Apache Junction, Arizona

Apache Junction is a city in Maricopa and Pinal counties in the state of Arizona. According to the 2019 U.S. Census estimates, the population of the city was 42,571,[3] most of whom lived in Pinal County.

Apache Junction
City
Welcome Marker
Seal
Location of Apache Junction in Maricopa County and Pinal County, Arizona
Apache Junction
Location of Apache Junction in Maricopa County and Pinal County, Arizona
Apache Junction
Apache Junction (the United States)
Coordinates: 33°24′54″N 111°32′46″W
Country United States
State Arizona
CountiesMaricopa, Pinal
IncorporatedNovember 24 1978 Founded 1922
Government
 • TypeCouncil–manager[1]
 • MayorJeff Serdy
Area
 • Total35.08 sq mi (90.86 km2)
 • Land35.07 sq mi (90.83 km2)
 • Water0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation
1,722 ft (525 m)
Population
 • Total35,840
 • Estimate 
(2019)[4]
42,571
 • Density1,213.85/sq mi (468.68/km2)
Time zoneUTC-7 (MST (no daylight saving time))
ZIP codes
85119–85120
Area code(s)480
FIPS code04-02830
GNIS feature ID25702
Websiteajcity.net

Apache Junction is named for the junction of the Apache Trail and Old West Highway. The area where Apache Junction is located used to be known as Youngberg, AZ. Superstition Mountain, the westernmost peak of the Superstition Mountains, is nearby.

History

Apache Junction is located at an intersection on an unpaved stagecoach trail to the nearby Superstition Mountains. Apache Junction became a historical landmark and scenic byway that was opened to the public in 1922 and is currently part of a 120 mile-long "circle trail" that begins and ends in Apache Junction.[5]

Geography

Apache Junction is at 33°24′54″N 111°32′46″W.[6]

Apache Junction is located in the eastern far east part of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 34.2 square miles (89 km2), all land.

The town is bounded by the Superstition Mountains (a federal wilderness area and home of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine) on the east, the Goldfield Mountains with the Bulldog Recreation Area on the north and the city of Mesa on the west. Goldfield Ghost Town, a tourist location preserved from former prospecting days, lies near the western face of Superstition Mountain just off Highway 88 (Apache Trail). It is located just southwest of the site of the ghost town of Goldfield, Arizona.[7]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
19702,390—
19809,935315.7%
199018,10082.2%
200031,81475.8%
201035,84012.7%
Est. 201942,571[4]18.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]

Apache Junction first appeared on the 1970 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It formally incorporated as a city in 1978.

As of the census of 2010, there were 35,840 people, 15,574 households, and 9,372 families residing in the city. The population density was 929.3 people per square mile (358.9/km2). There were 22,771 housing units at an average density of 665.1 per square mile (256.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 89.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 4.9% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.4% of the population.

There were 15,574 households out of which 19.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city, the population had 19.9% under the age of 20, 4.5% from 20 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 26.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.5 years.

The median income (as of the 2000 census) for a household in the city was $33,170, and the median income for a family was $37,726. Males had a median income of $31,283 versus $22,836 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,806. About 7.3% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Apache Junction was incorporated as a city on November 24, 1978. The city is governed by a collection of elected officials, clerk, and nine boards and commissions. The city council has seven members, which includes the mayor and vice-mayor. The mayor serves a two-year term.[9] The current mayor is Jeff Serdy.[10]

Historic structures

This gallery includes images of some of the remaining historical structures located in Apache Junction. Among the exhibits on the grounds of the Superstition Mountain Museum are studio sets and other Western paraphernalia that were saved from the Apacheland fire of 1969. Apacheland was a 1,800-acre movie set which opened in 1960.[11] Also located in Apache junction is the ghost town of Goldfield. Goldfield was a mining town established in 1893 next to the Superstition Mountain. When the mine vein faulted, the grade of ore dropped and the town eventually became a ghost town. The town and its historic buildings were revived as a tourist attraction.[12]

  • Historic Apache Junction, Arizona
  • The Lost Dutchman Mine, located in the Superstition Mountains
  • The Audie Murphy Barn on the grounds of Superstition Mountain Museum, moved there from the Apacheland Movie Ranch
  • A 19th-century windmill located on the grounds of Superstition Mountain Museum

Transportation

Apache Junction is located along U.S. Route 60 in Arizona.

Greyhound Lines serves Apache Junction on its Phoenix-El Paso via Globe route.

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References
  1. "Government - Apache Junction, AZ - Official Website". City of Apache Junction. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
  4. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  5. "Apache Junction History – Apache Junction Public Library". Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  6. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  7. http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Apache+Junction&state=AZ&country=US&latitude=33.415&longitude=-111.548897&geocode=CITY
  8. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  9. "Government". Apache Junction, AZ Official Website. City of Apache Junction, Arizona. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  10. Apache Junction city directory
  11. The Arizona Republic
  12. Goldfield Ghost Town
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