Looking to move to El Mirage, AZ? You’ll be joining a diverse and thriving community of over 36,000 residents. With an average household income of $66,864, this city offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.
Enjoy a scorching desert climate, ideal for outdoor activities, and take advantage of employment opportunities in sectors like healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing.
In this article, we’ll explore the demographics, cost of living, crime rate, economy, education, and more, to help you make an informed decision about moving to El Mirage.
Key Takeaways
- El Mirage offers diverse job opportunities in manufacturing, education, retail, government, and the military.
- The average salary in El Mirage is $49,000 or $18.05/hour.
- Highly rated Dysart Unified School District serves El Mirage, with various educational and career training opportunities available.
- El Mirage has a warm climate, diverse population, and an abundance of recreational opportunities, making it an attractive place to live.
Demographics
If you’re considering moving to El Mirage, AZ, you’ll find that the demographics of the town are diverse. The population is over 36,000, with a blend of different racial backgrounds. The racial composition includes 55.79% White, 21.04% Two or more races, 12.76% Other race, 7.46% Black or African American, 1.33% Asian, 1.08% Native American, and 0.54% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
This diversity adds to the vibrant and inclusive community you’ll find when moving to El Mirage.
Cost of Living
To assess the cost of living in El Mirage, you’ll want to consider housing, transportation, healthcare, child care, and food expenses.
The median home value in El Mirage is $151,500, with about 37.80% of homes being rented. The typical renter spends $1,184 per month.
Transportation costs are around $9,391 per year, and health care costs for a single adult average $6,133 per year.
Child care for two children amounts to $16,888 annually, and food expenses average $3,122 for a single adult and $9,016 for a family of four.
Crime Rate
When considering living in El Mirage, it’s important to be aware that the city has a higher crime rate compared to many other communities in Arizona. El Mirage’s crime rate is higher than 71% of the state’s cities and towns. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in El Mirage is 1 in 49. However, it’s worth noting that the southwest part of the city is generally considered to be the safest area. Unfortunately, in some neighborhoods, your chance of being a victim of crime may be as high as 1 in 19.
Economy
For a city of its size, El Mirage offers a diverse economy with a range of job opportunities in various sectors. According to Best Places, the job market in El Mirage has seen a -2.0% increase over the last year. The future job growth is predicted to be 47.7% over the next ten years, higher than the US average of 33.5%. While farming and agriculture are central to the economy, the city has experienced robust industry growth, emerging as a diverse urban community.
| Sector | Job Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Healthcare and Social Assistance | Numerous hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare services offer a diverse range of job opportunities for medical professionals and administrative/support staff. |
| Retail Trade | El Mirage has a strong retail trade presence, offering opportunities in grocery stores, clothing retailers, electronics shops, and more. Frontline customer service roles are also available. |
| Manufacturing | The manufacturing sector in El Mirage includes major employers like Avanti Windows & Doors and the West US 3 Microsoft datacenter. There are various roles and positions available in this sector. |
| Education | El Mirage has highly rated schools in the Dysart Unified School District, creating employment opportunities for teachers, administrators, and support staff. Educational support services like tutoring centers and after-school programs also provide jobs. |
| Hospitality/Tourism | El Mirage benefits from its proximity to popular attractions in Arizona, creating employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, and recreational facilities seek dedicated professionals in roles ranging from management to culinary arts and event coordination. |
Education
The education sector in El Mirage provides employment opportunities for teachers, administrators, and support staff in highly rated schools within the Dysart Unified School District.
El Mirage School is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 1,854 schools in Arizona based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2020-21 school year.
However, top-rated public schools in El Mirage include Surprise Elementary School, Dysart Elementary School, and Dysart High School.
Additionally, several colleges and universities are located within 20 miles of El Mirage, including Ottawa University and Rio Salado College.
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities in El Mirage, AZ provide employment opportunities for medical professionals and support staff. If you’re considering a career in the healthcare industry, you’ll find a few facilities in El Mirage, such as Maricopa County Health Care and El Mirage Family Health Center.
These facilities offer a range of services and provide a vital role in the community’s well-being. Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, or administrative staff, there are opportunities to contribute to the healthcare needs of El Mirage residents.
Housing Market
Now that you’ve explored the healthcare sector in El Mirage, let’s shift our focus to the housing market.
The median listing home price in El Mirage is $368,500, with a 15.4% increase from last year. Rental prices have also seen a rise, with the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment being $1,250.
Affordable neighborhoods like Plaza Manuel Ortega and Casa Mirage Apartments offer rent-assisted apartments with community amenities and modern features.
Job Market
In El Mirage, there are diverse job opportunities available in various industries. Some of the largest industries in El Mirage include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services. Within these industries, there are a wide range of job positions available. Additionally, some of the highest paying industries in El Mirage are Utilities, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Transportation & Warehousing.
In terms of job demand, there are several positions that are currently in high demand in El Mirage. These include Fraud Operations Specialist, Bookseller, HR Assistant, Quality Assurance Technician, and Claims Representative. These positions offer potential job seekers a variety of options to explore and pursue in El Mirage.
Public Transportation
Transportation options in El Mirage, AZ include public buses, shuttles, and car rental services. Here are some ways to get around:
- Airports: The nearest airport to El Mirage is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 30 miles away.
- Highways: El Mirage is located near US Route 60 and US Route 101.
- Buses: Public transportation options in El Mirage include ABS Shuttle, Wheels on Wheels, N&J Transportation, Humanitarian Transit, and Arizona Cargo Couriers & Delivery Services.
- Shuttles: To My Surprise shuttle service and Vince Drives You offer airport shuttle services.
Tax Rates
The sales tax rate in El Mirage, AZ is 9.30%, which includes state, county, and city sales taxes. This means that when you make purchases in El Mirage, you will be charged an additional 9.30% on top of the purchase price.
The breakdown of the sales tax rate includes 5.60% for the state of Arizona, 0.70% for Maricopa County, and 3% for the city of El Mirage.
Weather and Climate
Now that you have an understanding of the tax rates in El Mirage, let’s talk about the weather and climate in this vibrant city. El Mirage, AZ has a hot desert climate, with scorching summers and mild winters. In July, the average high temperature reaches 104°F, while in January, it drops to 68°F. Snowfall is extremely rare in El Mirage, with an average of 0 inches. Check out the table below for a summary of the weather conditions throughout the year:
| Month | Average High Temperature | Average Low Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| July | 104°F | 77°F |
| January | 68°F | 41°F |
Pros and cons
One of the advantages of living in El Mirage is the abundance of recreational opportunities available to residents and visitors. With its warm climate and diverse population, El Mirage offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a golf enthusiast looking to explore the numerous nearby courses or a nature lover seeking the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, El Mirage has something for everyone. Additionally, the town’s proximity to parks, museums, and wildlife preserves provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Bars and Restaurants
Check out the diverse selection of bars and restaurants in El Mirage, where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines and flavors.
Start your day at Sunrise Donuts, a popular spot for fresh and reasonably priced donuts.
For lunch, head to Brenda’s Kitchen, a cozy cafe and diner that serves delicious home-cooked meals.
In the evening, visit Mirage Sports Bar and Grill for a lively atmosphere and tasty pub food.
Things to do
If you’re looking for entertainment and adventure in El Mirage, Arizona, head over to the Challenger Space Center.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of space and explore the fascinating exhibits.
Experience the thrill of learning about the universe and its mysteries.
Witness captivating shows and engage in interactive activities that will leave you inspired and in awe.
It’s an out-of-this-world experience that will ignite your curiosity and spark your imagination.
Best neighborhoods
For those seeking an active 55+ golf community, Pueblo El Mirage offers a quality of life that retirees love. This community features homes for sale and 378 RV sites. It also offers amenities such as a pool, lawn bowling, hobby workshops, and pickleball courts.
If you’re looking for a desirable neighborhood with large, renovated homes, Rancho El Mirage is a great choice. It has a gated entrance and spacious lots. Additionally, it provides a comfortable living experience with affordable HOA fees.
Conclusion
So, if you’re thinking about moving to El Mirage, AZ, you’re in for a treat!
With its warm climate, diverse population, and abundance of recreational opportunities, this city has something for everyone.
From its rich history to its thriving economy, El Mirage offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.
So why wait? Take the leap and join this vibrant community where the possibilities are endless.
After all, El Mirage is a diamond in the rough, just waiting for you to uncover its hidden treasures.