Graham County, Arizona
Graham County: County in Arizona, United States
About
Graham County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arizona. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,220 and a population density of 3 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 39,211 inhabitants. Its county seat is Safford. The county was created 143 years ago in 1880.
Graham County is located in southeastern Arizona, with much of its eastern border formed by the Gila River. It was created from Apache lands in 1881 and named after mountain man James Graham. The county had early booms from mining and lumber industries.
Today, Safford serves as the county seat while ranching and agriculture dominate the economy.
Major Towns and Features
Some of the main Graham County towns and features include:
- Safford - County seat that hosts an annual tamale festival and parade downtown.
- Thatcher - Incorporated in 1909 and home to Eastern Arizona College.
- Mount Graham - Highest mountain in the Pinaleño Mountains rising over 10,000 feet.
- Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area - Protected area with cliff dwellings, hot springs, and recreation.
Things to See and Do
Top attractions and activities in Graham County include:
- Hiking and camping in the spectacular Pinaleño Mountains.
- Birdwatching along the San Carlos Lake and Gila River areas.
- Stargazing and hiking at the Mount Graham International Observatory.
- Exploring the Bingham Cienega and other riparian wetlands.
- Learning about Southwest history at the Eastern Arizona Museum in Pima.
From spectacular scenery to historic small towns, Graham County encapsulates the spirit of the Old West. Its protected rivers and landscapes offer amazing recreation opportunities.
Quick Facts about Graham County
| Population : | 39,211 (2020) |
| Country : | United States of America |
| State : | Arizona (United States) |
| Different from : | Graham County, Graham County |
| Area : | 12020 km2 |
| Water as percent of area : | 0.4% |
| Land as percent of area : | 99.6% |
| Named for : | Mount Graham |
| Altitude : | 2,900 feet / 884 meters |
| Capital : | Safford |
| Establishment : | January 01, 1881 |
| Time Zone : | America/Phoenix |
| Local time : | 18:11:00 (21st December 2024) |
| Density : | 3 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth : | 5.08% (2010-2020) |
Geography
Graham County is located at 32°55'58"N 109°53'15"W (32.9327200, -109.8874400). It has 7 neighbors: Cochise County, Gila County, Greenlee County, Navajo County, Pima County, Pinal County and Apache County.
Graham County map
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The largest city of Graham County is Safford with a population of 9,951. . See all Graham County cities & populated places.
Graham County Populated Places
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Graham County.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Safford | 9,951 | City in and county seat of Graham County, Arizona, United States |
| Thatcher | 5,264 | Town in Graham County, Arizona, United States |
| Swift Trail Junction | 2,935 | Census designated place |
| Pima | 2,588 | Town in Graham County, Arizona, United States |
| Bylas | 1,962 | Census-designated place |
- Official Website
Official website of Graham County
Graham County has 7 neighbours.
- Cochise County county in Arizona, United States
- Gila County county in Arizona, United States
- Greenlee County county in Arizona, United States
- Navajo County county in Arizona, United States
- Pima County county in Arizona, United States
- Pinal County county in Arizona, United States
- Apache County county in Arizona, United States
- Safford
Demographics
The population of Graham County increased by 5.08% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
| 2010 | 37,220 | - | census |
| 2011 | 37,126 | -0.25% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 37,015 | -0.3% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 37,433 | 1.12% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 38,099 | 1.75% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 37,860 | -0.63% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 37,807 | -0.14% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 37,481 | -0.87% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 37,995 | 1.35% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 38,837 | 2.17% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 39,211 | 0.95% | estimation process |
People born in Graham County (1)
American businessman Melvin Jones was born in Graham County
Other places with the same name (3)
- Graham County , North Carolina county in North Carolina, United States with a population of 8,474 people.
- Graham County , Kansas county in Kansas, United States of America with a population of 2,389 people.
Arizona Other Counties (more counties)
| County Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Maricopa County | 4,579,081 | County in Arizona, United States |
| Phoenix | 1,708,127 | The fifth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Phoenix metropolitan area. |
| Pima County | 1,061,175 | County in Arizona, United States |
| Tucson | 553,571 | The second most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Tucson metropolitan area. |
| Mesa | 528,159 | The fourth most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Mesa metropolitan area. |
| Pinal County | 480,828 | County in Arizona, United States |
| Chandler | 265,398 | The second most populous city in Maricopa County, Arizona. |
| Scottsdale | 262,647 | The fourth most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Scottsdale metropolitan area. |
| Gilbert | 257,658 | The fifth most populous city in Arizona. |
| Glendale | 255,307 | The second most populous city in Arizona. |
| Yavapai County | 240,226 | County in Arizona, United States |
| Yuma County | 217,824 | County in Arizona, United States |
| Mohave County | 217,206 | County in Arizona, United States |
| Maryvale | 208,189 | Urban village in Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Tempe | 200,402 | The third most populous city in Arizona. |
| Peoria | 179,872 | The second most populous city in Maricopa County, Arizona. |
