Indian Wells is a small town of 357 in Arizona, with a median household income of $43,333
and a 19.8% unemployment rate.
Its cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100), which is
12% below the national average.
Strengths:
Indian Wells stands out for an affordable cost of living, below-average home prices.
Trade-offs:
Potential downsides include longer commutes, an elevated unemployment rate. Whether Indian Wells is right for you depends on your priorities — the full breakdown is below.
All Indian Wells city data on this page comes from official government sources —
the US Census Bureau, FBI, NCES, BEA, and NOAA — updated annually.
Cost of Living
Index: 87.8
Indian Wells's overall cost of living index is 87.8,
where 100 represents the US national average.
Living in Indian Wells costs roughly 12% less than the average American city.
Metric
Indian Wells, AZ
National Avg
Median Home Value
$57,000
$244,900
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050
$1,163
Homeownership Rate
79.8%
65.9%
Median Household Income
$43,333
$74,755
Crime & Safety
Very Safe
Indian Wells's violent crime rate is 264.1 per 100,000 residents
— 30% lower than the national average of ~380 per 100,000.
Violent Crime
264.1 /100k
Property Crime
829.4 /100k
Vertical marker = national average. Source: FBI UCR Program.
Schools & Education
Indian Wells is served primarily by Holbrook Unified District (4389).
The student-to-teacher ratio is 14.8:1
(better than the national average of ~16:1).
Metric
Indian Wells, AZ
National Avg
School District
Holbrook Unified District (4389)
—
Elementary Schools
3
—
Middle Schools
1
—
High Schools
1
—
Student/Teacher Ratio
14.8:1
16:1
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
2.8%
35.4%
High School Diploma or Higher
67.3%
91.1%
Weather & Climate
Indian Wells sees average highs of 44.9°F in January
and 89.4°F in July,
with 9.9 inches of annual precipitation
and 1.6 inches of snow per year.
Indian Wells's cost of living index is 88, where 100 is the national average.
That makes Indian Wells roughly 12% less expensive than a typical US city — a meaningful affordability advantage.
The median home price is $57,000 and median rent is $1,050/month.
Indian Wells's violent crime rate is 264.1 per 100,000 residents — the national average is ~380 per 100,000. Property crime is 829.4 per 100,000 (national avg ~2,100). Data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
Public schools in Indian Wells are operated by Holbrook Unified District (4389).
The district has 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high schools.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 14.8:1. 2.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Indian Wells, AZ has a population of 357, a median household income of $43,333, and an unemployment rate of 19.8%.
It offers below-average costs of living, which stretches take-home pay further than in most American cities. Whether it's right for you depends on your priorities — use the compare tool above to stack it against another city you're considering.
Indian Wells averages 44.9°F in January and 89.4°F in July. Annual rainfall is 9.9 inches
with about 1.6 inches of snow per year.
Based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991–2020).
The population of Indian Wells, Arizona is 357 with a median age of 42.9. Source: US Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
Key numbers for living in Indian Wells: cost of living index 88 (100 = US average), median home $57,000, median household income $43,333, crime index 57 (100 = US average, lower is safer), schools rated C+. Whether these are benefits or drawbacks depends on where you're coming from — compare Indian Wells side by side with your current city to see the trade-offs.
