RANK #571 / 996 · POP 53,419 · AZ
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%
Gila County, Arizona, is distinguished by its diverse landscapes, ranging from saguaro-dotted deserts to pine forests beneath the Mogollon Rim. Located in central Arizona, about 90 minutes from Phoenix, the county offers a blend of remote natural beauty and accessible communities. Payson, the largest town, serves as a hub in the northern part of the county. Residents and visitors enjoy extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, camping, and boating at Roosevelt Lake and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. The Tonto National Forest, encompassing nearly 3 million acres, provides year-round opportunities for exploring canyons, wilderness areas, and diverse wildlife.
Life in Gila County often appeals to those seeking a connection to nature and a sense of community, with many residents owning their homes. While some families have deep roots, the county's population continues to see steady growth. The economy, historically reliant on mining and ranching, has diversified to include education, healthcare, tourism, retail, and construction. Public transportation options like the Beeline Bus in Payson and Copper Mountain Transit in the Globe-Miami area provide local commute alternatives.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Gila County has a Boom Town Index score of 43/100, ranking #571 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +6.7% and a median household income of $55,242, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Gila County is $222,500 with median rent at $966/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2483, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +6.7%. Home values changed -1.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.77% of Gila County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.