Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Safford, AZ
The median monthly rent in Safford, AZ is $1,920, translating to $23,040 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.65% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Safford spend approximately 34% of the local median household income ($66,955) on rent. This exceeds the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting rent growth may face resistance — but it also means a large portion of the population finds buying even more out of reach, supporting rental demand.
The vacancy rate in Safford is 5%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 1.6% annually is actively adding rental demand.
Safford's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 12.8x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,920/mo, a single-family rental in Safford generates approximately $23,040 in gross annual income. After accounting for 5% vacancy ($1,152 lost), property taxes of $1,859, insurance (~$1,180), and maintenance (~$1,180), the estimated NOI is $17,670 per year, or $1,472/mo.
Safford vs Arizona state average and national average across key investment metrics. Safford outperforms both benchmarks on cap rate.