, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 71%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Oro Valley has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Oro Valley meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Oro Valley. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Oro Valley are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Oro Valley come in at $598,473, which is 92.1% higher than the Arizona average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oro Valley, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 14.6% higher than the Arizona average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Oro Valley

See all the best places to live around Oro Valley

How Do You Rate The Livability In Oro Valley?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Oro Valley, AZ Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Oro Valley transportation information

      Statistic Oro Valley Arizona National
      Average one way commute27min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.3%76.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.8%10.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%2.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.7%2.0%2.8%
      Working from home11.7%5.7%4.6%
      Source: The Oro Valley, AZ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.