St. Johns, Arizona, nestled in the heart of Apache County, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to incredible natural beauty. Located in eastern Arizona, just 18 miles west of the New Mexico border, this high-elevation community (5,650 feet) provides a tranquil escape with a rich history and a promising future. Positioned 29 miles north of Springerville and 50 miles south of Interstate 40, St. Johns, AZ, serves as a perfect base for exploring the wonders of the American Southwest.
Alt text: Location of St. Johns, Arizona, highlighted on a map of Arizona, showing its position in Apache County, eastern Arizona, near Springerville and the New Mexico border.
Originally known as El Vadito, meaning “Little River Crossing” by early Spanish explorers, the area that is now St. Johns was a vibrant agricultural hub long before its official establishment. In 1873, Solomon Barth, an entrepreneur, recognized the potential of the land and established cattle operations nearby. The arrival of Mormon pioneers from Utah in 1879 marked a significant turning point. They renamed El Vadito to San Juan, Spanish for St. John, which eventually evolved into St. Johns when the town was officially founded in 1880. St. Johns, AZ, officially became an incorporated city in 1946, solidifying its place in Arizona history.
Economic Landscape of St. Johns, Arizona
From its agricultural roots, St. Johns, Arizona, has successfully diversified its economy, embracing both tradition and technology. While maintaining its strong community values, the city has become a notable location for modern industries. A significant portion of the local workforce is employed by two fossil-fueled electric generation plants, providing over 400 jobs and contributing to the energy sector. Adding to its technological footprint, St. Johns is also home to a data communications earth station, placing it on the cutting edge of communication technology. As the county seat of Apache County, St. Johns is also a center for government administration, providing employment for over 300 individuals in public service roles. This blend of energy, technology, and government sectors creates a stable and diverse economic base for St. Johns, AZ.
Explore Scenic Attractions Near St. Johns, AZ
St. Johns, Arizona, is ideally situated for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Positioned along a particularly scenic route from Phoenix to Albuquerque, St. Johns itself is a destination and a gateway to numerous attractions. Within a short drive, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultures of the Apache, Zuni, and Navajo reservations. Archeological sites dot the landscape, offering glimpses into the region’s ancient past. The world-renowned Petrified Forest National Park, a mere hour’s drive away, showcases the largest and most stunning collection of petrified logs on Earth. For winter sports enthusiasts, Sunrise Ski Park provides excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Closer to town, Lyman Lake State Park beckons with opportunities for boating, waterskiing, fishing, and camping. The area around St. Johns is also known for prehistoric dwellings, intriguing petroglyph trails, and ongoing archeological excavations, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Community Facilities and Lifestyle in St. Johns
Despite its small size, St. Johns, Arizona, boasts an impressive array of community facilities, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents. The city maintains several parks, a public library, a museum showcasing local heritage, and a recreation center for community activities. Residents can enjoy a swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, an equestrian center, and a Little League park, catering to a variety of interests and ages. Patterson Ponds offers a newly developed community fishing spot, perfect for leisurely afternoons. For those seeking vocational training, the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT) provides educational services in welding and cosmetology. Beyond city limits, the nearby Lyman Lake State Park and Concho Lake offer additional recreational escapes. Throughout the year, St. Johns hosts a variety of annual events, including the San Juan Fiesta, a vibrant Fourth of July celebration, Pioneer Days, SummerFest, the Apache County Fair, and numerous equestrian events, fostering a strong sense of community and providing entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
Alt text: Arizona Commerce Authority logo, representing the organization that compiled the community profile for St. Johns, Arizona.
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 Trends | 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 / 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 | 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 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 (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
For more detailed information about St. Johns, Arizona, please reach out to the following contacts:
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
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