Maricopa County is known for its lively urban atmosphere, cultural spots, and stunning natural features. Still, it hasn’t claimed the title of the best place to live in Arizona, according to new rankings.

That honor goes to Greenlee County, which has once more secured the top position in a list of the best counties in Arizona for 2025.

The ranking evaluated 15 counties in Arizona using nearly a dozen criteria, such as public school performance, living costs, job opportunities, and access to amenities. The data was sourced from the US Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CDC, among others, with each category receiving a letter grade.

So, how do the counties measure up, and what are the reasons?

Arizona’s Top Five Counties According to Niche

Why Greenlee is the Best County in Arizona

Greenlee County not only ranked first but was also highlighted as the top choice for families and the best area for purchasing homes in Arizona.

Situated along Arizona’s eastern border with New Mexico, Greenlee is one of the state’s least populated counties, hosting under 10,000 residents. The smaller population appears to offer a better quality of life. It features well-rated public schools, pleasant weather, and fairly diverse communities, contributing to its high rankings.

The county also boasts a strong housing market, with home values and rental prices significantly lower than the national average.

Major towns in Greenlee include Duncan and Morenci, but Clifton stands out with an A- overall grade.

Two other counties, Pima and Cochise, also ranked above Maricopa County, primarily due to their better housing and cost-of-living ratings.

What Makes Maricopa County Less Ideal?

Though Maricopa County is the most populated area in Arizona, home to about 4.5 million residents, it didn’t quite make it to the top of the list. It did, however, land in the top five, receiving high marks for its outdoor activities, diversity, weather, health and fitness, and nightlife.

Maricopa offers a comprehensive array of options—from restaurants to entertainment venues, coffee shops, parks, and outdoor pursuits. Major cities like Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale are bustling, yet there are also charming quiet areas in the suburbs.

It’s also recognized as the best county in Arizona for young professionals, thanks to a solid job market and stable incomes. The public schools here almost rank above average.

Despite these positives, Maricopa County struggles with ratings related to housing and cost of living, which ultimately affected its overall standing. The median home value is around $415,000, significantly more than the national average. Rental prices average above $1,587 a month, again exceeding the national mean.

Nevertheless, some communities shine within the county. Awhatukee Foothills has earned an A+ rating as the premier place to live in Maricopa County, followed by cities like Gilbert, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Chandler.

How Rankings Were Determined

Niche assessed Arizona counties using data from the US Census and other credible sources to gauge livability. The aim was to evaluate the overall quality of life based on factors that matter most to residents.

These factors included:

• Higher Education Rate: Percentage of individuals holding a university degree.
• Living Expenses: Affordability of living in the area.
• Housing: Property values, taxes, and quality of local schools.
• Public Schools: Ratings and student population statistics.
• Diversity: Variation in ethnicity, age, and income levels.
• Work: Employment rates and income stability.
• Health and Fitness: Access to healthcare and community health statistics.
• Outdoor Activities and Weather: Availability of parks and favorable climate.
• Commuting Time: Typical travel time to work.
• Nightlife: Access to restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.

Niche also factored in feedback from residents in each county to help shape the rankings.

Each category received a letter grade, and these were combined for an overall score for every county.