Evictions have hit lower-income metro Phoenix neighborhoods located centrally near job hubs, freeways and mass transit the hardest during the coronavirus pandemic.
These are neighborhoods where many service workers, who have been affected the most by COVID-19, live.
Most of the Valley ZIP codes with the most evictions can be found in west Phoenix and Glendale, according to an Arizona Republic analysis. Areas with affordable apartments in downtown Tempe and Mesa, as well as a north and a southeast Phoenix neighborhood, also made the list.
Chris Groninger, a consumer advocate with the nonprofit Arizona Bar Foundation who has been closely tracking evictions, is saddened by the trends.
“No surprises, really, just frustration,” she said about the neighborhoods where landlords file the most to evict renters. “The eviction process is a perfect example of how expensive it is to live close to or in poverty.”
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The data presents a range of eviction filings that have occurred within different ZIP codes in Maricopa County from late March 2020 to the end of February. Just about every ZIP code within the county registered at least one eviction. Some are true anomalies, with hundreds of evictions filed as the pandemic raged.
The median number of eviction filings per ZIP code the county is about six, making the top 10 ZIP codes true outliers.
The courts do not tally actual lockouts — when a renter is removed from a home after an eviction filing — but housing advocates say that number is in the thousands.
Phoenix-area evictions: They didn’t stop during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s why
85301 in central Glendale
The ZIP code 85301, which includes downtown Glendale, has seen the most eviction filings of any Valley neighborhood during the past year.
From late March 2020 through February, 1,517 evictions have been filed in this Glendale area that’s home to affordable apartment complexes near Glendale Community College and Grand Canyon University.
Both rents and home prices in the West Valley neighborhood from Northern Avenue to Camelback Road roughly between 43rd and 67th avenues have been rapidly climbing while incomes haven’t kept up. The area’s median rent for a one bedroom is $876, according to apartment research firm Zumper.
Rents jumped 11% in the Valley suburb during the past year, according to researcher Apartment List.
La Piazza Al Forno in downtown Glendale has been open for 13 years. Owner Justin Piazza expects steady business during Glendale Glitters as COVID-19 restrictions mean there won’t be any street vendors.
The Canyons on Colter Apartments in Phoenix is pictured on April 23, 2021.
The Glendale ZIP code 85301 is home to the city’s downtown (left) as well as The Cove Apartments, which was near the top of the list for number of evictions at a Maricopa County apartment complex during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
KELLY DONOHUE/THE REPUBLIC; MEG POTTER/THE REPUBLIC
The median home price in ZIP 85301 is $230,000, according to the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Services. While affordable compared with metro Phoenix’s overall median home price of $350,000, prices have climbed 32% during the past year.
About one-third, nearly 33%, of the neighborhood’s population lives either at or below the poverty line, according to 2019 census numbers. The poverty rate of those living in metro Phoenix is about 12%. The median income of the area’s eligible working population is $24,515, less than half the median income for metro Phoenix overall. The area’s eligible working population is defined as those who are 16 years old and older.
A majority of the neighborhood’s residents, 63%, report as Hispanic and 9% as Black. About one-fourth of the area’s population, 23%, is white.
The residents mostly rent, with 37% of the housing units occupied by homeowners as compared with metro Phoenix’s overall homeownership rate of 65%.
These ZIP codes had the most evictions: See our map of metro Phoenix areas with the most filings
85281 in downtown Tempe/Town Lake
The Tempe ZIP code 85281 is the most urban part of the city, with light rail bisecting it. Arizona State University is located there, as well as several growing employers such as State Farm. It ranked No. 2 for the most eviction filings during the pandemic with 1,245.
The typical rent for a one bedroom in this Tempe neighborhood is $1,359. That’s higher than the almost $1,200 average for all of Tempe and below only Scottsdale and Chandler for the highest rents in metro Phoenix.
The median home price in the 85281 area running from the southern half of Papago Park to Broadway Road and roughly between State Route 143 and the Loop 101 is $320,000, up 14% from a year ago.
ASU students cross University Drive on the first day of the fall semester at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ on Aug. 21, 2006.
Vela Luxury Apartment Homes in Tempe is pictured on April 23, 2021.
Arizona State University’s Tempe campus is within the 85281 ZIP code (left), also home of Vela Luxury Apartment Homes. The typical rent for a one bedroom in this Tempe neighborhood is $1,359.
ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC; MEG POTTER/THE REPUBLIC
More than one-third, about 36%, of the population live either at or below the poverty line, compared with metro Phoenix’s about 12%. The median income of the ZIP code’s eligible working population is slightly less than $20,000 annually, significantly less than the median income for metro Phoenix. That’s likely due to the many students who live near ASU.
The area’s population is majority white, according to census figures, at 53%. Another 23% of residents are Latino, and 13% are Asian.
The homeownership rate is roughly 21%, while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals. In comparison, the homeownership rate in the metro Phoenix is about 65%.
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85035 in west Maryvale
Eviction filings hit 1,240 between late March 2020 and February in the westernmost neighborhood of the affordable Maryvale area.
Older apartments and block rental homes fill this neighborhood from Thomas Road to Interstate 10 between 49th and 83rd avenues. The median rent for a one bedroom in this part of Maryvale is $1,209, which is higher than the $1,010 for Phoenix.
The median home price is $250,000, up 17% from last year. That’s about $100,000 below the Valley’s overall median.
The Phoenix neighborhood of Maryvale (ZIP code 85035) saw the biggest resale home price increases since the housing crash (2011-18) — $40,000 to $171,800,
a 330% increase.
85035: A third west Phoenix neighborhood in the Maryvale area has a median house price of $156,000, up 10 percent from 2016.
The median rent for a one bedroom in the 85035 ZIP code in Phoenix’s Maryvale neightborhood is $1,209, higher than the $1,010 rent for the rest of Phoenix.
NICK OZA/THE REPUBLIC; STREETSCOUT.COM
About 23% of the population lives either at or below the poverty line, nearly double the 12% of metro Phoenix.
The median income of the ZIP code’s eligible working population is about $25,000 annually, more than the median income for metro Phoenix.
The area is mostly Latino — 81% — with 7% identifying as Black and 7% as white.
The ZIP code’s homeownership rate is roughly 40%, while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals. As a comparison, the homeownership rate in the metro Phoenix overall is about 65%.
85017 in west Phoenix
The west Phoenix neighborhood, home to Grand Canyon University and many affordable rentals, saw 833 evictions during the pandemic.
Many students rent in the area running along Interstate 17 to 35th Avenue between Glendale Avenue and Thomas Road, but it is also home to many longtime residents.
The median rent for a one bedroom is $849, very affordable for the Valley. The median home price is $243,000, which is up 23% in the past year but still more than $100,000 below the Valley’s median home price.
Grand Canyon University has given the area west of Interstate 17 along Camelback Road a boost as its enrollment has skyrocketed. Now tagged as an opportunity zone, the tract could draw more apartments and shopping centers for its growing student population.
The 85017 ZIP code in west Phoenix saw resale home values increase from $41,000 to $165,000 – an increase of 302% percent – since 2011.
In west Phoenix’s 85017, affordable rentals surround Grand Canyon University (left). Students as well as longtime residents live in the area.
MARK HENLE/THE REPUBLIC; NICK OZA/THE REPUBLIC
Nearly one third, about 30%, of the population lives either at or below the poverty line, far more than metro Phoenix’s 12%.
The median income of the ZIP code’s eligible working population is slightly more than $22,000 annually, significantly less than the median income for metro Phoenix.
The area is majority Latino, with more than two-thirds, 68%, identifying as Latino, 17% as white and 6% as Black.
The homeownership rate of the occupied units within the ZIP code is roughly 40% while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals.
85033 in west Phoenix’s Maryvale
Maryvale West, the second phase of the west Phoenix community started in the 1950s by developer John F. Long, saw 797 evictions during the pandemic.
Houses are typically block, with a carport, on small lots in this neighborhood located between Camelback and Thomas roads and 59th and 83rd avenues.
The typical rent in this area is $829, making it the most affordable spot on the list. The median home price in ZIP code 85033 has climbed 19% in the past year to reach $250,000.
Homes in west Phoenix’s Maryvale ZIP code of 85033 are typically block, with a carport, on small lots in this neighborhood located between Camelback and Thomas roads and 59th and 83rd avenues.
Homes in west Phoenix’s Maryvale ZIP code of 85033 are typically block, with a carport, on small lots in this neighborhood located between Camelback and Thomas roads and 59th and 83rd avenues.
NICK OZA/THE REPUBLIC
About 28%, of the population lives either at or below the poverty line, more than double the rate of metro Phoenix.
The median income is slightly more than $24,000 annually, significantly less than that of metro Phoenix.
The population is 81% Latino, 12% white and 4% Black.
The homeownership rate is roughly 48%, while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals.
‘It costs a lot of money to be poor’: How 1 renter faced 11 evictions in 1 year
85201 in central Mesa
Mesa’s historic downtown district can be found in this area, as well as several older apartment complexes and mobile home parks. Landlords filed 701 evictions here during the pandemic.
Renters typically pay $1,028 a month for a one bedroom in this neighborhood from the Loop 202 to Main Street and between Mesa Drive and the Loop 101. That’s below the city’s $1,140 median rent for a one bedroom.
New housing projects are helping to give downtown Mesa a boost.
Typical home in Mesa Zip- 85201, in Mesa, AZ.
Downtown Mesa (left) lies in the 85201 ZIP code as well as several older apartment complexes, mobile home parks and other homes.
ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC; MEG POTTER/THE REPUBLIC
The area’s median home price is $260,000, an 18.7% increase since March 2020.
About one-fourth, about 24%, of the population live either at or below the poverty line, double the rate of metro Phoenix.
The median income of the ZIP code’s eligible working population is slightly more than $26,000 annually, significantly less than the median income for metro Phoenix.
The area’s residents are mostly people of color, including 39% Latino, 6% Black and 45% white.
The homeownership rate is roughly 34%, while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals. The homeownership rate in the metro Phoenix is about 65%.
85021 in northwest-central Phoenix
Light rail runs through this neighborhood, home to both affordable and more expensive ranch-style properties. Landlords filed 680 evictions on renters in the area during COVID-19.
Renters pay a median of $930 a month for a one bedroom in ZIP code 85021, between Peoria and Glendale avenues and Central Avenue to 1-17. That’s about $80 less than the city’s median. Homes typically cost $320,000, which is down about 4% from a year ago.
About one-fourth, about 24%, of the population lives either at or below the poverty line, double metro Phoenix’s rate.
The median income is slightly more than $30,000 annually, significantly less than the median income for metro Phoenix.
Most residents are people of color, with 36% identifying as Latino, 10% as Black and 42% as white.
The homeownership rate is roughly 38%, while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals. As a comparison, metro Phoenix’s homeownership rate is about 65%.
85022 in north Phoenix
In this neighborhood, home to mountain preserves, pricier homes and apartments as well as manufactured and older block homes, there were 676 evictions.
Renters typically pay about $1,052 a month for an apartment in this area between Union Hills Drive and Thunderbird Road and Cave Creek Road to just west of Seventh Street. Homebuyers are paying a median price of $305,000, up 3% from March 2020.
Slightly more than one-tenth, about 14%, of the population lives either at or below the poverty line, close to metro Phoenix’s overall rate.
The median income of the ZIP code is slightly more than $35,000 annually, significantly less than the median income for metro Phoenix.
The population is majority white, at 64%. Residents are also 23% Latino and 4% Black.
The homeownership rate is roughly 54%, while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals. The homeownership rate in the metro Phoenix is about 65%.
85008 in southeast Phoenix
Landlords filed 669 evictions during the pandemic in this neighborhood near Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport that is home to both old and new apartments. Light rail runs through it, as do a couple of freeways.
The median monthly rent is $1,000 in ZIP code 85008, between Thomas Road and Van Buren Street and 64th and 24th streets. That’s about $10 less than the Phoenix median rent.
The median monthly rent is $1,000 in the southeast Phoenix ZIP code 85008, between Thomas Road and Van Buren Street and 64th and 24th streets. That’s about $10 less than the Phoenix median rent.
The median monthly rent is $1,000 in the southeast Phoenix ZIP code 85008, between Thomas Road and Van Buren Street and 64th and 24th streets. That’s about $10 less than the Phoenix median rent.
HOMEFINDER.COM
The median home price is $300,000, up 8.3% since the first quarter of 2020.
About one-fourth, about 24%, of the population lives either at or below the poverty line, double that of metro Phoenix.
The median income is slightly more than $26,000 annually, significantly less than the median income for metro Phoenix.
The population is majority Latino, at 56%. Another 12% of residents are Black and 26% are white.
The homeownership rate is roughly 26% while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals, far below metro Phoenix’s 65%.
85015 in midtown Phoenix
In this neighborhood, home to Christown Spectrum Mall, one of Phoenix’s oldest shopping centers, eviction filings during the pandemic reached 642.
The southern end of this area has historic homes. Affordable houses and townhomes are located in the center near the mall. Larger, ranch-style houses are on the northern end.
Christown Spectrum Mall opened in midtown Phoenix in the 1960s.
Christown Spectrum Mall in Midtown Phoenix has sold for $115 million.
85015: This northwest-central Phoenix neighborhood saw house prices climb 15.7 percent last year. The area’s median reached $209,950.
The midtown Phoenix ZIP code 85015 is home to Christown Spectrum Mall (left) and includes housing ranging from historic homes to townhomes and larger ranch-style houses.
TOM TINGLE/THE REPUBLIC; DAVID DIGBY
The median rent in the area is $900, relatively affordable for metro Phoenix, where $1,010 is the typical rent for a one bedroom. A typical home in the neighborhood between Glendale Avenue to Thomas Road and from 15th Avenue to I-17 costs $290,000, up 16% from a year ago.
Almost one-third, about 31%, of the population lives either at or below the poverty line, while the poverty rate of metro Phoenix is about 12%.
The median income is slightly more than $27,000 annually, significantly less than that of metro Phoenix.
Residents are mostly people of color, including 45% Latino, 14% Black and 30% white.
The homeownership rate is roughly 36%, while the rest of the occupied units are considered rentals. The homeownership rate in the metro Phoenix is about 65%.
Coverage of housing insecurity on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation.
Reach reporter Ralph Chapoco at ralph.chapoco@arizonarepublic.com and follow him on Twitter @rchapoco. Reach reporter Catherine Reagor at catherine.reagor@arizonarepublic.com or 602-568-2856. Follow her on Twitter @catherinereagor. Reach reporter Jessica Boehm at jessica.boehm@gannett.com or 480-694-1823. Follow her on Twitter @jboehm_NEWS.
Published 10:04 AM MST Jun. 17, 2021 Updated 10:04 AM MST Jun. 17, 2021
AUTHOR: Ralph Chapoco, Catherine Reagor, and Jessica Boehm
