Fort Defiance, AZ
Population 3,614 · Arizona
About Fort Defiance, AZ
Fort Defiance is a small town located in Arizona with a population of 3,614 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,250 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Defiance features a median home value of $37,800, which is 85% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Defiance one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $802, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,186 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (507 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (477 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Defiance shows an unemployment rate of 10.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Defiance have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.2% of Fort Defiance 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 2.0% White, 93.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Defiance Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Fort Defiance, AZ
Compared to national averages, Fort Defiance has a median household income of $56,250 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $37,800, which is 85% below the national median. Monthly rent at $802 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Fort Defiance's income is 9% below the state average of $62,086, and home values are 84% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Fort Defiance, AZ?
Fort Defiance offers affordable housing with a median home value of $37,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $802/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,250) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Defiance’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Defiance has a population of 3,614 with a median age of 32.5 years. Compare Fort Defiance with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Fort Defiance
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carefree | 3,672 | $141,331 | $1,066,600 | Compare |
| Ajo | 3,783 | $56,364 | $126,400 | Compare |
| Avenue B and C | 3,831 | $40,554 | $0 | Compare |
| Clifton | 3,845 | $84,457 | $66,000 | Compare |
| Parker | 3,379 | $74,643 | $253,300 | Compare |
| Cornville | 3,356 | $70,925 | $352,200 | Compare |
| Williams | 3,322 | $66,183 | $457,500 | Compare |
| San Manuel | 3,269 | $48,333 | $112,600 | 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 Fort Defiance With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Defiance
What is the population of Fort Defiance, AZ?
The population of Fort Defiance, AZ is 3,614 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 Fort Defiance?
The median household income in Fort Defiance, AZ is $56,250 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Defiance?
The median home value in Fort Defiance, AZ is $37,800, which is 85% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Defiance?
The median monthly rent in Fort Defiance, AZ is $802, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Defiance?
The unemployment rate in Fort Defiance, AZ is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Defiance, AZ a good place to live?
Fort Defiance offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,614 and a median age of 32.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Defiance, AZ?
17.2% of residents in Fort Defiance 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 Fort Defiance?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Defiance, AZ: median home value is $37,800 (85% below national), median rent is $802/month, and median household income is $56,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Defiance?
The poverty rate in Fort Defiance, AZ is 16.9%, 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 Fort Defiance, AZ?
Fort Defiance's population is 2.0% White, 93.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.