First Mesa, AZ
Population 1,381 · Arizona
About First Mesa, AZ
First Mesa is a small town located in Arizona with a population of 1,381 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,173 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in First Mesa features a median home value of $57,100, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes First Mesa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $731, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 606 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (318 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (117 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in First Mesa shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in First Mesa have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.4% of First Mesa residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.8% White, 99.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How First Mesa Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in First Mesa, AZ
Compared to national averages, First Mesa has a median household income of $53,173 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $57,100, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $731 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, First Mesa's income is 14% below the state average of $62,086, and home values are 76% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in First Mesa, AZ?
First Mesa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $57,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $731/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,173) that falls below the national average. However, First Mesa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
First Mesa has a population of 1,381 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare First Mesa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near First Mesa
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Blanca | 1,382 | $0 | $85,500 | Compare |
| Kaibab Estates West | 1,406 | $33,520 | $183,900 | Compare |
| Dolan Springs | 1,354 | $30,795 | $91,500 | Compare |
| Canyon Day | 1,426 | $36,563 | $85,000 | Compare |
| Miami | 1,436 | $44,286 | $74,600 | Compare |
| Golden Shores | 1,319 | $60,927 | $206,800 | Compare |
| Bellemont | 1,447 | $116,532 | $456,800 | Compare |
| North Fork | 1,454 | $89,700 | $88,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare First Mesa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about First Mesa
What is the population of First Mesa, AZ?
The population of First Mesa, AZ is 1,381 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arizona.
What is the median household income in First Mesa?
The median household income in First Mesa, AZ is $53,173 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in First Mesa?
The median home value in First Mesa, AZ is $57,100, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in First Mesa?
The median monthly rent in First Mesa, AZ is $731, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in First Mesa?
The unemployment rate in First Mesa, AZ is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is First Mesa, AZ a good place to live?
First Mesa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,381 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is First Mesa, AZ?
11.4% of residents in First Mesa aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in First Mesa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for First Mesa, AZ: median home value is $57,100 (77% below national), median rent is $731/month, and median household income is $53,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in First Mesa?
The poverty rate in First Mesa, AZ is 19.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is First Mesa, AZ?
First Mesa's population is 2.8% White, 99.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.