City Profile
Agua Prieta, Sonora
Mexico · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Agua Prieta is a vibrant border city located in the northeastern corner of Sonora, Mexico, directly across the international border from Douglas, Arizona. Founded in the late 19th century, the city has grown from a small custom post into a vital manufacturing and trade hub in the borderlands. Its economy and daily life are deeply intertwined with cross-border commerce, international trade, and migration, giving it a unique binational cultural flavor. People are drawn to Agua Prieta for its strategic location, strong industrial employment opportunities, and a more affordable cost of living compared to nearby U.S. towns.
Sonora, located in northwestern Mexico, is a large state characterized by its diverse geography, including the Sonoran Desert, mountains, and a significant coastline along the Gulf of California. The economy is robust and diversified, with major industries including mining (especially copper, gold, and graphite), automotive and aerospace manufacturing, agribusiness (wheat, vegetables, pork, seafood), and a growing tourism sector. Living in Sonora generally offers an affordable lifestyle, with monthly expenses for a single person ranging from approximately $723 to $1,559 including rent, depending on the desired comfort level. The climate is predominantly arid or semi-arid, with hot summers often exceeding 100°F (38°C) and milder winters. The lifestyle is influenced by its rich cultural heritage, including indigenous traditions and a strong ranching culture, alongside modern amenities and a focus on trade due to its border with the United States.
How this 75/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 58 / 100 | 58.0 | 30% | 17.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 42.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $9,500 Income needed to live here: $6,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% | 91.5 | 20% | 18.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.1% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 54.3 | 15% | 8.1 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 10% | 6.5 |
| Overall score | 75.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Agua Prieta is significantly lower than the national U.S. average and remains competitive within northern Mexico. Everyday expenses such as local fresh produce, public transportation, and personal services are affordable for residents earning in pesos, though imported goods can carry a premium. Housing costs, whether renting or buying, are modest relative to major metropolitan Mexican cities, making it an attractive option for cross-border commuters and local workers alike. Utility costs can rise during peak summer months due to air conditioning demands, but overall household budgets stretch further here.
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Agua Prieta's economy is heavily anchored by the manufacturing sector, specifically export-oriented assembly plants known as maquiladoras. Major international firms operate facilities in the city, providing steady employment in electronics, automotive components, and industrial manufacturing. Cross-border trade, logistics, and retail services also drive significant local economic activity and employment. While remote work is less common in the traditional blue-collar manufacturing sectors, administrative and professional roles supporting binational trade continue to expand.
The average salary in Agua Prieta is $7,200 per year. You would need approximately $6,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Agua Prieta relies heavily on personal vehicles, local taxis, and urban bus routes that connect major neighborhoods to the commercial center. The city's grid layout facilitates straightforward driving, though traffic can concentrate near the Douglas-Agua Prieta port of entry during peak commuting hours. Walkability varies by neighborhood, with the central downtown area offering pedestrian-friendly access to shops and services. Many residents frequently utilize the pedestrian and vehicular border crossings for cross-border shopping and services in Arizona.
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