Phoenix, Arizona, and Northeast Jefferson, Colorado, offer distinct lifestyles depending on what someone is looking for, be it as a resident or a tourist. Phoenix boasts a more suburban atmosphere with a strong economy, ample sunshine, and a rich cultural food scene. Northeast Jefferson, meanwhile, boasts a quieter rustic lifestyle with a cooler climate, low crime rates, and mountainous landscapes. Cost of living, taxes, education, and health care vary between the two locations and should be considered when contemplating relocation or a visit.
Phoenix, being the fifth most populous city in the U.S., experiences urban challenges in terms of crime rate which is somewhat above the national average. However, the city's various neighborhoods and residential areas showcase differing levels of safety. In contrast, Northeast Jefferson reports lower crime rates, touting a safer environment. Both cater to tourists with their own comprehensive public safety measures.
Cost of Living
Phoenix tends to have a lower cost of living compared to Northeast Jefferson, specifically in terms of housing and some essential goods. Yet, Northeast Jefferson still falls under the national average, providing feasible living options for families and individuals aiming for a quieter lifestyle.
Income Tax
Income tax in both regions is relatively similar, with both Arizona and Colorado adopting a flat tax system.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Northeast Jefferson tend to be higher than those in Phoenix due to the higher average home values.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a higher city sales tax rate at approximately 8.6%, while Northeast Jefferson levies Colorado's standard rate of about 2.9%.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$91,025
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$46,835
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
119.7
If you make $50,000 in Phoenix, you will have to make $59,140 in Northeast Jefferson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix provides flat desert landscapes surrounded by mountain ranges. Northeast Jefferson offers a more rugged terrain with the Rockies providing both a scenic backdrop and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Geographical information
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Land area
474.9 sq. miles
172.8 sq. miles
Population density
3,421.1 people per sq. mile
2,615.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Phoenix, AZ Northeast Jefferson, CO
Education
Both Phoenix and Northeast Jefferson have strong education sectors. Phoenix has a variety of public, charter, and private schools, as well as higher education institutions like Arizona State University. On the other hand, Northeast Jefferson benefits from close vicinity to Boulder's reputable education institutions like the University of Colorado.
Phoenix has a thriving economy, with industries like technology, health care, and tourism having a major influence. High job growth is reported. Northeast Jefferson, while smaller, is not far from economic hubs like Denver, providing a broad array of employment opportunities.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, some of the biggest employers include Banner Health, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. Northeast Jefferson's residents often work in Denver, home to big employers like HealthONE Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and the University of Colorado System.
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
2020
50.2%
58.3%
48.0%
39.7%
1.8%
2.0%
2016
44.9%
49.2%
47.7%
42.3%
7.5%
8.6%
2012
43.6%
51.6%
54.3%
46.7%
2.1%
1.8%
2008
44.0%
54.0%
54.5%
44.9%
1.5%
1.1%
2004
42.4%
46.9%
57.0%
52.1%
0.6%
1.0%
2000
43.0%
43.0%
53.4%
51.1%
3.6%
5.9%
1996
44.5%
42.7%
47.2%
48.4%
8.2%
8.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
15.0%
4.3%
5.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
1.2%
6.5%
7.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
1.7%
2.0%
4.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
1.1%
1.5%
3.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
2.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.3%
2.7%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.2%
0.6%
0.6%
Weather
The weather varies significantly between the two locations. Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, though winters are mild and pleasant. Northeast Jefferson, on the other hand, experiences a cooler, continental climate with snowy winters, making it ideal for those who enjoy winter sports activities.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
47.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
17.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
64%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Northeast Jefferson, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
2018
156
104
0.38
0.40
15.2
22.3
28.5
34.9
N/A
N/A
34.8
29.2
8.6
8.4
0.6
0.7
2017
120
97
0.41
0.40
15.9
22.5
28.6
34.5
N/A
N/A
34.9
22.0
7.6
8.2
1.4
0.8
2016
114
90
0.44
0.44
15.8
24.4
27.3
34.3
N/A
N/A
30.6
22.6
7.7
7.8
0.4
1.0
2015
102
101
0.46
0.45
17.6
24.1
27.1
32.8
N/A
N/A
26.2
21.0
7.9
9.5
0.9
1.0
2014
117
94
0.46
0.45
19.6
23.4
27.6
33.1
N/A
N/A
37.0
25.0
8.5
10.1
1.1
1.3
2013
130
84
0.43
0.40
19.9
21.0
27.9
33.6
N/A
N/A
35.3
24.3
8.4
N/A
0.9
1.5
2012
157
91
0.44
0.34
21.2
18.9
28.1
33.4
N/A
N/A
41.9
24.4
8.8
N/A
1.3
1.3
2011
203
90
0.47
0.34
20.0
18.1
28.3
32.0
N/A
N/A
41.3
23.8
9.6
N/A
0.9
1.5
2010
100
79
0.48
0.42
19.9
16.3
26.9
29.2
N/A
N/A
31.2
26.5
8.3
N/A
0.9
1.0
2009
108
76
0.52
0.38
20.1
14.1
25.6
27.9
0.005
N/A
38.2
22.5
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.3
2008
106
85
0.48
0.42
21.4
17.3
26.6
30.8
0.008
N/A
39.6
25.5
N/A
N/A
2.4
1.6
2007
129
96
0.54
0.39
23.5
20.6
25.2
29.0
0.007
N/A
47.6
29.1
N/A
N/A
2.4
1.2
2006
131
89
0.66
0.46
25.3
19.0
24.4
29.5
0.027
N/A
50.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
2.3
1.4
2005
109
86
0.74
0.51
25.9
21.3
22.2
26.0
0.119
N/A
44.6
29.6
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.5
2004
98
82
0.77
0.53
25.5
21.2
23.4
24.2
0.043
N/A
32.8
28.6
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.8
2003
101
106
0.90
0.52
26.8
21.2
23.7
25.9
0.046
N/A
42.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.9
2002
111
86
0.98
0.60
28.7
19.2
23.6
25.6
0.031
N/A
41.8
35.7
N/A
N/A
1.6
2.4
2001
106
95
1.00
0.69
28.6
20.8
22.3
23.7
0.034
N/A
37.8
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.5
2.6
2000
117
94
1.14
0.70
29.9
11.7
24.6
24.5
0.037
N/A
45.6
12.2
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
118.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
826.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
12%
Transportation
Phoenix offers extensive public transportation, including buses and light rail service, making commuting easier. Northeast Jefferson relies more heavily on driving and biking, though Denver’s RTD transportation system is accessible.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Amtrak stations
3
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Bicycle
0.4%
0.3%
Bus
1.8%
3.2%
Carpooled
12.2%
10%
Car alone
81.8%
80.3%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Average
28.6 min
26.6 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Phoenix is more affordable with various housing options to suit different income brackets. Northeast Jefferson, meanwhile, has a higher median home price, with a number of properties offering scenic mountain views.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix neighborhoods vary greatly, from the upscale areas of Scottsdale to the more affordable parts in Maryvale. Northeast Jefferson provides quiet, rustic residential areas surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
Houses
644,625
180,978
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.4
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
176,726 (97.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
125,208 (70.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
51,518 (29.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,659
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$884,573
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$522,903
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
7.3
Renting percentage
42.4%
31.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,047.5
Household income disparities
43.9%
40.7%
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
21,689 (19.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
469 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
90,716 (80.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
9,124 (8.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
16,287 (14.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
15,916
State government workers
30,385
7,028
Unpaid family workers
1,048
382
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix has a diversified economy with tech, healthcare, and tourism being key sects. Northeast Jefferson leans towards sectors such as tourism, education, and manufacturing due to its proximity to Denver.
With more than 60 hospitals, Phoenix has quality health care services such as the well-known Mayo Clinic. Northeast Jefferson, although more rural, provides adequate health care with additional facilities available in nearby Broomfield and Denver.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix boasts modern infrastructure, with good facilities for health, education, sports, and culture. Northeast Jefferson has a more rural infrastructure with a focus on preserving natural beauty, but with easy access to the larger Bromfield metropolitan area.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Northeast Jefferson
TV stations
22
19
Culture and Food
Phoenix offers a rich mix of cultural experiences and cuisines, from traditional Mexican fair to modern fusion. Northeast Jefferson offers access to Denver's vibrant downtown culture and cuisine, with a rustic charm that is uniquely Colorado.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the options in Phoenix with the Suns (NBA), Cardinals (NFL), and Coyotes (NHL) calling the city home. Northeast Jefferson has proximity to Denver's sports teams, including the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Rockies (MLB), and Avalanche (NHL).
Phoenix, AZ
Northeast Jefferson, CO
