FLAGSTAFF COMMUNITY PROFILE
Flagstaff, Arizona is a city with the charm of a small mountain town, with the resources of a much larger community. The rustic beauty of the area is in harmony with its sophistication as a university town. Keenly proud and respectful of its historic past, it also strives for the new and innovative.
Flagstaff is the hub of technological advancement in Northern Arizona, with a focus on biosciences, medical devices and renewable energy. In 2009, the respected Kiplinger.com put Flagstaff in its top 10 “Best Cities for Jobs” list, which focused on places that have stable employment plus the talent to create new, well-paying jobs.
Unlike its neighbors in the Valley of the Sun, Flagstaff is situated in the mountains 7,000 feet above sea level, and has four distinct seasons. Snow in the winter makes it a desirable destination for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and general snow play.
Unlike its neighbors in the Valley of the Sun, Flagstaff is situated in the mountains 7,000 feet above sea level, and has four distinct seasons. Snow in the winter makes it a desirable destination for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and general snow play.
Flagstaff’s location is a top ranking asset when compared to other Western locales. Only 80 miles from the nation’s #1 National Park, The Grand Canyon. Phoenix is only two hours south, while Las Vegas and Albuquerque are within five hours east or west of Flagstaff.
It’s a vibrant educational center, home to one of the state’s three universities and a well-respected community college.
For more statistics on Flagstaff and the surrounding community please visit our additional pages about Visiting or Relocating to Flagstaff. You can also visit the Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau or visit FlagstaffProspector.com for more information.
Cost of Living Index (COLI)
The Greater Flagstaff Chamber gathers pricing information for a cost-of-living report every year which is compiled by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) to create the national cost of living index.
According to the cumulative report averaging three quarters in 2016, the Flagstaff composite cost of living index was 113.6, or 13.6% higher than the national average. The composite index reflects pricing in six categories: housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services.
Composite Index (Overall Cost of Living)
Demographics
The Flagstaff, Arizona is a unique community with a diverse population with a wide range of ages, educational opportunities, and professionals. Click through to see more of our demographics.
Flagstaff Total Population
68,667
Flagstaff Population by Occupation
(Ages 16 and older, does not include government employment statistics)
Flagstaff Population by Education
(Ages 25 and older)
Labor Statistics
The following employment data was provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (updated December 2016)
These estimates are calculated with data collected from employers in all industry sectors in Flagstaff, AZ, a metropolitan statistical area in Arizona.
Flagstaff Unemployment Rate
6.0%
Government Labor Force
18.9%
Civilian Labor Force
73.3%