Whiteriver, AZ
Population 4,308 · Arizona
About Whiteriver, AZ
Whiteriver is a small town located in Arizona with a population of 4,308 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,205 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.1 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 Whiteriver features a median home value of $57,000, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Whiteriver one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $582, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,461 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (615 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (731 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 Whiteriver shows an unemployment rate of 9.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 44.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Whiteriver have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
3.3% of Whiteriver 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 1.6% White, 95.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Whiteriver Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Whiteriver, AZ
Compared to national averages, Whiteriver has a median household income of $38,205 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $57,000, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $582 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Whiteriver's income is 38% below the state average of $62,086, and home values are 76% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Whiteriver, AZ?
Whiteriver offers affordable housing with a median home value of $57,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $582/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,205) that falls below the national average. However, Whiteriver’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Whiteriver has a population of 4,308 with a median age of 31.1 years. Compare Whiteriver with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Whiteriver
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinle | 4,395 | $46,458 | $38,000 | Compare |
| Eagar | 4,410 | $81,667 | $231,100 | Compare |
| Summit | 4,410 | $43,484 | $151,000 | Compare |
| Dewey-Humboldt | 4,428 | $64,183 | $411,300 | Compare |
| Pinetop-Lakeside | 4,103 | $52,207 | $332,200 | Compare |
| Taylor | 4,091 | $69,945 | $289,600 | Compare |
| South Tucson | 4,601 | $33,734 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Lake Montezuma | 4,615 | $54,081 | $291,900 | 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 Whiteriver With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whiteriver
What is the population of Whiteriver, AZ?
The population of Whiteriver, AZ is 4,308 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 Whiteriver?
The median household income in Whiteriver, AZ is $38,205 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whiteriver?
The median home value in Whiteriver, AZ is $57,000, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Whiteriver?
The median monthly rent in Whiteriver, AZ is $582, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whiteriver?
The unemployment rate in Whiteriver, AZ is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Whiteriver, AZ a good place to live?
Whiteriver offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,308 and a median age of 31.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Whiteriver, AZ?
3.3% of residents in Whiteriver 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 Whiteriver?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whiteriver, AZ: median home value is $57,000 (77% below national), median rent is $582/month, and median household income is $38,205. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Whiteriver?
The poverty rate in Whiteriver, AZ is 44.0%, 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 Whiteriver, AZ?
Whiteriver's population is 1.6% White, 95.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.