Nestled in the heart of eastern Arizona, St. Johns, AZ 85936, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern opportunities. At a comfortable elevation of 5,650 feet, this welcoming community of approximately 3,500 residents provides a high quality of life amidst stunning natural beauty. Situated just 18 miles west of the New Mexico border, 29 miles north of Springerville, and 50 miles south of Interstate 40, St. Johns serves as a tranquil yet accessible haven in Apache County.
Originally known as El Vadito, meaning “Little River Crossing” to early Spanish explorers, the area’s rich history dates back centuries. By 1873, St. Johns was a flourishing Spanish-American agricultural hub. The arrival of Solomon Barth, who acquired land and cattle, marked a period of growth, further amplified by the settlement of Mormon pioneers from Utah in 1879. It was during this time that El Vadito transitioned to San Juan, and subsequently to St. Johns upon the town’s official establishment in 1880. St. Johns formally incorporated as a city in 1946, solidifying its place as a key community in eastern Arizona.
Economy and Employment in St. Johns, AZ
While agriculture remains a part of its heritage, St. Johns, AZ 85936, has successfully diversified its economic base. The city today represents a fascinating intersection of time-honored values and forward-thinking technology. A significant economic driver is the presence of two fossil-fueled electric generation plants, providing stable employment for over 400 individuals. Demonstrating its embrace of modern advancements, St. Johns also hosts a cutting-edge data communications earth station, highlighting its role in the technology sector.
As the county seat of Apache County, St. Johns is also a vital center for government administration. County and city government activities contribute substantially to the local job market, employing over 300 people and supporting various essential services for the region. This blend of energy, technology, and public administration creates a resilient and balanced local economy in St. Johns, Arizona.
Explore Scenic Attractions Near St. Johns, Arizona
St. Johns, AZ 85936, is ideally positioned as a gateway to some of Arizona’s most breathtaking scenic attractions. For those traveling between Phoenix and Albuquerque, the route through St. Johns is not only the shortest but also the most visually rewarding. Within just an hour’s drive, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultures of the Apache, Zuni, and Navajo reservations. History enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by numerous nearby archeological sites, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
Nature lovers will be drawn to the globally renowned Petrified Forest National Park, a mere 43 miles northwest of St. Johns. This park boasts the planet’s largest and most spectacular collection of petrified logs, an awe-inspiring testament to geological time. Adjacent to the Petrified Forest lies the dramatically beautiful Painted Desert, further enhancing the area’s appeal. For winter sports and summer recreation, Sunrise Ski Park and Lyman Lake State Park are easily accessible, offering skiing, snowboarding, boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping opportunities. The area is particularly noted for prehistoric dwellings and petroglyph trails, appealing to those interested in archaeology and outdoor exploration.
Community Life and Facilities in St. Johns AZ 85936
St. Johns, AZ 85936, prides itself on offering an exceptional quality of life, especially remarkable for a community of its size. The city provides a wide array of community facilities designed to enhance resident well-being and leisure. These include well-maintained city parks, a public library, a local museum preserving area history, and a recreational center for various activities. For fitness and leisure, residents enjoy access to a swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, and even an equestrian center, reflecting the area’s Western heritage. A dedicated Little League park supports youth sports and community engagement.
Patterson Ponds, a newly developed community fishing area, offers a relaxing outdoor amenity for anglers of all ages. For those seeking educational and vocational training, the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT) provides courses in welding and cosmetology. Beyond city limits, Lyman Lake State Park and Concho Lake offer additional recreational escapes. Throughout the year, St. Johns hosts vibrant annual events such as the San Juan Fiesta, the traditional Fourth of July celebration, Pioneer Days, SummerFest, the Apache County Fair, and numerous equestrian events, fostering a strong sense of community and tradition.
St. Johns, Arizona: Key Facts and Figures
| Basic Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1879 |
| Incorporated | 1946 |
| Elevation | 5,650 ft. |
| Location | Apache County, Eastern Arizona |
| Distance to Phoenix | 219 miles |
| Distance to Tucson | 238 miles |
| Distance to Las Vegas | 398 miles |
| Distance to San Diego | 576 miles |
| Distance to Los Angeles | 613 miles |
Distances to major cities provide context for St. Johns’ regional accessibility.
| 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 |
Population data illustrates the stable community size of St. Johns within the broader context of Apache County and Arizona state growth.
| Sales Tax / Transaction Privilege Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| St. Johns | 3.00% |
| Apache County | 0.50% |
| State of Arizona | 5.60% |
Sales tax information is relevant for residents and businesses considering St. Johns.
| 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% |
Labor force data highlights the low unemployment rate in St. Johns, indicative of a healthy local economy.
| 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% |
Educational attainment levels provide insights into the skills and qualifications of the St. Johns workforce.
| Industry (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% |
Industry data shows the diverse employment sectors in St. Johns, with education, healthcare, public administration, and transportation leading.
For more detailed information about St. Johns, AZ 85936, please contact the following organizations:
City of St. Johns
Paul Ramsey
P.O. Box 455
St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: 928-337-4517
Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
Website: www.sjaz.us
Economic Development for Apache County 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 Regional Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 31
Springerville, AZ 85938
Phone: 928-333-2123
Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[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]](mailto:[email protected])
Website: www.azcommerce.com
This profile is provided by the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with local sources, aiming to offer a comprehensive overview of St. Johns, Arizona.
Explore real estate opportunities in St. Johns, AZ 85936, through Arizona Prospector: Click here to access available properties.
