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Overall Rating: 86/100 · 505,000 veterans (6.9% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Arizona veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Arizona Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Partially exempt
0.62% average effective rate
Small, income-tested (~$4,748 of assessed value at 100%)
Proportional to rating, capped ~$4,748 of assessed value at 100%; household-income limit ~$39k. Modest savings.
Source ↗Some exemptions for prosthetics
$22,000
VA Medical Center
650 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 277-5551
Full service, blind rehabilitation, PTSD
VA Medical Center
3601 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85723
(520) 792-1450
Full service, geriatrics, mental health
Tuition assistance
Guard members
4-year value: $12,000
Median Home
$425,000
1BR Rent
$1,300/mo
COL Index
106
Unemployment
3.6%
Major employers: Luke AFB, defense contractors, Intel, tech companies
Pros: Growing tech hub, Luke AFB, dry climate, winter paradise
Cons: Extreme summer heat (June-Sept unbearable), urban sprawl
Median Home
$310,000
1BR Rent
$950/mo
COL Index
95
Unemployment
3.8%
Major employers: Davis-Monthan AFB, U of Arizona, Raytheon
Pros: More affordable than Phoenix, Davis-Monthan, mountains nearby
Cons: Hot summers, limited job market vs Phoenix
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Any veteran receives a preference of 5 points added to a passing examination score for State of Arizona employment; the points apply only if the veteran earns a passing grade without the preference. Preference is available to external candidates who are not current state employees.
Official source ↗A person with a disability who takes an examination for state employment is given a preference of 5 points in the determination of their final rating, per Arizona Revised Statutes 38-492.
Official source ↗Veterans certified by the VA as 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled receive a free Arizona combination hunting and fishing license (paper license free; optional plastic card $4). Apply in person at an Arizona Game and Fish office with a VA benefits letter.
Official source ↗A Purple Heart recipient who has been an Arizona resident for at least one full year may purchase a state combination hunting and fishing license at a 50 percent discount from the standard price.
Official source ↗Arizona State Parks issues a free day-use pass to veterans who present VA-certified proof of 100% service-connected disability at a park visitor center. The pass covers day entry only, not camping, overnight parking, or special-use fees.
Official source ↗A veteran certified by the VA as 100% disabled and drawing compensation on that basis is exempt from vehicle license tax and registration fees on one vehicle (or its replacement). The exemption extends to the surviving spouse until remarriage.
Official source ↗Arizona offers a Veteran specialty license plate to those who provide a DD214/215/2/1173/256A or an original statement of honorable service from the VA or Arizona DVS, or a recognized veterans-organization credential.
Official source ↗Veterans can add a 'VETERAN' designation to an Arizona driver license, instruction permit, or ID card by submitting the license/ID application with the Veteran Designation box checked and proof of service (DD214/215/2/1173/256A) at any MVD or Third Party location.
Official source ↗Arizona operates four skilled-nursing Veteran Homes in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma providing long- and short-term care, including memory care and Medicare/rehab units, for eligible Arizona veterans. Admissions hotline: 602-234-5678.
Official source ↗The surviving spouse of a veteran whose property qualified for the disabled-veteran property tax exemption may continue to claim the full exemption as long as the spouse does not remarry and uses the property as their primary residence (A.R.S. 42-11111).
Official source ↗An unremarried surviving spouse and/or child up to age 30 of an Arizona National Guard member or U.S. Armed Forces member (Arizona resident or stationed in Arizona) killed or fatally injured in the line of duty may receive a tuition-free education up to a bachelor's degree at any Arizona public university or community college.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Arizona Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.