Phoenix, Arizona and West Adams, Colorado share some similarities but also have their unique attributes that set them apart. Phoenix, known as the Valley of the Sun, is one of the largest cities in the US and the central hub for Arizona. It provides many job opportunities, diverse entertainment options, and a vibrant cultural scene. On the other end, West Adams, a small neighborhood in Colorado, offers a serene environment with a close-knit community feel. Be it for relocation or a temporary visit, understanding the differences between these two areas can help shape your living or travel experience.
Phoenix has a higher crime rate compared to West Adams, largely due to its size. Violent crimes are more common in Phoenix than in West Adams. However, Phoenix has effective law enforcement, with numerous initiatives aimed at crime reduction and ensuring safety. West Adams, being smaller, experiences fewer crimes and is considered relatively safe.
Cost of Living
Living in Phoenix is generally less expensive than in West Adams. Housing is more affordable, as are utilities and other daily expenses. Conversely, West Adams, due to its close proximity to downtown Denver, boasts a higher cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing.
Income Tax
Arizona has a progressive income tax that ranges from 2.59% to 4.50%. Colorado, on the other hand, has a flat income tax rate of 4.63%, regardless of income level.
Property Tax
Property taxes are lower in Phoenix with an average rate of 0.802%, compared to West Adams's rate of 0.602%.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a higher city sales tax rate of 8.6% compared to West Adams's 7.96%.
Income
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$86,329
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$37,504
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
117.6
If you make $50,000 in Phoenix, you will have to make $58,103 in West Adams to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is situated in the Sonoran Desert and features stunning landscapes, including mountain ranges and cacti-filled parks. West Adams is set in the Colorado plains, with proximity to the Rocky Mountains, offering splendid natural views.
Geographical information
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
Land area
474.9 sq. miles
74.5 sq. miles
Population density
3,421.1 people per sq. mile
4,165.7 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Phoenix, AZ West Adams, CO
Education
Phoenix has a broad range of educational institutions, including several renowned universities and high-ranking public and private schools, ensuring diverse education options. West Adams is served by the Adams 14 School District and also has some private schools. The nearby city of Denver also provides numerous educational opportunities.
Phoenix has a diverse economy with sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology driving the city's job market. West Adams, while smaller in scale, benefits from Denver's economic success, with many residents commuting there for work.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, the biggest employers are the State of Arizona, Banner Health, and Walmart. In West Adams, residents are largely employed by Denver's top employers, including the Denver International Airport and the University of Colorado Denver.
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In West Adams (Adams County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 40.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
2020
50.2%
57.1%
48.0%
40.7%
1.8%
2.2%
2016
44.9%
50.1%
47.7%
41.6%
7.5%
8.3%
2012
43.6%
57.3%
54.3%
40.4%
2.1%
2.3%
2008
44.0%
58.5%
54.5%
40.1%
1.5%
1.4%
2004
42.4%
50.7%
57.0%
48.4%
0.6%
0.9%
2000
43.0%
50.3%
53.4%
44.2%
3.6%
5.5%
1996
44.5%
51.3%
47.2%
38.9%
8.2%
9.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
16.0%
4.3%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
0.7%
6.5%
7.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.4%
2.0%
2.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.5%
3.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
3.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.1%
1.3%
1.2%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.4%
Weather
Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures are mild, making it an attractive destination for snowbirds. West Adams, on the other hand, enjoys a more temperate climate, with warm summers and frosty winters. Both destinations offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
49.9°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
13.3 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 West Adams, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
Phoenix
West Adams
2018
156
104
0.38
0.31
15.2
18.6
28.5
27.9
N/A
N/A
34.8
29.2
8.6
9.2
0.6
0.8
2017
120
97
0.41
0.31
15.9
18.8
28.6
27.6
N/A
N/A
34.9
22.0
7.6
8.9
1.4
0.9
2016
114
90
0.44
0.40
15.8
20.9
27.3
26.6
N/A
N/A
30.6
22.6
7.7
8.4
0.4
0.9
2015
102
101
0.46
0.42
17.6
19.7
27.1
25.9
N/A
N/A
26.2
20.2
7.9
9.4
0.9
1.1
2014
117
94
0.46
0.38
19.6
19.1
27.6
27.4
N/A
N/A
37.0
19.3
8.5
10.1
1.1
1.2
2013
130
83
0.43
0.37
19.9
17.3
27.9
27.5
N/A
N/A
35.3
18.7
8.4
N/A
0.9
1.3
2012
157
90
0.44
0.37
21.2
18.9
28.1
27.4
N/A
N/A
41.9
23.5
8.8
N/A
1.3
0.9
2011
203
90
0.47
0.35
20.0
18.1
28.3
28.0
N/A
N/A
41.3
24.0
9.6
N/A
0.9
1.4
2010
100
78
0.48
0.37
19.9
16.3
26.9
26.6
N/A
N/A
31.2
27.1
8.3
N/A
0.9
1.0
2009
108
76
0.52
0.35
20.1
14.1
25.6
26.6
0.005
N/A
38.2
23.0
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.3
2008
106
85
0.48
0.39
21.4
17.3
26.6
27.9
0.008
N/A
39.6
25.9
N/A
N/A
2.4
1.6
2007
129
96
0.54
0.46
23.5
20.6
25.2
25.4
0.007
N/A
47.6
27.8
N/A
N/A
2.4
1.2
2006
131
89
0.66
0.49
25.3
19.0
24.4
24.1
0.034
N/A
50.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
2.3
1.4
2005
109
86
0.74
0.56
25.9
21.3
22.2
21.4
0.124
N/A
44.6
29.5
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.5
2004
98
82
0.77
0.59
25.5
21.2
23.4
19.4
0.051
N/A
32.8
28.6
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.9
2003
101
106
0.90
0.55
26.8
21.2
23.7
21.1
0.055
N/A
42.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.9
2002
111
86
0.98
0.56
28.7
19.2
23.6
20.9
0.034
N/A
41.8
35.7
N/A
N/A
1.6
2.4
2001
106
95
1.00
0.69
28.6
24.6
22.3
17.7
0.040
N/A
37.8
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.5
2.5
2000
117
94
1.14
0.67
29.9
14.1
24.6
19.0
0.042
N/A
45.6
12.2
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
130.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
809.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
11%
Transportation
Phoenix has an extensive network of public transit options, including buses and light rail. West Adams residents rely heavily on personal cars for commuting, although there are bus lines servicing the area.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
Amtrak stations
3
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
Bicycle
0.4%
0.2%
Bus
1.8%
4.2%
Carpooled
12.2%
13.1%
Car alone
81.8%
77.4%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.4%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
Average
28.6 min
28.2 min
Real Estate
Phoenix offers a wide range of real estate options, from affordable housing to luxury residences. Real estate in West Adams is comparatively pricier, reflecting the demand for Denver's housing market.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix has diverse neighborhoods, from the bustling downtown to calm, family-friendly suburbs. West Adams, being relatively compact, has a tight-knit community and primarily residential neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
Houses
644,625
96,976
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.7
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
94,294 (97.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
68,196 (72.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
26,098 (27.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,683
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$576,371
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$438,983
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.8
Renting percentage
42.4%
35.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,301.4
Household income disparities
43.9%
38.2%
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
8,555 (15.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
181 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
46,792 (84.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
4,321 (7.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
10,023 (18.1%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
6,415
State government workers
30,385
3,185
Unpaid family workers
1,048
326
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix's main industries include real estate, healthcare, retail, and construction. Many residents also work in the public sector. West Adams's residents work in diverse fields, many commuting to Denver and neighboring areas where industries such as telecommunications, aviation, and healthcare are prevalent.
Phoenix offers advanced healthcare facilities including the renowned Mayo Clinic and Banner Health. West Adams, given its smaller size, has fewer healthcare options, but nearby Denver offers comprehensive healthcare services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix, being a large city, boasts advanced infrastructure, including skyscrapers, modern transport systems, and a well-planned residential layout. West Adams, being a suburb, has basic infrastructure suited to its setting, but it benefits from Denver's urban infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
West Adams
TV stations
22
17
Culture and Food
Phoenix is known for its vibrant culture, influenced by Native American, Mexican, and Western traditions. Its food scene is diverse, boasting everything from Mexican cuisine to modern American fusions. West Adams, while smaller, has a strong sense of community and a cozy food scene influenced by local and international cuisine.
Sports Teams
Phoenix is home to professional sports teams in every major US sport, including the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and the Arizona Cardinals (NFL). West Adams residents usually root for Denver's teams, such as the Denver Broncos (NFL) and Denver Nuggets (NBA).
Phoenix, AZ
West Adams, CO
Phoenix, AZ and 
West Adams, CO : 588.0 miles
