Extreme Heat Poses Deadly Risks for Manufactured Home Residents in Arizona
Residents of manufactured homes in Arizona, particularly in cities like Phoenix and Tucson, are facing heightened risks from extreme heat. These homes, often located in heavily paved areas with minimal shade, amplify heat exposure. Arizona's climate, already hot due to its location in the Sonoran Desert, is becoming even more extreme due to climate change, with longer and hotter heatwaves. Research by Arizona State University (ASU) reveals that residents of manufactured homes in Maricopa County are six to eight times more likely to die from heat-related causes compared to those in traditional housing. In Pima County, which includes Tucson, manufactured homes make up about 10% of the housing stock, with many units being over 50 years old and lacking proper insulation or cooling systems. These conditions, combined with financial and health challenges faced by residents, exacerbate the risks of heat-related illnesses and deaths (NPR, 2026). Source time: 2026-09-07T00:00:00. 
