MCAS Yuma PCS Guide: BAH Rates, Housing, Schools & Desert Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

MCAS Yuma is the Marine Corps' premier aviation training station, home to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) and the "Oldest, Best, and Hottest" flying weather in the world. Yuma is a small agricultural border town (population 95,000) with extreme summer heat (120°F), very affordable housing, and limited spouse employment opportunities. Expect a quiet, isolated assignment with minimal deployments.

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: Very comfortable fit (E5 BAH easily covers median 3BR with $500+ buffer)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,200/month (very affordable small town)
• School Quality: Yuma Union High School District (5/10), Crane Elementary District (6/10) - below average
• Cost of Living: 8% below national average (housing cheap, limited shopping)
• Weather: EXTREME desert heat (110-120°F May-October), mild 65-75°F winters
• Major Mission: Aviation training (MAWTS-1), AV-8B Harrier, F-35B Lightning II operations

What This Guide Covers: Housing neighborhoods with real prices, school reality, and extreme desert living intel.

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
• Location: Yuma, AZ (Yuma County, 175 miles southwest of Phoenix, 5 miles from California border, 7 miles from Mexico)
• Size: 3,300 acres (5 square miles)
• Population: 4,000 active duty + 3,500 family members
• Branch: Marine Corps (3rd Marine Aircraft Wing)
• Major Units: MAWTS-1 (Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One), VMFA-121 (F-35B), VMA-214 (AV-8B Harrier), HMLA-775 (UH-1Y/AH-1Z)
• Climate: Extreme desert—hottest duty station in DOD (110-120°F summers), mild 65-75°F winters, 3 inches rain/year
• Nearest Major City: Phoenix (175 miles northeast), San Diego (175 miles west)

Want real-time data? This guide provides 2025 rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

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BAH Rates

Key Insight: BAH generously covers rent in Yuma. Housing is extremely affordable—your BAH goes very far here. Most Marines save $400-600/month by living off-base.

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

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Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier: Best Value for Families

Foothills (North Yuma)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,300/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to main gate
• Schools: Crane Elementary District (6/10), Yuma Union High School District (5/10)
• Why It's Good: Newer construction (2000s-2010s), master-planned community, family-friendly, mountain views, safer than central Yuma
• Watch Out: Higher rent than other areas, still limited shopping/dining nearby

Mesa del Sol (East Yuma)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,200/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to main gate
• Schools: Crane Elementary District (6/10), Yuma Union High School District (5/10)
• Why It's Good: Affordable, newer homes, quiet neighborhoods, family-friendly
• Watch Out: Limited walkability, car-dependent

Araby (Central Yuma)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,100/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to main gate
• Schools: Yuma Elementary District One (6/10), Yuma Union High School District (5/10)
• Why It's Good: Very affordable, central location, close to shopping
• Watch Out: Older housing stock (1970s-1990s), higher crime than Foothills

Live housing data: Base Navigator → shows current rental prices, school ratings, and commute times for all Yuma neighborhoods.

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Mid-Tier: Good Options

Somerton (Southwest Yuma)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,000/month
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to main gate
• Schools: Somerton Elementary District (5/10)
• Why It's Good: Very affordable, quiet small town, family neighborhoods
• Watch Out: Limited services, farther from base, lower school ratings

San Luis (Southwest Border Town)

• Median 3BR Rent: $950/month
• Commute: 25-30 minutes to main gate
• Schools: San Luis Unified District (4/10)
• Why It's Good: Extremely cheap, close to Mexico
• Watch Out: High poverty, low school ratings, border town concerns, farther commute

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Avoid / Proceed with Caution

South Yuma (Near Mexico Border)

• Why to Avoid: Higher crime, older housing stock, border town concerns (smuggling activity), poor schools (4/10 avg)

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On-Base Housing

Provider: Lincoln Military Housing
Wait Time: 0-3 months for 3BR, 3-6 months for 4BR
Cost: Entire BAH (no cash pocketing)
Quality: 7/10 - Recently renovated homes (2015-2020), solid condition, some older units remain

Pros:

• Zero commute (walk to work)
• Utilities included (HUGE savings—summer electric $300-400/month off-base)
• Fenced yards, pet-friendly
• Close to commissary, PX, gyms, CDC
• No lawn maintenance
• Safe, military community

Cons:

• You pay 100% of BAH (no savings opportunity)
• Limited privacy (close neighbors)
• Wait list for larger homes

Verdict: On-base housing makes excellent sense at Yuma. Summer electric bills off-base are $300-400/month (A/C runs 24/7), so included utilities save significant money. If you want zero commute and utility savings, on-base is smart. Off-base offers BAH savings ($400-600/month) if you're disciplined with A/C usage.

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Schools

For live school ratings and zoning: Base Navigator → shows current GreatSchools ratings and district boundaries.

Reality Check: Schools Are Below Average

Yuma Union High School District (5/10 average)

• Coverage: All of Yuma (high schools only, grades 9-12)
• Notable Schools: Yuma High School (5/10), Kofa High School (5/10), Cibola High School (5/10)
• Reality: Below average district. Acceptable for most military families who prioritize affordability, but not strong academically. Safe campuses, military-friendly, but lower test scores and fewer AP courses than larger metros.

Crane Elementary District (6/10)

• Coverage: North Yuma (Foothills area)
• Notable Schools: Crane Elementary (6/10), Pueblo del Sol Elementary (6/10)
• Reality: Best elementary option in Yuma. Solid middle tier, newer facilities, but still not exceptional.

Yuma Elementary District One (6/10)

• Coverage: Central Yuma
• Notable Schools: Woodard Junior High (6/10)
• Reality: Average district, acceptable for elementary/middle school.

Somerton Elementary District (5/10)

• Coverage: Somerton area (southwest Yuma)
• Reality: Below average, limited resources.

DoDEA On-Base

None available - No DoDEA schools at MCAS Yuma. All families use local public schools.

Private Schools (Very Limited)

Yuma Catholic High School

• Rating: Not rated
• Cost: ~$8,000-10,000/year
• Reality: Only notable private school option, small enrollment, limited extracurriculars

Bottom Line on Schools: Yuma schools are below average (5-6/10). If you need top-tier schools (8+/10), this is NOT the right assignment. Schools are safe, military-friendly, and acceptable for families who prioritize affordability and stable assignments, but academic quality is weak. Most Marines accept this trade-off for the low cost of living and minimal deployments.

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Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 8% below national average — Very affordable small town
Housing: 15% below national average — Extremely cheap rentals
Utilities: 20% ABOVE national average — BRUTAL summer electric bills ($300-400/month A/C)
Groceries: 5% below national average — Limited stores (Walmart, Fry's, Safeway)

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR Mesa del Sol): $1,200
• Utilities (electric, water, trash): $150 (winter avg), $350 (summer avg - A/C runs 24/7)
• Groceries: $800
• Gas: $100 (short commutes, but farther for Phoenix/San Diego trips)
• Internet/Phone: $110
• Total: ~$2,360-2,560/month

BAH Reality: E5 with dependents BAH covers rent with $500+ buffer. Excellent savings potential if you manage summer electric bills. Many Marines pocket $400-600/month living off-base.

State Taxes: Arizona has progressive income tax (2.55%-4.5%). Military pay is fully taxable.

Sales Tax: 9.9% combined (Yuma County + city tax - highest in Arizona)

Traffic & Commute

Rush Hour: None (small town, zero traffic)
Average Commute: 10-20 minutes from all neighborhoods
Gate Wait: 5 minutes max during peak morning hours

Gate Tips:

• Main Gate (Yuma International Airport Rd): Primary entry, fast processing
• No traffic concerns - Small town advantage

Weather Reality

Summer (May-October): 110-120°F daily highs (BRUTAL—hottest duty station in DOD), minimal rain
Winter (December-February): 65-75°F daily highs (perfect weather), cool nights (45-55°F)
Spring/Fall: 85-95°F, comfortable for outdoor activities
Rain: 3 inches/year total (driest place in US)
Snow: NEVER

Pro Tip: Summer heat is oppressive (120°F for months). Budget $300-400/month for electric (A/C runs 24/7). Avoid outdoor activities 9 AM - 7 PM June-September. But winter weather is PERFECT (65-75°F).

What You'll Love

• Extremely affordable housing (BAH savings $400-600/month)
• Zero traffic, short commutes (10-20 minutes max)
• LOWEST deployment tempo (training mission, minimal combat deployments)
• Perfect winter weather (65-75°F, ideal for outdoor activities Nov-March)
• MAWTS-1 prestige (elite Marine aviation training, career enhancing)
• Stable assignment (many stay 3-4 years, good for family stability)
• Small town safety (low crime, quiet, family-friendly)

What You'll Hate

• EXTREME summer heat (110-120°F for 6 months, oppressive, limited outdoor time)
• Isolation & boredom (small agricultural town, limited entertainment/dining)
• 175 miles to Phoenix/San Diego (nearest major cities for shopping, airports, events)
• Below average schools (5-6/10 ratings, weak academics)
• Limited spouse employment (small job market, low wages)
• Summer electric bills ($300-400/month for A/C)
• Dust storms (summer winds bring massive dust clouds)

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What's It Like to Live at MCAS Yuma?

MCAS Yuma is the Marine Corps' premier aviation training station—home to MAWTS-1 (the "graduate school" of Marine aviation) and the world's best flying weather. If you're a pilot, aircrew, or aviation maintainer, this is a career-enhancing assignment. If you're not aviation, this is a quiet, isolated, small-town assignment with minimal deployments and extreme heat.

Deployment Tempo: MINIMAL for most units. MAWTS-1 personnel rarely deploy (training mission at home station). Fighter squadrons (VMFA-121 F-35B, VMA-214 Harrier) do short 6-month MEU deployments every 18-24 months, but overall tempo is LOW compared to infantry/ground combat units. Helicopter squadrons (HMLA-775) have occasional short TDYs. Overall, Yuma is a "stay home" assignment—good for family stability and saving money.

Quality of Life: MIXED—excellent for those who want stability and savings, POOR for those who need excitement or amenities. Yuma is a small agricultural border town (population 95,000) with limited entertainment, dining, and cultural activities. Summer heat is oppressive (110-120°F for 6 months), making outdoor activities impossible 9 AM - 7 PM. Winter weather is perfect (65-75°F). Housing is cheap, traffic is nonexistent, and cost of living is very low—your BAH goes far. But if you need nightlife, shopping, concerts, or big city amenities, you'll drive 175 miles to Phoenix or San Diego frequently.

Spouse Employment: CHALLENGING. Yuma has a small job market dominated by agriculture, retail, and base contractor positions. Major employers include MCAS Yuma contractors (CACI, SAIC), Yuma Regional Medical Center, and Walmart. Unemployment is low (~5%), but wages are 20-25% lower than Phoenix/San Diego. Military spouse preference helps for on-base federal/contractor positions, but competition is fierce. Remote work is your best option if you have a portable career.

Family Life: GOOD for young families who prioritize affordability and stability, POOR for older kids who need strong schools or activities. Yuma is safe, quiet, and family-friendly. Parks, playgrounds, and outdoor recreation (winter only) are available. Schools are below average (5-6/10), which most families accept for the trade-off of low cost and minimal deployments. Childcare is available on-base (CDC wait list 3-6 months). However, teenagers may find Yuma boring (limited activities, no major sports/arts programs, small town isolation).

Typical Complaints: Extreme summer heat (120°F is oppressive), boredom and isolation (small town, nothing to do), 175-mile drive to Phoenix/San Diego for airports/shopping/events, below average schools (5-6/10), limited spouse employment (small job market, low wages), and summer electric bills ($300-400/month for A/C).

Typical Praises: Extremely affordable housing (BAH savings $400-600/month), no traffic or commute stress, minimal deployments (training mission, family stability), perfect winter weather (65-75°F), MAWTS-1 prestige (career enhancing for aviators), stable assignment (3-4 year tours common), and a tight-knit Marine Corps community.

Bottom Line: MCAS Yuma is ideal for Marines in aviation MOSs who want career-enhancing training, family stability, and significant BAH savings. If you prioritize affordability, minimal deployments, and can handle extreme heat, this is excellent. Avoid it if you need big city amenities, top-tier schools, or strong spouse career opportunities. This is a "reset" assignment—pay off debt, save $10,000+/year, enjoy winter perfection, and embrace small town living.

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Cost of Living Breakdown

Overall: 8% below national average — Very affordable small town
Housing: 15% below national average — Extremely cheap rentals
Utilities: 20% ABOVE national average — Brutal summer electric ($300-400/month)
Groceries: 5% below national average — Limited stores
Transportation: 10% below national average — Short commutes, but long drives for entertainment

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids (Off-Base Mesa del Sol):

Fixed Costs:

• Rent (3BR Mesa del Sol): $1,200
• Utilities (electric, water, trash, gas): $150 winter / $350 summer avg
• Internet/Cable: $80
• Cell phones (2 lines): $100

Variable Costs:

• Groceries: $800 (family of 4)
• Gas (commuting + Phoenix/SD trips): $100
• Car insurance (2 vehicles): $140
• Eating out (2x/month): $70

Total: $2,640-2,840/month depending on season

BAH Coverage: E5 with dependents BAH covers rent with $500+ buffer. Excellent savings potential—many Marines pocket $400-600/month despite high summer electric bills.

Savings Potential: VERY HIGH. Rent is extremely affordable, and if you're disciplined with A/C usage and limit Phoenix/San Diego shopping trips, you can save $8,000-12,000/year. Best savings assignment in the Marine Corps.

State Taxes: Arizona has progressive income tax (2.55%-4.5%). Military pay is fully taxable. No special military exemptions.

Pro Tips:

• Live off-base in Mesa del Sol or Foothills for BAH savings ($400-600/month)
• Budget $300-400/month for summer electric (A/C is non-negotiable May-October)
• Shop on-base commissary and MCX for tax-free savings
• Consider on-base housing for utility savings (electric included = $300-400/month savings in summer)
• Limit Phoenix/San Diego trips to once a month (175 miles adds up on gas)

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Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality

Yuma Economy: CHALLENGING for military spouses. Yuma is a small agricultural border town with limited job opportunities beyond agriculture, retail, and base contractor positions. Major crops include lettuce, citrus, and dates (Yuma produces 90% of US winter lettuce). Unemployment is low (~5%), but wages are 20-25% lower than Phoenix/San Diego. Military spouse preference helps for on-base federal/contractor positions, but competition is fierce.

Top Employers for Military Spouses:

• MCAS Yuma contractors (CACI, SAIC, Serco—admin, IT, logistics roles)
• Yuma Regional Medical Center (nursing, medical admin, allied health)
• Yuma Union High School District (teaching, support staff)
• Retail (Walmart, Target, local shops)
• Federal government (on-base civilian positions)

Typical Salaries:

• Administrative assistant: $28,000-35,000/year
• Registered nurse: $50,000-60,000/year
• IT specialist (contractor): $45,000-65,000/year
• Teacher (public schools): $40,000-50,000/year

Remote Work: EXCELLENT option if you have a portable career. Yuma's low cost of living makes remote work ideal—many spouses work remotely for companies in Phoenix, San Diego, or out-of-state.

Childcare Options

On-Base CDC (Child Development Center):

• Wait List: 3-6 months for infants, 1-3 months for toddlers
• Cost: Income-based sliding scale ($85-170/week typical for E5)
• Quality: Solid, military-friendly hours, clean facilities

Off-Base Options:

• Private daycare: $600-850/month (infants), $500-700/month (toddlers)
• In-home daycares: $450-650/month (more affordable)
• Preschool: $350-550/month (half-day programs)

Pro Tip: Get on the CDC wait list before you PCS. Off-base care is limited in small town Yuma.

Family Activities

• Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park (historic Wild West prison)
• Imperial Sand Dunes (massive desert dunes, off-roading, 30 minutes west)
• Colorado River (kayaking, fishing, 15 minutes west)
• Castle Dome Mines Museum (historic mining town, 45 minutes north)
• Gateway Park (splash pad, playgrounds, family events)
• Imperial National Wildlife Refuge (birding, wildlife viewing)
• San Diego beaches (2.5 hours west—weekend trips)

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Common Questions About MCAS Yuma

Q: Is MCAS Yuma a good duty station?
A: YES, for Marines who want career-enhancing aviation training, family stability, and significant BAH savings. Excellent for aviators (MAWTS-1 prestige), those who prioritize affordability, and families who can handle extreme heat. NOT GOOD for those who need big city amenities, top-tier schools (5-6/10), or strong spouse employment. Best for "reset" assignments—save $8,000-12,000/year.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base?
A: CONSIDER ON-BASE for utility savings. Off-base offers BAH savings ($400-600/month), but summer electric bills are $300-400/month. On-base housing includes utilities (saves $3,600-4,800/year in summer costs). If you want zero commute + utility savings, on-base is smart. If you want maximum BAH savings, live off-base in Mesa del Sol.

Q: What's the best neighborhood for families?
A: Foothills (North Yuma) or Mesa del Sol (East Yuma). Both offer newer construction, family-friendly neighborhoods, safer areas, and decent schools (6/10). Foothills is slightly pricier ($1,300/month) but nicer. Mesa del Sol is more affordable ($1,200/month) with solid BAH savings.

Q: How bad is the summer heat?
A: BRUTAL—110-120°F daily highs May-October. Hottest duty station in DOD. Outdoor activities are impossible 9 AM - 7 PM (too hot to function). A/C runs 24/7 ($300-400/month electric). But winter weather is PERFECT (65-75°F), making it ideal Nov-March.

Q: What's the deployment tempo like?
A: MINIMAL. MAWTS-1 personnel rarely deploy (training mission). Fighter squadrons do short 6-month MEU deployments every 18-24 months. Helicopter squadrons have occasional short TDYs. Overall, Yuma is a "stay home" assignment—good for family stability.

Q: Are the schools good?
A: NO—below average (5-6/10). Yuma schools are safe and military-friendly, but academically weak (lower test scores, fewer AP courses). If you need top-tier schools (8+/10), this is NOT the right assignment. Most families accept this trade-off for affordability and minimal deployments.

Q: Can my spouse find work?
A: CHALLENGING. Small job market dominated by agriculture, retail, and base contractors. Wages are 20-25% lower than Phoenix/San Diego. Military spouse preference helps for on-base positions, but competition is fierce. Remote work is your best option if you have a portable career.

Q: How far is Phoenix or San Diego?
A: 175 miles to each (2.5-3 hour drive). Expect to drive for airports, major shopping, concerts, and entertainment. Budget for gas and time—these aren't quick trips.

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Next Steps

Before You PCS

1. Get on the CDC wait list (3-6 months for infants, 1-3 months for toddlers)
2. Research Mesa del Sol or Foothills (best value for families, BAH savings)
3. Budget for summer electric ($300-400/month A/C costs off-base)
4. Plan house-hunting trip for winter (avoid May-October heat)
5. Set realistic expectations (small town, extreme heat, below average schools)

Useful Resources

• MCAS Yuma Welcome Packet: Contact sponsor program for official base guide
• Housing Office: 928-269-2878 (off-base housing referrals, on-base wait list)
• Schools: Yuma Union High School District (928-502-4000)
• Yuma Real Estate: Zillow/Trulia (live rental listings)

Tools to Simplify Your PCS

Planning your PCS? Our PCS Copilot → generates your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements and finance-office-ready documentation.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

Need help with your paycheck? LES Auditor → catches errors in your BAH, BAS, and entitlements.

Questions about military life? Ask Military Expert → (AI trained on 6,539 military regulations and guides)

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Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
• MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
• Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem

Last verified: January 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

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