Cochise County, Arizona, is grappling with a housing crisis that is squeezing renters and highlighting the age of its housing stock. According to a recent report from the Arizona Department of Housing, the county's median rent has increased by 15% over the past year, outpacing wage growth. Many residents are now spending more than 30% of their income on housing, a threshold considered unaffordable.
The county's housing stock is also aging, with over 40% of homes built before 1980, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. This has led to increased maintenance costs and energy inefficiency, further burdening homeowners and renters alike. Local officials have noted that new construction has not kept pace with demand, partly due to supply chain issues and labor shortages.
Efforts to address the crisis have been slow. The Cochise County Board of Supervisors recently discussed a proposal to allocate $2 million from federal pandemic relief funds for affordable housing projects, but the plan has faced opposition from some residents concerned about increased density. No final decision has been made as of June 2026.
Community advocates are calling for more comprehensive solutions, including rent stabilization measures and incentives for developers to build affordable units. However, with limited state and federal support, the county faces an uphill battle. As one local resident put it, 'We need action now, not more studies.'
