The latest Southern Arizona rental market report is in, and it offers some telling insights for both property owners and renters across Pima County. Powered by data from the Multiple Listing Service of Southern Arizona (MLSSAZ), this snapshot of May 2025 reveals a market in transition—steady in some areas, competitive in others, and shifting in ways that smart landlords will want to watch closely. Dive into an audio version of this report here!
Median Rent and Market Activity: A Slight Cooldown
In May 2025, the median lease price across Pima County held at $1,795, nearly unchanged from last year—a modest 0.3% dip from May 2024. While the number of leases signed also saw a small decrease (down 1.4% to 218), the total rental volume still exceeded $400,000, demonstrating continued demand.
However, time on market is ticking upward. With a median of 30 days to secure a lease—up from 27 days last year—it's clear that tenants are taking longer to make decisions, and competition for rental homes isn't quite as intense at the lower price points.
Pricing Shifts by Tier: The High-End Market Heats Up
What’s especially notable is how performance varies by price range. While the overall rental market appears slightly softer, properties listed above $2,500 are commanding higher-than-asking lease rates:
- Rentals in the $2,500–$2,999 range averaged 1.35% over asking
- Listings priced at $3,000 or more still fetched 0.35% above list
This contrast is stark when compared to the market as a whole, which averaged 0.22% below asking. The takeaway? Luxury and high-demand properties are still seeing competitive activity, even as the broader market evens out.
Inventory and Supply: Balanced but Watchful
In May, 712 active rental listings were on the market, with 300 new rentals listed and 99 pending leases. This translated to a 3.27-month supply, which is widely considered a balanced rental environment—neither heavily favoring tenants nor landlords.
For investors and landlords, this suggests that while pricing power is steady, renters have more choices—and that means presentation, marketing, and pricing strategy are more important than ever.
Bedrooms and Budgets: Median Rent by Unit Size
The MLSSAZ report also breaks down typical lease prices by bedroom count:
- 1-Bedroom: $875
- 3-Bedroom: $1,815
- 4-Bedroom: $2,200
If you're a landlord looking to position your rental competitively, these benchmarks provide a great starting point—especially when combined with your property's location, condition, and included amenities.
What This Means for Southern Arizona Landlords
At RGroup Realty Property Management, we see this as a call to action. The market isn’t declining—it’s evolving. The key is understanding these micro-trends and adjusting accordingly:
- Price smart: Use current data to set competitive rents that reflect market demand.
- Market with precision: Highlight premium features that justify higher rents—especially in luxury price bands.
- Move quickly, but strategically: With homes staying on the market longer, your listing needs to stand out with quality photos, clear descriptions, and prompt tenant communication.
And if you’re managing properties on your own, now may be the time to consider professional support. From pricing and marketing to tenant screening and compliance, our team brings local expertise and hands-on service to every home we manage.
Ready to Rent Smarter?
If you're a property owner looking to navigate the Southern Arizona rental market with confidence, RGroup Property Management is here to help. We stay on top of every trend so you don’t have to—and we turn insights like these into real results for our clients.
📞 Call us today at 520-618-7331 or contact us online to learn more about how we can support your property goals.
Steve Rice
Steven R. Rice is the Founder and Designated Broker of RGroup Realty and Property Management and the driving force behind affiliated companies, including Elements By Design and Sizzle Marketing. With more than 24 years of real estate experience and over 17 years in property management, he specializes in residential real estate brokerage, property management, investor relations, property performance strategy, BINSR and repair coordination, agent development, and building integrated service models that connect brokerage, maintenance, and marketing. Steven holds the CRS, ALHS, CLHMS, CRPM, SRES, GRI, SFR, and e-PRO designations, and has served in leadership roles with Long Realty, Realty Executives, and Keller Williams before founding RGroup Realty and Property Management in 2024.