South Tucson 71 Excellent
South Tucson Livability #33 ranked city in Arizona#6,808 ranked city in the USARanks better than 76% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in South Tucson

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

What's it like Living in South Tucson?

Located in the state of Arizona, South Tucson is a small-sized city with a population of 5,857 inhabitants. South Tucson has a population density of 5,704 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of South Tucson identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 48% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. The median age of all South Tucson residents is 31, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. In South Tucson, only 32% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle.

Living in South Tucson can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Arizona, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in South Tucson and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare South Tucson to Arizona and the national average.

South Tucson, AZ receives 66 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #68 in Arizona and #11,385 in the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that South Tucson has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A). South Tucson does not fare well for the following: employment (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in South Tucson can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Assuming that South Tucson 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 South Tucson. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in South Tucson are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in South Tucson come in at $157,466, which is 49.4% lower than the Arizona average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South Tucson, the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 7.3% lower than the Arizona average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Tucson

See all the best places to live around South Tucson

How Do You Rate The Livability In South Tucson?

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Compare South Tucson, AZ Livability

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      South Tucson transportation information

      Statistic South Tucson Arizona National
      Average one way commute22min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work52.1%76.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool23.4%10.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit7.7%2.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk12.0%2.0%2.8%
      Working from home3.1%5.7%4.6%
      Source: The South Tucson, 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.