Red Mesa, AZ
Population 470 · Arizona
About Red Mesa, AZ
Red Mesa is a small community located in Arizona with a population of 470 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,167 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Red Mesa features a median home value of $13,900, which is 94% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Red Mesa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $913, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 205 total housing units, 10% are owner-occupied (14 units) and 90% are renter-occupied (120 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Red Mesa shows an unemployment rate of 16.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Red Mesa have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.3% of Red Mesa residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 79.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Red Mesa Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Red Mesa, AZ
Compared to national averages, Red Mesa has a median household income of $74,167 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $13,900, which is 94% below the national median. Monthly rent at $913 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Red Mesa's income is 19% above the state average of $62,086, and home values are 94% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Red Mesa, AZ?
Red Mesa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $13,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $913/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,167) that falls below the national average. However, Red Mesa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Red Mesa has a population of 470 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Red Mesa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Red Mesa
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho Mesa Verde | 470 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Icehouse Canyon | 473 | $58,494 | $138,700 | Compare |
| Turkey Creek | 474 | $0 | $82,500 | Compare |
| Nutrioso | 478 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Solomon | 478 | $76,587 | $248,200 | Compare |
| Keams Canyon | 460 | $61,413 | $77,100 | Compare |
| Dudleyville | 458 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Cedar Creek | 457 | $60,962 | $61,100 | 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 Red Mesa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Mesa
What is the population of Red Mesa, AZ?
The population of Red Mesa, AZ is 470 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Arizona.
What is the median household income in Red Mesa?
The median household income in Red Mesa, AZ is $74,167 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Red Mesa?
The median home value in Red Mesa, AZ is $13,900, which is 94% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Red Mesa?
The median monthly rent in Red Mesa, AZ is $913, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Red Mesa?
The unemployment rate in Red Mesa, AZ is 16.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Red Mesa, AZ a good place to live?
Red Mesa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 470 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Red Mesa, AZ?
24.3% of residents in Red 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 Red Mesa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Red Mesa, AZ: median home value is $13,900 (94% below national), median rent is $913/month, and median household income is $74,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Red Mesa?
The poverty rate in Red Mesa, AZ is 25.1%, 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 Red Mesa, AZ?
Red Mesa's population is 0.9% White, 79.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.