St. Johns, Arizona, nestled in the eastern part of the state, is a vibrant community steeped in history and poised for future growth. Situated just 18 miles west of the New Mexico border, this Apache County gem sits at a comfortable elevation of 5,650 feet. Located 29 miles north of Springerville and 50 miles south of Interstate 40, St. Johns offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility. Originally named El Vadito, meaning “Little River Crossing,” by early Spanish explorers, the area was recognized for its agricultural promise. By 1873, it flourished as a Spanish-American agricultural hub before Solomon Barth acquired land and cattle in the vicinity. Mormon pioneers arrived in 1879, further shaping the town’s character. The name transitioned from El Vadito to San Juan (Spanish for St. John), and finally to St. Johns upon its official establishment in 1880. St. Johns formally incorporated as a city in 1946, marking a significant step in its development.
Key Economic Sectors in St. Johns
While agriculture historically defined St. Johns, the city now thrives on a diverse economy that balances traditional values with modern technology. A cornerstone of the local economy is energy production, with two fossil-fueled electric generation plants providing employment for over 400 individuals. These plants are significant employers in Apache County. Furthermore, St. Johns is embracing technological advancements with a data communications earth station located near the city, highlighting its readiness for the future of communication and technology industries. As the Apache County seat, St. Johns is also a center for government administration, providing over 300 jobs in public service and related sectors. This governmental presence adds stability and diverse employment opportunities to the community.
Explore the Scenic Beauty Around St. Johns
St. Johns serves as an ideal gateway to some of Arizona’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural sites. Positioned along the shortest and most scenic route between Phoenix and Albuquerque, it’s a perfect stop for travelers. Within an hour’s drive, you can immerse yourself in the rich cultures of the Apache, Zuni, and Navajo reservations. Archeology enthusiasts will find numerous sites to explore, while nature lovers can venture to the Petrified Forest National Park and Sunrise Ski Park. For water recreation, Lyman Lake State Park is a short drive away, offering opportunities for boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping. The area is also renowned for prehistoric dwellings, intriguing petroglyph trails, and ongoing archeological excavations, providing tangible links to the past. A major highlight is the Petrified Forest National Park, located just 43 miles northwest of St. Johns. This park boasts the largest and most stunning collection of petrified logs on Earth, adjacent to the vividly colored landscapes of the Painted Desert.
Community Amenities and Lifestyle in St. Johns
St. Johns prides itself on offering a high quality of life, particularly impressive for a community of its size. Residents and visitors alike benefit from a wide array of community facilities. These include well-maintained city parks, a public library, a local museum, a recreational center, and a swimming pool. For sports enthusiasts, there are lighted tennis courts, an equestrian center, and a Little League park. Patterson Ponds, a newly developed area for community fishing, is another popular attraction. For those seeking educational opportunities in vocational trades, the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT) offers programs in welding and cosmetology. Outdoor recreation is easily accessible with Lyman Lake State Park and Concho Lake located nearby. The community calendar is filled with annual events, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. These events include the San Juan Fiesta, the traditional Fourth of July celebration, Pioneer Days, SummerFest, the Apache County Fair, and numerous equestrian events, ensuring there’s always something happening in St. Johns.
St. Johns, Arizona: Key Facts and Figures
| Basic Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1879 |
| Incorporated | 1946 |
| Elevation | 5,650 ft. |
| Location | Apache County, Arizona |
| Distances to Major Cities | Miles |
|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | 219 |
| Tucson, AZ | 238 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 398 |
| San Diego, CA | 576 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 613 |
Population Demographics of St. Johns
| Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2023 (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Johns | 3,269 | 3,487 | 3,434 |
| Apache County | 69,423 | 71,685 | 66,411 |
| State of Arizona | 5,130,632 | 6,401,569 | 7,285,370 |
Source: Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation
Sales Tax Rates in St. Johns
| Sales Tax / Transaction Privilege Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| St. Johns | 3.00% |
| Apache County | 0.50% |
| State of Arizona | 5.60% |
Source: Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation
Labor Force Statistics for St. Johns
| Labor Force | 2000 | 2010 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian Labor Force | 1,198 | 1,421 | 900 |
| Unemployed | 38 | 97 | 14 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% | 6.8% | 1.6% |
Source: Office of Economic Opportunity
Workforce Education Levels in St. Johns
| Education Attainment | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Less than high school | 315 | 17.0% |
| High school or equivalent, no college | 427 | 23.0% |
| Some college or Associate degree | 835 | 45.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree | 278 | 15.0% |
Source: American Community Survey
Industry Breakdown by Employment in St. Johns
| Industry (ranked by employment) | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Education, health care & social assistance | 358 | 36.2% |
| Public administration | 225 | 22.7% |
| Transportation, warehousing, & utilities | 186 | 18.8% |
| Retail trade | 67 | 6.8% |
| Arts, entertainment, food & recreation services | 66 | 6.7% |
| Construction | 30 | 3.0% |
| Professional, scientific, & administrative services | 30 | 3.0% |
| Other services, except public administration | 26 | 2.6% |
| Information | 2 | 0.2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, & mining | 0 | 0.0% |
| Finance, insurance & real estate | 0 | 0.0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0.0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0.0% |
Source: American Community Survey
This community profile of St. Johns, Arizona, was prepared by the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with local resources.
For more information, please contact:
City of St. Johns
Paul Ramsey
P.O. Box 455
St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: 928-337-4517
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sjaz.us
Economic Development for ApacheCounty Corporation (EDAC)
P.O. Box 767
St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: 928-337-2644
Website: www.realazcorridor.com/economic-development-of-apache-county/
Springerville-Eagar RegionalChamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 31
Springerville, AZ 85938
Phone: 928-333-2123
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.springerville-eagarchamber.com/
Arizona Commerce Authority
Statewide Economic Development Group
100 N. 7th Ave., Suite 400
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-845-1200
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.azcommerce.com
Explore real estate opportunities in rural Arizona through Arizona Prospector, a free database provided by ACA and APS. Click here to access available properties in St. Johns.
