Goodyear, AZ: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Goodyear: The Data Profile (2026)

Goodyear represents a high-income statistical outlier within the Phoenix metropolitan area. With a population of 111,807, it maintains a distinct economic advantage over national benchmarks. The median household income sits at $105,160, a substantial +41.0% increase compared to the US median of $74,580. This wealth accumulation is supported by an educated workforce, where 41.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Post-Remote Affluent Professional." These are individuals and families prioritizing square footage and suburban stability, often with hybrid work arrangements requiring access to the Loop 303 corridor or limited commutes to downtown Phoenix.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Goodyear commands higher incomes, the cost of living remains competitive relative to the national average, creating a favorable environment for disposable income accumulation. The aggregate Cost of Living Index is 98.0, effectively 2.0% below the national baseline.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Deep Dive: The primary driver of value in Goodyear is the 14.91 cents/kWh electricity rate, which is 6.8% cheaper than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. When combined with a -5.6% deviation in groceries (94.4 Index), a family of four saves approximately $450 monthly on essential living expenses compared to the average American city. This surplus allows for significant investment in discretionary spending or savings, despite the housing market being at parity with the US.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Goodyear is tight, with values hovering just below the national average. However, the gap between buying and renting is narrowing. The lack of a significant price premium suggests that Goodyear is not yet fully priced out, offering a window for entry before potential appreciation driven by continued Phoenix metro sprawl.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Analysis: Data indicates that renting is currently 8.8% more affordable for a 1-bedroom unit than the national curve. However, for families requiring space, the 3-bedroom rent of $2,400 is approaching the cost of ownership. With a median home price of $415,000, buying becomes the financially superior long-term strategy for residents planning a stay of 5+ years, locking in costs below the national average while building equity.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic landscape in Goodyear is defined by the "Post-Remote" reality. While fully remote work has stabilized, the hybrid model has made the 15-20 mile commute to key employment hubs in Glendale, Scottsdale, or Tempe manageable. The local economy is bolstered by the healthcare sector (Banner Goodyear Hospital) and logistics, given the proximity to the Loop 303 industrial corridor.

The unemployment rate sits at 4.3%, which is effectively at full employment and only marginally higher than the 4.0% national average. This suggests a stable job market where labor participation is high, but the specific specialized roles are slightly scarcer than in the urban core, necessitating a commute for high-level corporate positions.

Quality of Life Audit

Goodyear offers a robust health profile for residents. The city's Health Score of 83.5/100 is notably "Good," driven by lower-than-average risk factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is 449/100k (vs US 380/100k) and Property crime is 2350/100k (vs US 2000/100k). Both are categorized as AVERAGE, indicating a standard suburban risk profile requiring standard vigilance.
• Air Quality: The AQI of 77 is categorized as MODERATE. While acceptable, sensitive groups should be aware of ozone levels common in the Phoenix basin. PM2.5 levels are currently 8.2 µg/m³, slightly better than the national ambient average.
• Weather: Today's conditions are clear with a high of 62°F and a low of 35°F. The climate allows for year-round outdoor activity, though summer heat mitigation is essential.

The Verdict

Pros:

• High Income Potential: Median income of $105,160 is +41% above the US average.
• Value in Essentials: Electricity (14.91¢/kWh) and Groceries (94.4 Index) are significantly cheaper.
• Favorable Buying Window: Median home price ($415,000) remains below the national average.
• Health Profile: Smoking rate (10.1%) is well below the national average.

Cons:

• Commute Dependency: Requires driving to Phoenix metro hubs; public transit is non-existent.
• Crime Variance: Violent crime (449/100k) is higher than the national baseline.
• Air Quality: AQI (77) is moderate; not ideal for those with severe respiratory issues.

Recommendation:
Goodyear is a Buy for 2026. The data supports a relocation for professionals earning near the median income who can leverage the housing index (98.0) to purchase a home. It is less ideal for service-sector workers due to the reliance on personal vehicles and the relatively high cost of rent relative to lower-tier wages.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Goodyear?
Based on the cost of living index of 98.0, a single adult needs a gross income of approximately $65,000 to maintain a standard budget with savings. A family of four requires roughly $130,000 to cover housing, childcare, and utilities comfortably.

2. How does the value compare to nearby Surprise or Glendale?
Goodyear offers a -5.9% discount on 3-bedroom rents compared to the US average, often beating Glendale prices. However, Glendale offers a shorter commute to downtown Phoenix at a +5-8% premium on housing costs.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
The Violent Crime rate of 449/100k is 18% higher than the national average. While this is categorized as "Average" for the dataset, it is statistically higher than the safest suburbs. Property crime is the more prevalent issue, consistent with suburban trends.

4. When is the best time to move to Goodyear?
The optimal moving window is October to April. During these months, the average temperature is 65°F, whereas the summer months see highs exceeding 105°F, which significantly impacts utility costs (electricity) and outdoor quality of life.